Dutch Integration Language Course

Do you live in the Netherlands and need to integrate? At Babel, you’ll learn Dutch quickly and prepare for the integration exam or the NT2 State Exam. You can often pay for your course with a DUO loan, so you can get started without any worries. We’re happy to help you get started.

Courses Exam preparation courses

Learn Dutch at Babel

Integration at Babel is more than just passing an exam. You’re taking an important step toward participating independently in Dutch society. You’ll learn the language you need every day: at home, at work, or for your studies. This makes it easier to talk to neighbors and coworkers and helps you feel at home faster. You’ll receive personalized guidance and practice in a safe environment. This helps you learn faster and gain more confidence in speaking.

40+ years of experience in language education

125+ qualified teachers

8,4 student satisfaction score

90% student success rate

Choose Your Goal

The exam you take depends on your level of integration. Choose one of the exams listed below. We have a study plan tailored to your needs for each level. This way, you can prepare thoroughly for your exam, step by step.

Integration Exam

Integration in the Netherlands

NT2 State Exam, Program I

Working or studying at the MBO level

NT2 State Exam, Program II

Working or studying at the HBO or university level

Assess your language level

Would you like to know which course best suits your language level? We’d be happy to help! Take our free placement test and receive personalised advice, so you can get the most out of the course.

Take the entry test

Enrolling with a DUO Loan

Would you like to learn Dutch and pay for your course with a DUO loan? If so, it’s important that you follow the steps below. This way, you can be sure everything is taken care of.

Step 1. Apply for your DUO loan

Apply for a DUO loan through DUO. After a few weeks, you’ll receive a letter stating the amount you can borrow. Keep this letter in a safe place. You’ll need it to enroll in your course.

Step 2. Schedule your intake and determine your starting level

Have you received the letter from DUO? Then schedule your intake via the online link.

When scheduling, indicate the level at which you’d like to start. If you choose the beginner’s course (A0–A2), you can proceed directly to scheduling your intake. If you choose a higher level, you’ll first take our online placement test after scheduling your intake. This helps us get a good idea of your level in advance.

You’ll receive a confirmation email immediately after scheduling. If you’re scheduling an online appointment, the link for the session will also be included in this email. Didn’t receive an email? Please contact the service desk to make sure your appointment is confirmed.

Step 3. Your Intake Session at Babel

During the intake session (20 min), the instructor will get to know you better. You’ll also learn more about Babel and our classes. You’ll have the chance to share your goals. If you’ve taken our placement test, the instructor will discuss your results with you. Together, you’ll choose a course that’s right for you.

Are you enthusiastic, and is the instructor’s recommendation positive? If so, you can enroll in your course right away.

Step 4. Enroll in the course

Enroll in your course online During the enrollment process, indicate that you’d like to pay with a DUO loan. You’ll then receive a provisional enrollment confirmation.

Your spot in the course is confirmed once you’ve completed all the steps and we’ve received your documents (see steps 5 and 6). Until then, we cannot reserve a spot for you. Keep in mind that classes fill up quickly, especially right before a course starts.

Step 5. Complete your registration

Sign the course contract you receive via email. Send the contract, along with a copy of your DUO letter, to info@babel.nl.

Step 6. You’re ready to start

As soon as we receive your documents, you’ll get a confirmation via email. Then you’ll know for sure that your registration is final.

Information about your DUO loan

Which courses can I pay for with a DUO loan?
You can use a DUO loan to pay for the following courses and training programs:

Beginner Dutch Course (A0-A2), regular or intensive
Intermediate Dutch Course (A2-B1), regular or intensive
Advanced Dutch Course (B1-B2), regular or intensive
Exam preparation for the NT2 State Exam, Program
NT2 State Exam Preparation Program II.

How does payment with a DUO loan work?
Babel has the “Inburgeren” quality mark from Blik op Werk. This means you can use a DUO loan for integration. DUO pays Babel directly, so you won’t receive any money in your own account. You can use the loan until you have successfully completed the integration exam or the NT2 State Exam. Read more about this on the DUO website.

Here’s what others say about the courses at Babel

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the courses at Babel suitable for?

The courses are suitable for you if you’re serious about learning Dutch. You’re willing to set aside time regularly and practise outside of lessons as well. The pace is fast and there’s a lot of self-study involved. This way, you’ll make rapid progress and really notice a difference in your daily life.

In the beginners’ course (A0–A2), we mainly use English to explain things. That’s why it’s important that you can understand and speak English. In the advanced courses, we speak Dutch as much as possible. We only use English when necessary to briefly explain something.

What is the integration exam?

The integration exam is an exam for people who need to integrate into Dutch society. It allows you to demonstrate that you understand and can use Dutch, and that you have a basic knowledge of Dutch society. Which exams you need to take depends on your situation and learning pathway.

How does a Dutch language course help me settle in more quickly?

A course not only teaches you the language, but above all how to use it in everyday life. You practise conversations you’ll actually have: at work, at the local council or with your neighbours. You learn what to say, but also when and how to say it.

You’ll also gain an insight into Dutch culture and customs. This helps you to understand situations better and respond to them with confidence. You certainly won’t be on your own. You’ll receive personalised feedback from your teacher and learn alongside others in a safe environment.

What is the difference between the integration exam and the State Examination?

That depends on what your goal is in the Netherlands. The integration exam is compulsory if you are new to the Netherlands and helps you to participate independently in society. You learn the language at a basic level and gain an understanding of how the Netherlands works.

The State Examination is for you if you wish to continue your studies or work at a higher level. You demonstrate that you have a good command of the language (B1 or B2), enabling you to enrol in senior secondary vocational education (MBO), higher professional education (HBO) or university. It is therefore not compulsory, but a step forward in your development.

Which components are covered during the exam preparation courses for the NT2 State Examination?

These exam preparation courses provide targeted preparation for the NT2 State Examination. You will practise all the exam components: reading, listening, writing and speaking. During the course, you will learn useful exam strategies and practise working under time pressure, just as you would in the actual exam. This course will increase your chances of passing and ensure you know exactly what to expect on the day of the exam.

What is the difference between State Examination NT2 Program I and II?

Program I is intended for people who wish to work or study at senior secondary vocational education (MBO) level. Program II is for those who wish to pursue a career or course of study at higher professional education (HBO) or university level. In our exam preparation course, we prepare you specifically for the program that suits your goals.