# Studying in Dutch: which language requirement? > Which level of Dutch do MBO, HBO and university programmes require? NT2 I or II, colloquium doctum and tips to be ready in time. Published on 2026-09-24, last checked against official sources on 2026-09-24. URL: https://taalpro.nl/en/guides/studying-in-dutch/ ## In short - For MBO level 3 or 4, schools usually require the State Exam NT2 Program I (B1); universities of applied sciences and universities usually require Program II (B2) from students with a foreign diploma. - You do not have to take Program I first: if your level is high enough, you can take the State Exam NT2 Program II directly. - Without the required prior diploma, if you are 21 or older you can often take a colloquium doctum: an admission test set by the institution itself, which also checks your Dutch. - Count back from your programme's deadline: you can register for the State Exam NT2 until 3 weeks in advance, results come 3 to 7 weeks after the exam, and a resit is only possible after the result. Want to follow a programme taught in Dutch? Then the school almost always asks for proof that your Dutch is good enough. Which level depends on the type of programme. ## MBO: usually State Exam NT2 I (B1) For an MBO programme at **level 3 or 4**, schools usually require the **State Exam NT2 Program I**. The school sets its own exact requirement, so check your programme's website or ask the admissions office. ## HBO and university: usually State Exam NT2 II (B2) Universities of applied sciences and universities may require students with a **foreign diploma** to show sufficient Dutch. Usually that is the **State Exam NT2 Program II**. Some institutions also accept other certificates; this differs per school. You do not have to take Program I first: if your level is high enough, you can take Program II directly. ## No diploma? Then perhaps a colloquium doctum Do you not have the required prior diploma and are you **21 or older**? Then you can often take a **colloquium doctum**: an admission test set by the university itself. A committee assesses whether you are suitable for the programme and whether your Dutch is sufficient. The requirements differ per institution. ## Healthcare professions with BIG registration Want to work in healthcare with a foreign diploma and BIG registration? Then separate language requirements apply: **B1** for MBO professions (such as nurse), **B2** for HBO professions (such as physiotherapist) and **higher than B2** for doctors, dentists and pharmacists. The certificate may be at most 2 years old. ## Ready in time for your programme - **Check the deadline.** Programmes have a final date for submitting your diploma. Count backwards: you can register for the State Exam until 3 weeks in advance, results come 3 to 7 weeks after the exam, and a resit is only possible after the result. - **Plan with a margin.** Program II often fills up quickly. See the [exam dates](https://taalpro.nl/en/exam-dates/) and register in time. - **Know where you stand.** Take the [free level test](https://taalpro.nl/en/free-level-test/). Going from B1 to B2 usually takes several months of focused practice. In TaalPro's [B2 course](https://taalpro.nl/en/courses/b2-state-exam-nt2-program-2/) you work towards the State Exam NT2 II, with explanations in Farsi, Dari or English when needed. ## Sources - Staatsexamens NT2: https://www.staatsexamensnt2.nl/over-het-staatsexamen-nt2/hoe-gebruik-je-het-diploma - Overheid.nl (wetten): https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0005682&hoofdstuk=7&titeldeel=2¶graaf=1&artikel=7.29 - Universiteit van Amsterdam: https://www.uva.nl/programmas/bachelors/rechtsgeleerdheid/toelating-en-inschrijven/toelating-en-inschrijven.html - BIG-register: https://www.bigregister.nl/buitenlands-diploma/procedures/verklaring-vakbekwaamheid/nederlandse-taalvaardigheid --- Source: TaalPro, online institute for Dutch as a second language (https://taalpro.nl/en/guides/studying-in-dutch/). Rules can change: the official websites (DUO, IND, CvTE) always take precedence.