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 and register in time.
- Know where you stand. Take the free level test. Going from B1 to B2 usually takes several months of focused practice.
In TaalPro’s B2 course you work towards the State Exam NT2 II, with explanations in Farsi, Dari or English when needed.