NT2 courses: learning Dutch
NT2 (Nederlands als tweede taal) is a programme for learning Dutch as a second language. Ukrainian refugees are entitled to free basic courses through the municipality.
Reviewed by the editorial team · 19 May 2026. Information checked against official sources.
What to prepare
- TPD document or residence permit
- BSN
- Passport
- Information about prior education (diploma)
- Residential address (for municipality binding)
NT2 courses: learning Dutch
NT2 (Nederlands als tweede taal) is a programme for learning Dutch as a second language. Language proficiency is critical for work, study, and full integration into Dutch society.
Who is eligible for free courses
- Ukrainian refugees with TPD status
- Adults with residence permit subject to inburgering (integration obligation)
- Basic levels A1 and A2 — typically free through the municipality
- Advanced levels B1/B2 — partially subsidised or paid
CEFR levels
- A1 — basic phrases (greetings, numbers, simple expressions)
- A2 — everyday communication (shop, doctor, simple conversations)
- B1 — confident everyday use (required level for many jobs)
- B2 — for office work / education
- C1/C2 — academic level
How to enrol
- Contact your municipality (gemeente) — search "NT2 cursus" + city name
- In major cities: Amsterdam — amsterdam.nl/inburgering, Utrecht — utrecht.nl/inburgering
- Sometimes the municipality funds the course via ROC or volwasseneneducatie
- Complete an intake form — you'll be tested and assigned a starting level
- Courses typically run 2-3 times per week × 2-3 hours
Private schools
If the municipal course doesn't suit (schedule / level), you can choose a private school:
Prices: €15-30 / hour individual; €200-500 for an A1-A2 group.
Free online resources
- DUO Oefenen — official practice platform
- NT2.nl — theory + exercises
- Dutchgrammar.com — detailed grammar
- YouTube channels: Bart de Pau, Learn Dutch with Kim
Exams and certification
- CNaVT (Certificaat Nederlands als Vreemde Taal) — for A2-C1, EU-recognised
- Staatsexamen NT2 — for work / study at Dutch universities
- Inburgeringsexamen — mandatory for some permit categories (NOT for TPD)
Common mistakes
- Waiting for invitation — the municipality doesn't always invite proactively. Reach out yourself.
- Taking B1 without A1 — unrealistic without foundation. Progress step by step.
- Not combining methods — combine in-person classes with online practice.
Sources
Last updated: May 2026. Specific municipal programmes vary — verify with your gemeente.
Common mistakes
- {"title":"Waiting for an invitation","description":"The municipality doesn't always send course invitations — reach out yourself to volwasseneneducatie or gemeente."}
- {"title":"Taking intensive without foundation","description":"If you've never studied Dutch — start with A1, not B1. Intensive without a base is demotivating."}
- {"title":"Not using free resources","description":"The Netherlands has free online programmes (DUO oefenen, NT2.nl) — combine with in-person classes."}