Dutch courses

Programmes taught in Dutch

The high quality of the programmes taught in Dutch requires a good command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written. Applicants for these programmes should therefore be aware that a superficial knowledge of Dutch is certainly not sufficient for attending lectures or taking examinations. It is also an illusion to think that one can acquire the necessary skills overnight or by just going to the lectures. In order to avoid disappointment in this respect, the university further requires those who have been admitted academically into a programme taught in Dutch, but are non-native Dutch speakers, to prove their proficiency in the Dutch language by passing a Proficiency Test, such as the CNaVT exam (PTHO-profile or PAT-profile), which is offered in countries all over the world. The Instituut voor Levende Talen (ILT / Institute for Modern Languages) at K.U.Leuven also offers a proficiency test. If you are not sure whether the test you have taken or will be taking is acceptable, please contact the International Admissions and Mobility Unit.

Candidates who have no background at all in Dutch must therefore take the one-year preparatory course at the Instituut voor Levende Talen (ILT / Leuven Language Institute). In order to participate in this course, candidates must also present a certificate or proof that they master at least one Western language, e.g. English, French, Spanish, German. In this regard, the Belgian Government has stipulated that non-EEA citizens who will participate in this preparatory course may obtain the student visa (Authorisation for Provisional Sojourn) from the Belgian Embassy and a one-year residence permit from the City Hall of Leuven to master the Dutch language.

To summarise:

International candidates must first apply for and be admitted academically to a Bachelor's of Master's programme taught in Dutch before they can participate in the one-year preparatory Dutch language course. After passing the Level 5 Proficiency Test, they can register for and begin the programme. International candidates cannot apply directly for the one-year Dutch language course in order to obtain a Student Visa or Authorisation for Temporary Residence in Belgium.

Dutch language courses

Dutch language courses during the academic year

The ILT offers five basic levels and one advanced level of Dutch as a foreign language during the course of an academic year. During the month of August, all five levels are likewise taught simultaneously (see summer course 'Joos Florquin' below).

Regstration: During the first week of September and the second week of January

Enrolment fees: The ordinary courses all cost €60 per level for K.U.Leuven students and staff.

Detailed information is available on the ILT Web site.

‘Joos Florquin’ Dutch as a foreign language summer course

Each year in August, the ILT organises Dutch courses for international students in collaboration with the K.U.Leuven's International Admissions and Mobility Unit. All the levels (one to five) are offered during this summer course. Students with an elementary knowledge will be given the possibility of improving their Dutch. Lectures are given twenty hours a week from Monday to Thursday.

Registration: before July 15. After that date enrolments will only be accepted if the required quota of students has not yet been reached.

Registration fee: €300 (not including textbook). Cancellation of registration is possible only until July 25. The administration costs for such cancellation is €30. After July 26, the registration fee will no longer be refunded. Detailed information is available on the ILT website

Proficiency test in Dutch

For those who have already studied Dutch elsewhere before coming to Leuven, the ILT likewise organises a proficiency test. Passing this test would mean that one’s knowledge of Dutch is equivalent to the ILT’s level-five requirements. This proficiency test is organized during the third Monday of September (1) and on the third Monday of January (2) from 9-11 am.

Registration fee: €50

Detailed information is available at the ILT website.

Dutch language courses for Erasmus exchange students

Within the regular undergraduate programmes, all required courses are taught in Dutch. As a result, fluency in Dutch is a prerequisite for attending these courses. However, to accommodate international students, many elective courses are taught in English. Linguistic preparation may be financially supported by the Erasmus programme; for more details, ask your contact person in your home university.

Dutch courses (as well as courses in other less-spoken languages) can be taken at the

Instituut voor Levende Talen (ILT / Institute of Modern Languages):
Dekenstraat 6, B-3000 Leuven
phone: 016/32 56 60 or 016/32 56 76
e-mail: info@ilt.kuleuven.be

The institute organises Dutch languages courses throughout the academic year. At the request of the International Office, the ILT organises introductory Dutch language courses that are available only for Erasmus exchange students and are free of charge to holders of an Erasmus student card.