Can au pairs take Dutch courses during the day?

Yes, if your host family's childcare hours allow it. Many providers run morning or afternoon classes, but you need to confirm the exact timetable with the provider and agree it with your host family.

Are evening Dutch courses available for au pairs?

Some providers offer evening classes, but availability varies by location and level. Check with each provider directly, and use our directory to compare options near you.

Do au pairs need to pass an inburgering exam?

It depends on your nationality and residence permit. The 2021 Civic Integration Act sets the standard route at B1, but some au pairs may not have an inburgering obligation. Check the official source for your situation.

Dutch for Au Pairs: Courses That Fit a Host Family Schedule

Au pairs in the Netherlands usually have two realistic ways to learn Dutch: daytime NT2 classes while the children are at school or daycare, or evening courses after childcare hours. The right choice depends on your host family's schedule, your level, and how far you can travel. Below are honest notes on providers from our listings, plus what to check before you commit.

Start with your actual free hours

Before you compare schools, write down the hours you are genuinely free each week. Host family schedules vary: some au pairs have school-run mornings free, others only have evenings after the children are asleep. A course that looks good on paper is useless if it clashes with pickup times.

Also check your level. If you are starting from zero, look for A0 or A1 entry points. If you already manage basic conversation, a B1 course may be a better use of your time. Our path finder can help you narrow this down.

Daytime options for au pairs

Daytime classes suit au pairs whose host children are in school or daycare during the day. They are usually easier to combine with family life because evenings stay free.

ROC van Amsterdam (Educatie & Inburgering) is the largest ROC in the Netherlands and runs in-person programmes in Amsterdam, including inburgering and NT2 from A0 to B1. It fits au pairs in Amsterdam who can attend during the day and want a structured, publicly funded route. It is less suitable if you need evening classes or live outside the city.

ROC Albeda Rotterdam offers free NT2 and Staatsexamen I/II preparation for residents of Rotterdam North and surrounding municipalities, with day and evening classes. This is a strong fit for au pairs in that area who qualify for the free route. If you live elsewhere in Rotterdam or do not meet the residency condition, check before applying.

Direct Dutch Institute in The Hague has specialised Dutch courses for highly educated expats since 1985, at A1 to B2, online and in person. It suits au pairs in The Hague who want a serious daytime course and can study independently. It is not aimed at absolute beginners who need a slower pace.

Evening courses around childcare hours

Evening courses are the practical choice for au pairs who are needed at home during the day. They also suit people who work or study during daytime hours.

TopTaal NT2 Expert BV runs practical NT2 and inburgering courses in Amsterdam and multiple other cities, at A1 to B2, online and in person. It fits au pairs who need a recognised provider with flexible locations. Check the exact timetable with TopTaal, because evening availability depends on the location and level.

Hamrah Taalschool Rotterdam is a strong all-rounder in Rotterdam with NT2 preparation and business Dutch options, at A1 to B2, online and in person. It suits au pairs in Rotterdam who want a local school with evening options. It may be less convenient if you are not based in or near the city.

STE Languages in Eindhoven has over 30 years of experience and is CEDEO-certified, with A1 to B2 courses online and in person. It fits au pairs in the Eindhoven tech hub, including those who want business-oriented Dutch. It is less relevant if you live outside the region and cannot travel.

Regina Coeli (The Nuns) in Vught and Eindhoven is known for intensive one-to-one Dutch training at A1 to B2, online and in person. It suits au pairs who can arrange a short, focused period of study and want very fast progress. It is not a casual evening class, so it will not fit a normal weekly childcare routine.

Comparing a few options

Option	Type	Levels	Format	Best for	Fit score
ROC van Amsterdam	Public ROC	A0 to B1	In person	Daytime study in Amsterdam	80/100
ROC Albeda Rotterdam	Public ROC	A1 to B2	In person	Free NT2 route in Rotterdam North	80/100
Direct Dutch Institute	Private school	A1 to B2	Online and in person	Structured daytime courses in The Hague	88/100
TopTaal NT2 Expert BV	Private school	A1 to B2	Online and in person	NT2 and inburgering across multiple cities	84/100
Hamrah Taalschool Rotterdam	Private school	A1 to B2	Online and in person	Local Rotterdam option with NT2 prep	82/100

What to check before you enrol

Ask the provider directly about timetable, start dates, and whether evening classes actually run at your level. Do not assume a course is free: some routes are funded for certain residents, others are paid. Check the provider for prices and conditions.

If you are subject to inburgering, the 2021 Civic Integration Act sets the standard route at B1, with exams in reading, listening, writing and speaking plus KNM. A municipality can allow A2 after substantial effort. For naturalisation, the language requirement is A2 in 2026, with a move to B1 planned but no confirmed start date. Check the official source for your own situation, and see our inburgering and NT2 prep sections for more detail.

If you prefer one-to-one lessons, our tutor listings include verified tutors, meaning 3,000 or more lessons and a 4.9 or higher rating on their platform. You can also browse by city in our directory and cities pages.

How we know this: the options come from The Dutch Directory listings checked on 2026-10-14. Fit scores are editorial, not user ratings.