Inburgering course in the Netherlands
Civic integration is a municipality and DUO path. Language is only one part. We shortlist Blik op Werk schools because those are the ones that can take a DUO loan.
Inburgering is the Dutch civic integration process. For many newcomers it includes Dutch language, Knowledge of Dutch Society (KNM), and Orientation on the Dutch Labour Market (ONA). Your personal letter from the municipality or DUO decides the level and the deadline. A directory cannot override that letter.
Under the newer Wet Inburgering, many people must reach B1 for the language part, not A2. If someone still tells you “A2 is enough,” check the year your obligation started. Guessing wrong wastes a year of evening classes.
Blik op Werk and the DUO loan
Only schools with the Blik op Werk Keurmerk Inburgeren are eligible for a DUO loan for inburgering courses. Confirm the school on zoekinburgerschool.nl before you enrol. A glossy website is not a keurmerk. We still list non-certified options when they are useful for extra speaking, but they are not the loan path.
Official exam body listing: Inburgeringsexamen (DUO). If you also need a study or work diploma, read Staatsexamen NT2 Program I vs II. Those are different exams.
What a good inburgering course actually does
It trains the exam format (including Spreken), not only classroom conversation. It tells you the hours per week and the expected months to B1. It has an intake test, not a sales call in English that promises “fluent in three months.” Pair the course with free exam-format practice on Oefenen.nl so you are not surprised by the computer speaking test.
Start from your city
Municipality contracts differ. Open a hub, then shortlist Blik op Werk options near you.
Shortlisted inburgering paths
2026 check before you pay
Read your DUO or municipality letter. Confirm A2 or B1. Confirm the school on zoekinburgerschool.nl if you need a loan. Then book two intakes, not one.
Get your personal inburgering planFrequently asked questions
What is inburgering?+
Inburgering is the Dutch civic integration process for many newcomers. It usually includes Dutch language, knowledge of Dutch society (KNM), and orientation on the Dutch labour market (ONA), with requirements set by your municipality and DUO.
Do I need Blik op Werk for a DUO loan?+
Yes. Only schools with the Blik op Werk Keurmerk Inburgeren are eligible for a DUO loan for inburgering courses. Always confirm your school on zoekinburgerschool.nl before you enrol.
Is the language requirement A2 or B1?+
It depends on your personal trajectory and when you started. Under the newer Wet Inburgering, many people aim for B1. Do not assume A2 is enough. Verify your requirement with DUO or your municipality.
Where should I start if I am unsure?+
Use our path finder for a short plan, then shortlist 2-3 Blik op Werk schools near you and book intake tests. Pair classroom prep with free exam-format practice such as Oefenen.nl.
What is an inburgering course?+
A language-plus-civic class that prepares you for the integration exams your municipality assigned. If you need a DUO loan, the school must hold the Blik op Werk Keurmerk Inburgeren.
Can I do inburgering online?+
Parts of the language training can be online. The civic exams and many municipal rules still assume you are in the Netherlands. Confirm with DUO and your gemeente before paying an overseas-only course.