TL;DR

  • INTT (Instituut voor Nederlands als Tweede Taal) is the University of Amsterdam's in-house NT2 institute, and one of the two major academic NT2 providers in the capital alongside VU-NT2.
  • It has a particularly strong reputation for Programma II (B2), the track that opens HBO and university study in Dutch.
  • Well suited for highly educated professionals and academics who are already at B1 or close to it and need B2 certification fast. Not the best entry point for beginners.

What INTT actually is

INTT sits inside the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Humanities. It is a dedicated NT2 research and teaching institute, not a general language centre that also runs Dutch classes. This means the entire operation is optimized for one thing: getting highly educated adults through the NT2 exam ladder.

The institute has been running NT2 programmes for decades and is known among Dutch language professionals as one of the two obvious references in Amsterdam (the other being VU-NT2 at the Vrije Universiteit).

Who INTT works best for

INTT is laser-focused on learners who need B2 for professional or academic reasons. If that describes you (doctor needing BIG-register, lawyer requiring professional Dutch, academic moving into a Dutch-taught programme), INTT is a strong choice in the country.

If you are a beginner at A0 or A1, INTT is not your first stop. You would either start with a general provider and move to INTT for the B2 sprint, or look at providers with broader A1-B1 entry points like Radboud in to Languages or Babel Utrecht.

What you actually get

NT2-specific instructors with academic backing. INTT employs people whose entire career is teaching Dutch to highly educated non-native speakers. They understand the difference between a German speaker who needs to unlearn word-order habits and a Mandarin speaker who is encountering Germanic grammar for the first time.

Curriculum aligned to the Staatsexamen NT2 Programma II. Every exercise, every test, every feedback moment is designed to move you closer to passing the B2 exam. This is not general Dutch enrichment. It is targeted exam preparation at university level.

Prestige that carries weight. An INTT certificate on your CV tells Dutch employers and universities that you passed through a demanding NT2 programme. In regulated professions, this matters.

Amsterdam location. For anyone already living or working in Amsterdam, INTT is logistically the most accessible academic NT2 option.

Honest weaknesses

  • Not for beginners. INTT's sweet spot is B1-B2. If you need A0-A2 coursework first, budget for a separate provider or a longer run-up.
  • University pricing. Academic NT2 at a research university is not the cheapest path. Expect to pay more than at a private school or subsidised ROC.
  • Classroom-paced. If your job or family schedule is unpredictable, self-paced alternatives may fit better.

How it compares

  • VU-NT2 Academy is the across-town alternative, with more flexible daytime/evening formats and a broader level range.
  • Radboud in to Languages in Nijmegen offers similar academic quality for the east of the country, including summer intensives.
  • Tilburg University Language Center runs a respected one-year intensive Programma II track with small class sizes.
  • For self-study support alongside INTT coursework, the Boom NT2 textbooks and structured Anki decks will repay every hour you put in.

FAQ

What is INTT and how is it different from VU-NT2? INTT is the University of Amsterdam's NT2 institute. It and VU-NT2 are the two major academic NT2 providers in Amsterdam. INTT has a stronger Programma II focus. Both are excellent. Pick based on intake availability, location, and format preference.

Does INTT only do Programma II or also Programma I? INTT's strong reputation is for Programma II (B2), aimed at HBO/university study and professional registration. Check the INTT website for current course listings.

Can I do INTT courses online? Yes. Online options run alongside in-person. Check the course catalogue for the current schedule.

Is INTT open to non-UvA students? Yes. INTT serves the general public: expats, professionals, partners, anyone who needs academic-level NT2 preparation.