About us
Maastricht University’s Language Centre is the university's supplier of language services in the broadest sense. The Language Centre provides language courses and assessments for adults (18+), including university students, academic and non-academic staff, as well as members of the general public and external organisations. Our programmes are designed to support language development in both academic and professional contexts.
Our mission
We are THE centre of expertise in language training, academic skills, and (inter)cultural communication competences.
Why?
Multilingualism and intercultural skills are essential competences today. They enable critical thinkers to connect, understand, and be understood in a global context.
How?
- Expert, qualified language teachers delivering high-quality language training and courses tailored to all language needs.
- First choice for academics and professionals, to facilitate communication in a work and social setting.
- Accessible and visible to the UM community and the wider public both on campus and online.
- A welcoming environment with a shared sense of place and a clear identity within UM and the international community.
What our clients say about us
I began with a daily Dutch VIP course, which was a very efficient way to learn. With individual tuition, my teachers were able to adjust how much time we spent on different topics and skills depending on how I was progressing. This meant it was always challenging, but I was never left behind. The benefits were obvious-- I can participate more fully in my work life and I feel more connected to my community too.
Vanessa LaPointe, University Scientist MERLN
I wanted to learn how to speak the language and was looking for a well-balanced course that covers both conversation and grammar. My expectations were completely fulfilled... A one-on-one online course provides very intensive and highly effective lessons that take up less time than group lessons do, and it provides great learning progress.
Alexa Broek, student Intensive online coaching in Italian B1
Ik wil het hele Team van Taalcentrum bedanken! Jullie hulp en vriendelijkheid stimuleren ons om een nieuw leven in Nederland te bouwen.
Maya Sitnic
Who are our clients
Maastricht University students and staff
Our main participants are the students and staff of Maastricht University, a young but renowned institution. Our courses are designed for the academic and professional context of its faculties. With their deep knowledge of academic disciplines, our tutors can tailor training to individual learning goals. Whether you want to strengthen communication in your native language, improve academic writing in Dutch, or master Cambridge English, we offer the course you need.
Business and government
We are also the language partner for regional businesses and public organisations. By combining academic expertise with hands-on training, we bridge university and professional practice in a region that is increasingly international and knowledge-driven. Our programmes adapt to today’s challenges, including initiatives such as Kennis-As Limburg, supporting growth and innovation in the regional economy.
Our training options
At the Language Centre, we combine quality with a personal approach. We listen to your needs and design a learning pathway that fits your goals and work situation. Our interactive, skills-focused courses help you communicate with confidence in today’s international workplace.
We offer training and coaching in a wide range of modern languages, always with an emphasis on practical communication. Our tutors are highly qualified native speakers who bring years of experience and passion to their teaching. They adapt to your level and learning style, making training both effective and enjoyable.
By creating an encouraging, intercultural learning environment, we help you build the skills, and the confidence, to perform at your best.
Want to learn more about the courses we offer? View the courses. To make an appointment for an intake meeting or request more information please contact us via languages-intake-nl@maastrichtuniversity.nl for Dutch or languages-intake-eng@maastrichtuniversity.nl for English. For more information about tailor-made courses or individual coaching please contact your-language-course@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Transnational Alignment of English Competences for University Lecturers
The project “Transnational Alignment of English Competences for University Lectures” (TAEC) is a 28 months project, funded through the Erasmus+ programme, in which the Language Centre at UM is a partner.
The purpose of the project is to develop a common framework for EMI quality assurance and support, which will help the partners adapt local EMI training and certification language assessment instruments for transnational uses.
NUT
University Language Centre is member of the Dutch-Belgian Association of Language Teaching in Higher Education (NUT).
CercleS
Through their NUT membership, the Maastricht University Language Centre is also a member of the European Confederation of Language Centres in Higher Education (CercleS).
Cambridge English Language Assessment Exam Preparation Centre
Maastricht University's Language Centre is a recognised Cambridge English Language Assesment Exam Preparation Centre.
