Language support services
UM Language Centre offers various language support services for both UM staff and students, as well as people from outside of UM.
We provide the information for required language documents (proof of language proficiency) and correct language use.
For all language related services, please visit the UM Language Centre.
Language Level Assessment
The UM Language Centre can assist you with proof of language proficiency. We offer different tests to evaluate your language skills and can provide you with a certificate stating your level according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference of the Council of Europe.)
You can register for a level assessment test via our registration form;
- Select level assessment (niveaubepaling) in the first drop-down box.
- Choose the language you are interested in.
- Choose the type of test you need.
- After registration, you will receive a payment link and email to schedule the test.
- After completing the assessment, you will receive a PDF-document with proof of your language level.
Quick tests or proof of level (only for UM students and UM employees)
To apply for proof of language proficiency, you have to register yourself to take a quick test. After the test, we state your level in a letter as PDF-document or, on request, fill out a form.
The quick test without writing takes roughly 30 minutes to complete and assesses your speaking, listening, and reading skills. The Language Centre can also test your written language skills, which takes a bit longer—about 1 hour in total.
- Fee Quick Test excl. writing: € 55
- Fee Quick Test incl. writing: € 105
Language courses
UM offers various language courses, for both UM students and employees, as well as people from outside.
Test according to CEFR-criteria (for UM and non-UM participants)
For some of the languages, we also offer a full test in accordance with CEFR- criteria. Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) describes foreign language proficiency at six levels. The speaking and listening skills tests are administered by the teacher, followed by an independent writing and reading test. The full test takes roughly 2,5 hours to complete.
To apply for proof of language proficiency, you have to register yourself to take a full test. After the test we state your levels in a certificate with the independent skills as PDF-document or, on request, fill out a form.
To review the CEFR-levels, download Levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (PDF).
- Fee CEFR-test: € 250
Available tests (in person and online unless mentioned otherwise)
| Language | Quick test, excl. writing € 55,- | Quick test, incl. writing € 105,- | Full test as per ERK € 250,- | |
| Arabic | no | no | no | |
| Chinese | yes | yes | no | |
| Dutch | yes | yes | yes, on location only | |
| English | yes | yes | no | |
| French | yes | yes | yes, on location only | |
| German | yes | yes | yes, on location only | |
| Italian | yes | yes | yes, on location only | |
| Portuguese | yes | yes | no | |
| Russian | yes | yes | no | |
| Spanish | yes | yes | yes, on location only |
Dutch language proficiency test B1, B2 for healthcare staff and B2plus test medical professionals
Anyone wishing to work as a registered healthcare provider or medical professional in the Netherlands must be registered in the BIG register. Official CEFR Proof of language proficiency B1, B2 or B2plus is required for BIG registration.
For physiotherapists, physician assistants, midwives, and registered dental hygienists a CEFR-certificate of language proficiency B2 is required for a BIG registration.
For medical professionals (doctor, dentist, pharmacist, psychotherapist, remedial educationalist-generalist, health care psychologist, and clinical technologist) a CEFR-certificate of language proficiency in B2plus (combination of B2 and C1), is required.
For an overview and elaboration of levels see Levels of the European Reference Framework (CEFR).
The certificate you receive after successfully completing the test is proof of language proficiency and is valid for two years after it has been issued. Should you wish to receive an additional certificate, we will charge a fee.
What does the test look like?
A full test consists of four test sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. This can be taken in one day or spread over two days by arrangement. A full test takes 2.5 hours.
You can register via the online registration form. After registration and payment, a tutor will contact you to set a date for the test.
Fee Language proficiency test B1, B2 or B2plus € 250 (including certificate)
After the level assessment, you will receive your certificate as a PDF file via email within 2 weeks after taking the last test part. The amount due must be paid online.
More information or an intake appointment? Please contact your-language-course@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Correct language use at UM
UM values presenting itself professionally to Dutch and international audiences. Professional academic-style reports and proposals to international partners can enhance UM's position and reputation.
To assist with this, UM provides a Terminology List and Style Guide.
Proof of level required for the UM Language Policy
If your department requests you to demonstrate your level in English and/or Dutch as part of the UM Language Policy requirements, please contact taalbeleid-lc@maastrichtuniversity.nl and mention in which language(s) you would like to get tested.
Dutch for immigrants and expats
The Language Centre offers programmes to prepare for the Staatsexamen NT2, programme II: civic integration candidates with a higher level of education.
Please note: unfortunately, we can no longer accept new civic integration candidates.