Frequently asked questions on group courses

The FAQs are mainly related to our group courses. Here you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find your question here, or you would like more information about something specific, please contact us at talencentrum@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Questions about custom-made courses

If you have any questions about in-company or individual courses (custom-made), please contact us at atc.maatwerk@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Questions about translation services

Our translation services only cover translations of EN-NL and NL-EN. If you have any questions about our translation or editing and correction services, please contact us at translationservices@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Questions about access to the university buildings

Starting from March 2024, it is possible that, especially in the evenings and on weekends, you may be subject to security checks when entering the Lipsius building. Students and staff must be able to present their LU card.

If you are not a student or staff member, your course confirmation email is sufficient for entry into the building. Make sure to have this on hand when entering.

If you are unable to show your LU card or confirmation email, security may deny you access to the building.

Are you arriving by bike? Please park your bike in the basement of the Reuvens building. It is no longer allowed to park your bike in front of the Lipsius building.

Reuvens bike storage opening hours: Open from 07:30 - 23:00.

What are the enrolment requirements?

Our courses are intended for adults with higher levels of education. Some of the language courses may be taught in English. For this reason, you need to be reasonably proficient in English (at least level B1 of the CEFR).

What are your registration conditions and cancellation policy?

More information about our terms and conditions can be found on our practical matters page.

How can I determine my proficiency level?

We have different methods to test your level depending on which language you want to learn. More information can be found on the following page. 

Can you help me get a visa?

Unfortunately, we cannot help with visa procedures. The only thing we can send is proof of registration after you have paid for the course. Please note that you are registering for a language course and not a degree program. The chances that you will get a student visa are therefore slim.

Can you help me find (temporary) accommodation in Leiden?

We are unable to assist with finding accommodations.

Will I receive a student card?

You don't get a student card if you follow a language course at our Language Centre. You only receive a student card if you do a Bachelor or Master program at the university.

Can I take a course with you for credits?

The courses offered by the Academic Language Centre are not part of a bachelor program at Leiden University. Therefore, ECTS are not automatically awarded to our courses. Upon successful completion of the course, a Study Load Statement can be issued upon request. You should inquire yourself with your department whether course participation can be converted into credits.

When do you get a discount and does it apply to alumni?

Students and staff of Leiden University and the LUMC can register against a reduced fee. Unfortunately the discounted fee does not apply to alumni.

Can I pay by card or cash?

It is not possible to pay by card or cash. You can pay with iDeal and with Creditcard via our website.

Someone else will pay my invoice. How should I proceed?

If your employer or an agency pays for you, an invoice can be sent directly to them. Your employer or the paying agency must complete the form below and fill in the additional information. Registration form for employer or institution.

Can I pay for the course with my DUO loan?

We no longer accept the DUO loan as a form of payment. 

Can I pay with my STAP budget?

We are not certified to offer courses through the STAP budget. 

I missed or will miss a lesson

Unfortunately it is not possible to catch up on a missed lesson at another time. You must have attended 80% of the lessons to be eligible for a certificate.

Are online/hybrid courses recorded?

We do not record our lessons.

Where do the lessons take place?

If it concerns a classroom course, the lessons take place in the Lipsius building of Leiden University: Cleveringaplaats 1, 2311 BD Leiden. Courses taught in the Hague can be held at varying locations. You can find the precise location of your course in the confirmation e-mail that you receive. 

Can I park nearby?

The campus and main building themselves are not accessible by car and there is no parking space on the Cleveringaplaats. There are some paid car parks in the vicinity. The same applies to our the Hague campus. 

Will I receive a certificate at the end of my course?

For some of our courses you can receive a certificate at the end of the course if you have attended 80% of the lessons and have successfully completed the final test. The relevant course page describes whether it is possible to receive a certificate.

Can I automatically move on to the next level after a course?

If you have successfully completed the previous level, you can automatically progress to the next course. If you have not passed the final test nor resit, it is not possible to follow the next level.

If you have taken a Dutch course at the Academic Language Centre and you did not pass the final exam, you cannot register for the next level course on the basis of an intake test.

Can I join a study program within the university after my language course?

If you wish to study at University Leiden (or another university), it’s important you find out the admission requirements for your department. Taking a language course at ATC does not guarantee admission to the university.

Do I have to follow a course before taking the TUL exam? and how long are my results valid?

You do not need to take a course with us in order to take the TUL exam. If you pass the full exam, there is no time limit for the validity of the certificate. However, if you only pass for some of the parts these results will only stay valid for 9 months. This means that you would have to resit and pass for the remainder within 9 in order to receive the certificate.