Following language classes

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The University financially supports professorial staff members to obtain the required B2 level in Dutch for the administrative language requirement within 5 years after their start date. This support is provided by a budget from the HR department. It remains the own responsibility of the ZAP member to be successful in this obligation.

  • The faculty/department can provide a certain exemption from teaching duties during the period that language classes at the University language centre (UCT) are followed. This might keep the work balance, learning a difficult new language combined with a new position at the University as ZAP member possible.
  • The covered classes for ZAP members from the University (HR budget) are limited to the language courses followed with the University Language Centre. Classes followed at another institution, other university or private classes are not covered by the central budget for language training.
  • The payment of classes at other institutions or private teachers to learn Dutch is possible but up to the choice of the faculty or department. Own available budget can also be spent on following classes – if permitted by the funder.
  • Other staff (Research and postdoctoral staff) can follow language classes at a reduced tariff at the UCT.

Costs covered by the University

  • The University covers the costs for the 5 required modules to obtain the required B2 level at the University Language centre, plus an extra module in case a module is not passed.
  • The module for professorial staff members wishing to continue to level C1 in Dutch is also covered by the University.
  • Up to 4 ITNA language tests are covered by the University.

Practical information

  • Registration for the language course at the UCT as ZAP member can be done through UCT@ugent.be.
  • You can find information about the available Dutch language courses.
  • If language classes are followed in another institution, you must report yearly about your progress by uploading the certificates per followed module. If private classes are followed, an timeline must be foreseen when the A2 level and B2 level will be obtained. An overview of other language institutions can be found here.
  • The rules regarding ITNA testing (max 1 test every 2 weeks; max 4 tests per year), as well as preparation can be found at https://www.itna.be/.

English Language course

UGent offers a training series 'Lecturing skills in English'. Persons eligible for this training series can find information about it through UTOP or through ‘Education Tips’ on the training offer overview page.