Young person learning Dutch in a classroom with books and a laptop

Onderwijsroute inburgering explained for young people

The onderwijsroute inburgering is one of the three routes under the Wet inburgering 2021. This route is meant for young newcomers who can and want to go to school, and who combine their integration with education. You learn Dutch at at least B1 level and at the same time follow a course or a bridging programme. In this guide you'll read exactly how the onderwijsroute works, what's expected of you and how you prepare for the exams.

Maybe you've just arrived in the Netherlands, or you've been living here for a while and want to know if the onderwijsroute is something for you. The municipality decides together with you which route fits best. The onderwijsroute is often suitable if you're young, don't yet have a basic qualification and are motivated to learn. The goal is that you not only learn the language, but also get a diploma that can help you find work later. That makes this route different from the B1 route or the Z route.

In this guide we take you step by step: what the onderwijsroute involves, which exams you take, how you combine school and integration, and what you need to arrange with the municipality, DUO and your educational institution. You get concrete example sentences, a step-by-step plan and a checklist. Don't worry: you don't need to know everything at once. This guide helps you get an overview, so you can ask focused questions and get started with confidence.

What exactly is the onderwijsroute inburgering?

The onderwijsroute is an integration route where you learn Dutch at at least B1 level and at the same time follow a course. It's one of the three routes under the Wet inburgering 2021, alongside the B1 route and the Z route (self-reliance route). The onderwijsroute is mainly intended for young people who are still going to school or can go to school, and who want to develop their language skills in combination with a vocational training or a bridging programme. So you don't just take language lessons, you're also in a class with subjects like maths, English or a vocational subject.

The big difference from the B1 route is that the onderwijsroute isn't just about language. You work towards a diploma or certificate that increases your chances of work. The municipality looks with you at whether this route is feasible. They look at your age, your prior education, your motivation and your language level. If, for example, you've never been to school or have difficulty learning, then the Z route might be better. But if you're motivated and want to finish a course, then the onderwijsroute can be a good choice.

Ask your municipality about the deadlines that apply to you. That differs per situation and per municipality. It's important to make clear agreements about this with your contact person at the municipality. They can tell you what the exact deadlines are and what options there are.

Who is the onderwijsroute suitable for?

The onderwijsroute is intended for young people who can and want to go to school. The municipality assesses whether the onderwijsroute suits you. You have to be motivated and willing to work with language and subjects every day. If you already have a diploma from your home country, that can help, but it's not always necessary.

You qualify if you fall under the Wet inburgering 2021 and you became subject to the integration requirement from 1 January 2022. The municipality determines which route suits you. Sometimes that's the B1 route, sometimes the onderwijsroute, and sometimes the Z route. If you're young and want to follow a course, the municipality will often look at whether the onderwijsroute is possible. It's not an automatic right: you have to apply for it together with the municipality and there has to be a suitable course.

Even if you haven't been in the Netherlands very long and your Dutch isn't very good yet, you can start with the onderwijsroute. You get extra language support. But you do have to be able to learn and persevere. The onderwijsroute asks a lot of you: you have to go to school, do homework, do an internship and also pass your language exams. If you find that too much, another route might be better. Discuss this honestly with your municipality, because there are more paths to successful integration.

Which exams do you take in the onderwijsroute?

In the onderwijsroute you take the same language exams as in the B1 route, but at B1 level. These are reading, listening, writing and speaking. In addition, you also have to take the KNM exam. KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij and is a separate exam about how Dutch society works. This exam is separate from the Staatsexamen NT2. You take the KNM exam via DUO, just like the language exams.

For the language exams you have two options: you take the integration exam at B1 level, or you take the Staatsexamen NT2. Programme I (B1) is the Staatsexamen NT2 at B1 level. Programme II (B2) is the Staatsexamen NT2 at B2 level. Ask your educational institution which language level you need for your course. Ask your educational institution which language level you need for your course. Your educational institution will tell you which level you need for your course.

Ask your municipality which components besides the language exams and KNM apply to you. These components are arranged by the municipality. The participation declaration is a statement in which you indicate that you respect Dutch values. The MAP helps you find work or an internship. You don't have to take an exam for this, but you do have to complete them. The municipality keeps track of whether you do everything.

How do you combine school and integration?

The onderwijsroute means you do two things at the same time: you follow a course and you work on your integration. That can be tough. You have to plan your time well. Often you get language support that ties in with your course. For example: you learn words you need for your internship or you learn how to write a paper. Your teachers know that your Dutch isn't perfect yet and can help you.

Your course can be at mbo level, but also a bridging programme or a programme at a ROC. Sometimes you're in a special class with other newcomers, sometimes in a regular class. That differs per school. It's important that your school and the municipality work together well. They make agreements about how many hours of language education you get and how you're supervised. If you find it difficult, you can ask for extra help. There are often language coaches or buddies who can help you.

You also have to do an internship as part of your course. An internship is a good way to practice your Dutch and gain work experience. You learn words you don't hear in class, like 'kassabon', 'magazijn' or 'vergadering'. Your internship company can also play a role in your integration. Sometimes you can combine your internship with the Module Arbeidsmarkt & Participatie. Ask your municipality or school about the options.

Practical example sentences and situations

At the municipality: 'I'd like to know if the onderwijsroute suits me. Can you tell me more about it?'
At school: 'I'm having trouble with this assignment. Can I get extra explanation?'
At the doctor's: 'I'm suffering from stress because of my course. Can we talk about ways to deal with this?'
In the supermarket: 'Where can I find the rice? I can't see it.'
With your internship supervisor: 'I'd like to learn how to make a work plan. Can you help me with that?'
With your Dutch teacher: 'Can you check my text for mistakes? I'd like to write better.'
At DUO: 'I have a question about my integration exam. Which exam do I need to take for the onderwijsroute?'
To a fellow student: 'Shall we practice for the speaking exam together? That seems useful to me.'

Step-by-step plan (what you do this week)

Step 1: Make an appointment with your contact person at the municipality. Ask if the onderwijsroute is possible for you and which courses are available.
Step 2: Gather information about your prior education and language level. Bring diplomas and certificates if you have them.
Step 3: Visit an open day or information meeting at a ROC or other educational institution. Ask questions about combining it with integration.
Step 4: Make a schedule. How many hours per week can you spend on school and language? Make sure it's realistic.
Step 5: Arrange your DigiD and make sure you have access to Mijn Inburgering and Mijn DUO. There you can see your exam results and appointments.
Step 6: Start practicing. Use free material from DUO or practice with an app. Ask your school for extra language exercises.

Common mistakes (and what does work)

Mistake: Thinking the onderwijsroute is only about language. Fix: Realise that you're also doing a course and that subjects like maths and internship are important.
Mistake: Starting your exams too late. Fix: Schedule your language exams on time, so you don't run out of time. Ask your school for an exam schedule.
Mistake: Wanting to do everything alone. Fix: Ask for help from your teachers, fellow students and your municipality contact. Practicing together works better.
Mistake: Seeing your internship as something obligatory. Fix: Use your internship to improve your Dutch and ask questions. It's an opportunity.
Mistake: Forgetting that KNM is a separate exam. Fix: Make sure you also prepare for KNM. It's not part of the Staatsexamen NT2, but you do have to pass it.

Mini checklist

Check 1: I know if I fall under the Wet inburgering 2021 and if the onderwijsroute suits me.
Check 2: I've made an appointment with the municipality to discuss the onderwijsroute.
Check 3: I've found a course that matches my level and interests.
Check 4: I've made a schedule for school, internship, language and exams.
Check 5: I've practiced with sample questions for reading, listening, writing and speaking at B1 level.

How to practice this (Dutch Fluency + erbij)

Practicing in exam style helps you get familiar with the question format and the time you have. For example, you can read in Dutch for 20 minutes every day, listen to the news and have a short conversation with a language buddy. Write a short message to your teacher or a friend every week. Ask for feedback. That way you notice progress and can work on your weak points.

At Dutch Fluency NT2 you'll find exercises that resemble the real exams, but without the pressure. You can practice reading, listening, writing and speaking at A2 and B1. There are also separate exercises for KNM. The app is made for newcomers who want practical practice. You can use it alongside your course. Try it and see which parts you already master and where you still want to work.

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Frequently asked questions

What exactly is the onderwijsroute inburgering?

The onderwijsroute is an integration route where you learn Dutch at at least B1 level and at the same time follow a course. It's intended for young people who can still go to school. You take language exams, KNM and you complete your course.

Who is the onderwijsroute intended for?

The onderwijsroute is for young newcomers who are motivated to follow a course. The municipality assesses whether this route suits you. The municipality assesses whether this route suits you.

What language level do I need to achieve in the onderwijsroute?

Check with DUO, your municipality or your educational institution what language level applies to your situation. You can take the integration exam at B1 or the Staatsexamen NT2. Programme I (B1) is at B1 level. Programme II (B2) is at B2 level and sometimes needed for hbo.

Do I also have to do KNM in the onderwijsroute?

Yes, the KNM exam is compulsory. KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij. It's a separate exam that you take via DUO. It's separate from the Staatsexamen NT2.

How long does the onderwijsroute take?

The exact deadlines differ per situation. Ask your municipality about this.

What if I don't complete the onderwijsroute?

If it turns out the onderwijsroute is too difficult, you can discuss with the municipality whether another route suits you better. For example the B1 route or the Z route. There are always options, but it's important to raise the alarm on time.

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