Arabic & Islamic Studies
The Institute organises Arabic courses for universities, but also for companies, international organisations and individuals.
The focus of our courses is on acquiring language fluency, and stimulating the four main language skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing. For university students who follow our courses as part of their curriculum at a university in their home countries, the language component of our courses is complemented by a culture component, in which we give the students a deeper insight in and experience of Egyptian society, politics, history and culture.
Since decades, NVIC offers full semester programmes (30 ECTS) for students enrolled in the Arabic & Islamic Studies programmes at their universities in Flanders and the Netherlands. The BA programme, offered during the Spring semester (February-June), is fully integrated in the study programmes at the Dutch universities. The MA programme, offered during the Fall Semester (September-December), is an integral part of the curriculum at Leuven University and Ghent University, but can also be followed as an additional semester by students (of the Dutch and Flemish universities that support the Institute) after their graduation.
NVIC also has a longstanding cooperation with the Swiss universities (Zürich, Basel, and Bern) and organises summer courses for their students.
In addition, the Institute provides teacher training courses for Arabic instructors (TAFL – Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language) at different stages in their careers.
NVIC also puts its teaching experience at the disposal of companies, embassies, international organisations and individuals. Please contact info@nvic.leidenuniv.nl if you would like to make use of our services.
MA ARABIC AND ISLAMIC PROGRAMME - FALL 2026
The upcoming semester will be in August 2026.
How to Apply
If you are enrolled in an Arabic language department at our partner universities, you may apply directly through the link below. You must meet the eligibility requirements. We will be in touch with your department once applications close.
If you are from outside these departments (for example, you are enrolled in faculties at Leiden University College, or from Political Science or International Relations,), please get in touch with your study advisor to determine if you are eligible. You may be eligible to apply to our other programme: The Middle East Studies programme.
For international students, please check go to this page for more information.
Please see the outline for more information on eligibility and the programme.
The programme outline: here.
For registration please fill in this form.
APPLICATIONS FOR FALL SEMESTER ARE NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON 30 APRIL 2026.
Fall 2026 Semester dates
30 August: Orientation Day
31 August: Classes begin
11 – 15 October: Mid-term exams
18 - 22 October: semester Break
25 October: Classes resume
6-10 December: STUVAC
13 – 17 December: Final Exams