Middle East Studies

Since 2017, NVIC offers an interdisciplinary semester in Middle East Studies for students of Dutch and Flemish universities, primarily in the fields of International Studies. Half the semester (15 ects) is devoted to Arabic language acquisition, both Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, while the other half is devoted to content courses on themes related to the Egyptian context and the Middle East at large.

The programme takes place in spring and fall. 

How to Apply

Application for this programme differs across departments. If you are from the Middle East Studies and Arabic language departments at our partner universities, you may apply directly through our website. We will be in touch with your department once applications close.

If you from outside these departments (for example 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.

For students not from our partner university, please refer to the link for international students.

Please see the programme outline for more information.

BA MIDDLE EAST STUDIES - Spring 2026

The upcoming semester will be in February 2026.

The programme outline: here.

For registration please fill in this form.

APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2026 SEMESTER ARE NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON 10 NOVEMBER 2025.

Spring semester 2026 dates

(1 February – 4 June)
1 February: Orientation Day
2 February: Classes begin
15-19 March: Mid-term exams
22-26 March: Eid al-Fitr break
29 March: Alexandria trip
5 April: Classes for a week
12-16 April: Easter and Sham al-Nessim break
19 April classes resume
24-28 May: STUVAC
31 May – 4 June: Final Exams