Facts & figures
Philologist of Dutch Language and Culture
Dutch
Program
The MA course in Dutch Language and Culture Studies aims to train professionals in Dutch language, as well as Dutch/Flemish literature, culture and history, who are able to use this language on an advanced level, both in writing and speaking (level C2) and use it in their professions. Moreover, they gain in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of Dutch literature, culture and history. The chief objective of the Department of Dutch Studies is to teach and research Dutch language, literature and culture in its complexity. Dutch Studies embraces the language, literature and culture of two countries: the Netherlands and Flemish Belgium. The MA program does not provide teaching qualifications.
Students of Dutch Language and Culture Studies MA will be able to acquire a wide-range education, different skills and knowledge. The course provides specialized Dutch and philological and linguistic studies, language skills on high level, professional knowledge of Dutch literature and culture and insight in literary translation. The MA programme prepares students for starting a PhD programme.
This program is recommended to applicants who are interested in languages, literature, translation, cultural studies, media, intercultural communication and cultural diplomacy. It is especially recommended to those, who are interested in studying the Dutch language, cultures and literatures on academic level.
This program enables students to learn the Dutch language on a professional level, use it in academic writing, as well as everyday oral argumentation in a scholarly and business environment. Students will thus attain in depth knowledge of academic research, evaluation and critical thinking in literature, Dutch and Flemish socio-political history, and develop an understanding of the linguistic levels of description and analysis of Dutch (phonology, morphology and syntax).
The following subjects are taught in the framework of the Dutch Language and Culture Program:
linguistics: history of the Dutch language, descriptive grammar, lexicology, lexicography, phonetics and phonology of Dutch
the history of literature of the Low Countries from the Middle Ages up to the present time
literary, cultural and translation theory
translation practice
literary translation practice
interpretation
the culture and history of the Low Countries
the history of art in the Low Countries
practical language courses: speaking, writing, corresponding, translation
The MA programme in Dutch Language and Culture Studies aims to provide in depth knowledge and skills (language, linguistic, literary and cultural studies) necessary for the philological study of The Netherlands and the Flemish part of Belgium to its graduates. Our programme results in graduates with not only high proficiency in the Dutch language, but also a familiarity with the societies and cultures of the countries where Dutch is spoken as the first language. Our graduates will be familiar with fields and methods of academic research and will be able to meet the requirements of the PhD course.
Students acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can be utilised in both private and public-sector establishments.
Level of language proficiency corresponds to C2 level (proficiency) of CEFR. Language of instruction in the courses is Dutch (with the exception of the translation and interpretation courses, where Hungarian is also used).
Students are eligible for admission to PhD programmes.
Structure
Career
In all fields requiring a university degree without specifications of majors: publisher's houses, proof reading, editing, journalism, book reviews, interpreting, translating, language professionals at multinational companies. Degree holders can continue in PhD programmes requiring a major specific degree.
Graduates of the MA in Dutch Language and Culture Studies are sought in the following fields:
the world of business
the media
the translation of books and periodicals
diplomacy
international relations institutes and think-tanks
tourism
agencies responsible for grant applications
local government offices
the arts
- Editor at publisher's houses, dailies, journals.
- Journalist, essayist,
- Tourist guide, cultural interpreter.
- Interpreter, translator of literary and non-literary texts.
- Front and back office professional at multilingual service-centres.
- Project manager at government organisations,
- Professionals in cultural diplomacy, embassies, cultural centres.
- Dutch language teacher
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 2,500 EUR | 2,500 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
|
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026;
The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
|
| Entrance exam fee | 100 EUR (non-refundable) | 100 EUR (non-refundable) |
| Other cost |
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent college degree) in the fields listed below. Full credit acknowledgement is only given for a BA degree in the fields of German Studies BA, Specialized in Netherlandistic Studies.
In case of any other degree, each diploma will be considered individually. The applicant must have at least 50 credits in the field of Netherlandistic studies (Linguistics, Literature and Culture) to enter the programme. Transcripts from your bachelor's degree as well as course descriptions will be requested.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Language requirements
Dutch: C1 level (CEFR)
The language of instruction for the entire program is Dutch.
English is the language of administration for all international courses at ELTE Faculty of Humanities. All communication in administrative matters will be conducted in English. It is therefore recommended that all applicants speak a minimum of A2 level of English, even if it is not the language of tuition of their chosen programme.
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Online application form | - |
| Secondary school certificate (graduation certificate) | Notarized copy only on request. |
| Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
| Transcript of records | |
| CV | In English, in MS Word format with one low resolution photo |
| Motivation letter | A maximum of 500 words. |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
| Copy of application fee payment receipt | |
| Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt | |
| Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; see program specific proficiency requirements. |
| Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English |
Optional documents for admission
- Research Proposal
Please consult with the coordinating department for more information - Letter of Reference
Also called "Letter of recommendation." From a former instructor and/or employer.
The format of the entrance exam is an online interview
Application deadlines:
The deadline for application means the deadline of submission of the full and complete application package in the online system.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2025 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2026 23:59 (CET)
The application procedure includes 3 periods in order to give the applicants the freedom to submit their application when it’s most suitable for them. The applicants of each period have the same chance to get admittance for the programme. However, please note, that the Faculty of Humanities ELTE reserves the right to cancel the entrance periods in case the number of the admitted applicants reaches the limit during the previous entrance periods.
Procedure of the application:
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
The programme is not available for Hungarian citizens.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). The details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Results and the official decision will be announced within a month after the entrance exam date, in the application system.
For more information about the application procedures, please visit the Faculty's website.
Procedure of the entrance examination:
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation and program-related academic background and professional experience of the applicant. Successful applicants must have a good command of Dutch and pass the entrance exam. The entrance exam can be taken in person or via Skype. The ranking is based on a total evaluation of the academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Contacts
Dr. Orsolya RÉTHELYI
Head of Department of Dutch Studies
Admission
Department of International Affairs
E-mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.
More information
Website
Find the detailed structure of the program on the site of the Faculty.