General Linguistics

The Master's in General Linguistics at Radboud University will give you a student-centred environment for learning to become a competent linguist. You will gain an understanding of a wide array of topics ranging from how people learn and use language to how the brain processes language and how language and people influence each other.

Students can study a wide range of advanced topics in fields as diverse as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, second language learning, language description, language testing and linguistic diversity. A mix of theoretical and practical knowledge is included, and there are language-specific linguistics courses in Dutch, German, French and Spanish, and a range of combined courses that allow students to learn about the very latest findings in interdisciplinary areas such as cognitive neuroscience.

Working closely with top researchers, you will be in the middle of a research environment where important discoveries are being made and the chances are that you will be involved in some of them. We really take care of our students and pay special attention to the (practical) needs of international students. We have a lot of experience with students from all over the world coming here to study and we help you to hit te ground running. The courses are very intensive and you will learn a great deal in one year. You can also expect to 'grow' academically. there are great opportunities for internships at leading institutes in the Netherlands. Linguistics is taught at a very high level in Nijmegen, and we are known for our excellent teaching and research.

If you choose to study Linguistics in Nijmegen you will have a unique opportunity to put together your own programme. With the exception of your thesis, all subjects are optional. You can choose from a wide range of interesting advanced topics in fields as diverse as psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, second language learning, language description and linguistic diversity. 

Instruction modes

case study, literature study, colloquium, oral presentation, internship, computer exercise, research, research project, research proposal, tutorial, lecture, working group, group assignment, portfolio, workshop, group discussion, self evaluation, individual assignment, self study, laboratory work, seminar

A completed Bachelor's degree 

In order to be admitted to this Master's you’ll need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. Students with a Bachelor’s degree in a specific language such as German or Dutch, or with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Information Studies can also apply, provided they have taken at least 60 EC worth of courses in the field of linguistics.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of ≥600 (paper based) or ≥100 (internet based) and ≥22 subscore writing
• IELTS score of ≥7.0 (overall band) and ≥6.5 (writing)
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher
• A Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Culture from a research university.

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.