Summary Language Policy

You can find a summary of the main points of the UT Language Policy below.

MAIN LANGUAGE OF THE ORGANISATION

LANGUAGE OF GOVERNANCE

The language in decision-making processes, i.e. the language of formal bodies at the University of Twente (CvB, CvB-D, SB, Faculty Boards, UC-OW, UC-B, UC-OZ, and UC-I) will be English as of 1 January 2019. This means that:

TRANSITION PERIOD 

The year 2019 has been designated by the Executive Board as a transition year. This means that the Service Departments are expected to adopt English as language of governance in the course of the year, leaving room to deal with the challenges that come with the language transition.

LANGUAGE WITHIN PARTICIPATION BODIES (Faculty boards AND UNIVERSITY COUNCIL)

Communication with the Faculty Boards and the University Council will take place in English. These bodies are also encouraged to have their written communication in English.

OTHER TYPE OF MEETINGS

On the basis of the principle of inclusiveness, it is encouraged that such meetings follow the same guiding lines as formal ones. Minutes or documents are often shared more widely within the organisation and used as input in formal meetings, and should therefore preferably be drawn up in English. 

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYEES

Dutch and English language skills of employees must be in line with the tasks assigned to them. Minimum requirements for English language proficiency have been set for each job profile, varying between B1 and C1 levels according to the Common European Framework (CEF). Please, consult the below documents on this matter provided by the Human Resources department.

In addition to the minimum language proficiency level as set out in articles 5.1 and 5.2 of the Language Policy, all employees of the University of Twente should have a language development plan that is in line with their working environment. 

RECRUITMENT OF STAFF

THE LANGUAGE OF JOB VACANCY TEXTS IS ENGLISH, UNLESS …

the target group to be reached or the job requirements require an approach using the Dutch language, as is the case with some support staff vacancies. The language of vacancy texts will then be in Dutch or both in Dutch and English. For detailed information on language in recruitments, consult the Recruitment Guidelines as provided by HR:

MINIMUM LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS IN RECRUITMENT

The UT Language Policy urges everyone to include the desired level of English in job vacancy texts. From a recruitment perspective, however, it is advised not to do this due to a shortage of labour and for the risk of missing out on candidates who decide not to apply because they do not meet these language requirements. The University of Twente offers a wide range of language courses to help new employees reach the required language proficiency.

LANGUAGE OF JOB INTERVIEWS

The language of job interviews depends on the vacant position and situation. It is up to those involved to determine the language. The testing of English language skills must be functional and can take place in various ways. For detailed information, consult the Recruitment Guideline (see above), provided by HR.