2 min readUpdated 5 July 2026

What does the inburgering exam cost?

You do not pay one fixed total for the whole exam. The inburgering exam cost depends on how many exam parts you take and whether you need retakes.

The cost per section

DUO charges a fee for each exam part. There is no single fixed price for the whole exam if you look at it as one package.

The exact amount per part can change, so you should check the current fee on inburgeren.nl before you book. That matters because your total cost depends on how many parts you still need to take.

If you are trying to keep costs down, focus on passing each part the first time. Every extra attempt means you pay again.

A loan from DUO

If you cannot pay the exam fees yourself, you may be able to borrow money from DUO. The loan can be used for an integration course and exam fees, up to €10,000.

Who pays that loan back depends on your route. If you are an asylum status holder, the loan can be forgiven if you pass within your legal deadline.

If you are a family migrant or other migrant, you must repay the loan in full. You can repay it over up to 10 years, with interest.

That is why retakes matter financially. Each failed part can become extra debt if you borrowed the money.

Cost of a retake

A retake is not free. Every time you retake an exam part, you pay that part's fee again.

This is the part many candidates underestimate. The total amount you spend is often driven more by retakes than by the first booking.

There is also a deadline risk behind the money. Under the Wet inburgering 2021, you usually have 3 years to pass. If you miss that deadline without a valid verlengingsgrond (official reason for extension), DUO can give you a fine of up to €1,250 and extend your obligation.

The cheapest plan is simple: prepare well, sit each part when you are ready, and avoid paying twice. If you want low-cost practice before you book or rebook, InburgeringPrep helps you train the exam parts in Dutch with clear support in English.

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Frequently asked questions
Is there one total price for the whole inburgering exam?
No. DUO charges a separate fee for each exam part. Your total cost depends on how many parts you take and whether you need any retakes.
Where can I see the current exam fee?
The per-part fee can change, so you should check the live amount on inburgeren.nl before booking. That is safer than relying on an old euro figure from a blog or forum.
Can I borrow money for the exam?
Yes, DUO offers a loan that can be used for an integration course and exam fees, up to €10,000. Whether you repay it yourself depends on your route, so check your situation carefully before you borrow.
Do I pay again if I fail one part?
Yes. If you retake one exam part, you pay that part's fee again. That means one weak section can raise your total cost fast.