Study in a Dutch University Without IELTS or TOEFL

Many international students dream of studying in the Netherlands, but one question often comes up during the application process:

> Can I study at a Dutch university without IELTS or TOEFL?

The answer is: yes, in some cases. However, it is important to understand what this really means. Most English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in the Netherlands still require proof that you can study in English. But IELTS and TOEFL are not always the only options. Depending on your educational background, nationality, previous studies, or alternative English certificates, you may be able to apply without taking IELTS or TOEFL.

At StudyPath, we help international students understand these details before they apply, so they can choose the right programme and prepare the correct documents from the beginning.

Do Dutch universities always require IELTS or TOEFL?

For English-taught programmes, Dutch universities generally require students to prove that they have sufficient English language skills. This is because lectures, textbooks, assignments, group work and exams are often entirely in English.

However, this does not always mean that IELTS or TOEFL is compulsory.

For example, VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam explains that applicants for English-taught Master’s programmes can meet the English requirement in several ways: automatically through previous English-taught education, through an accepted English test, or through a formal exemption.

This means that IELTS and TOEFL are only two possible routes. In many cases, there may be another route.

When can you study in the Netherlands without IELTS or TOEFL?

1. Your previous education was taught in English

One of the most common ways to avoid IELTS or TOEFL is by proving that your previous education was fully taught in English.

For example, some Erasmus University Rotterdam Master’s programmes state that students with a first or second degree taught in English do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS test report, although the university may still ask for proof if necessary.

Maastricht University also indicates for some Master’s programmes that applicants may meet the English requirement if they hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree where English was the sole language of instruction.

This can be especially useful for students who completed a previous degree in English, for example in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia, or an international university programme elsewhere.

Usually, the university may ask for documents such as:

• a diploma;

• a transcript;

• a statement from your school or university confirming that English was the language of instruction;

• course descriptions showing that your programme was taught in English.

2. Your diploma gives you an exemption

Some Dutch universities use a diploma-based system. This means that certain secondary school diplomas or university degrees may automatically satisfy the English requirement.

The University of Amsterdam, for example, asks Bachelor’s applicants to check whether their previous diploma exempts them from taking an English language test. Individual exemptions may also be possible, but the admissions office makes the final decision after checking the documents.

This is important because two students from the same country may not always have the same result. The exact school system, curriculum, language of instruction and final diploma can matter.

3. You use another English certificate instead of IELTS or TOEFL

Even if you are not exempt, you may not need IELTS or TOEFL specifically. Some Dutch universities accept other English tests.

For example, the University of Groningen accepts several tests for Bachelor’s applicants, including Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Proficiency, IELTS Academic, LanguageCert Academic, Pearson PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT.

This means that a student who already has a Cambridge English certificate may not need to take IELTS or TOEFL again, depending on the programme and required score.

Alternative tests may include:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced;

• Cambridge C2 Proficiency;

• Pearson PTE Academic;

• LanguageCert Academic;

• sometimes other university-approved tests.

Always check the specific programme page, because accepted tests and minimum scores can differ between universities and faculties.

4. You apply for a Dutch-taught programme

If you apply for a Dutch-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programme, IELTS or TOEFL may not be the main issue. Instead, you will normally need to prove that your Dutch is good enough.

For example, Tilburg University explains that English-taught Bachelor’s programmes require proof of English, while Dutch-taught programmes require proof of Dutch.

For international students who already speak Dutch, or who are willing to study Dutch first, this can open up more programme options. Dutch-taught programmes may also have lower competition in some fields, although this depends strongly on the programme.

Examples of Dutch universities where IELTS or TOEFL may not always be necessary

The following universities have admission routes where IELTS or TOEFL may be replaced by exemptions, previous English-taught education, or alternative tests:

VU Amsterdam

For Master’s programmes, applicants may meet the English requirement through previous English-taught education, an accepted test, or a formal exemption.

University of Amsterdam

Some Bachelor’s applicants may be exempt from an English test depending on their previous diploma. Individual exemptions may also be assessed by the admissions office.

University of Groningen

The university accepts several English tests besides IELTS and TOEFL, including Cambridge, LanguageCert and PTE Academic.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Some Master’s programmes allow students with a previous degree taught in English to avoid submitting IELTS or TOEFL, provided that they submit proof.

Maastricht University

Some Master’s programmes may accept previous English-taught education or sufficient English-taught courses as proof, subject to assessment by the admissions board.

University of Twente

The university provides an exemption check, but also clearly states that every case is assessed individually and that the information is not a guarantee.

Important: “No IELTS or TOEFL” does not mean “No English requirement”

This is the most important point.

When a Dutch university says that IELTS or TOEFL may not be required, it usually means one of the following:

• you already meet the English requirement through your previous education;

• your diploma gives you an exemption;

• you can submit another accepted English certificate; or

• the admissions board grants an individual exemption.

It usually does not mean that the university does not care about your English level.

Dutch universities are academically demanding. Students must be able to read academic texts, write essays, participate in discussions and complete exams in English. Therefore, even without IELTS or TOEFL, your English level still matters.

Common mistakes students make

Many students lose time because they misunderstand the English requirement. Common mistakes include:

Assuming that English-taught education is always enough

Some universities require the entire previous degree to be taught in English. Others may only accept degrees from certain countries or institutions.

Submitting the wrong version of a test

Some universities do not accept certain online versions, home editions or one-skill retake versions. For example, the University of Groningen states that it does not accept IELTS Online or IELTS One Skill Retake certificates for its Bachelor’s language requirements.

Applying too late

If the university does not grant an exemption, you may still need time to book and take an English test. The University of Twente warns that exemption cases are individually assessed and are not guaranteed, so students should apply on time.

Checking only the general university page

English requirements may differ by faculty or programme. A Business programme, Law programme, Psychology programme and Engineering programme may have different rules.

Can StudyPath help you apply without IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes. StudyPath helps international students check whether they may be able to apply to Dutch universities without IELTS or TOEFL.

Our support may include:

• checking whether your previous education may qualify for an English-test exemption;

• comparing Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in the Netherlands;

• reviewing university admission requirements;

• helping you prepare documents proving English-taught education;

• checking whether alternative tests such as Cambridge, PTE or LanguageCert are accepted;

• advising on application timing;

• supporting your Studielink and university application process.

For many students, the main challenge is not only finding a programme, but understanding the small details in the admission rules. This is where StudyPath can help.

Conclusion: studying in the Netherlands without IELTS or TOEFL is possible

It is possible to study at a Dutch university without IELTS or TOEFL, but it depends on your personal background and the programme you apply for.

You may not need IELTS or TOEFL if you completed previous education in English, hold a recognised diploma, qualify for an exemption, or can submit another accepted English certificate. However, each university and programme has its own rules, and the final decision is always made by the admissions office.

If you want to study in the Netherlands but are unsure whether you need IELTS or TOEFL, StudyPath can help you assess your options and find a suitable route.

Contact StudyPath today and take the first step towards studying at a Dutch university.