Which English test should I take for Dutch universities?

IELTS Academic is the safest choice — it's accepted by every Dutch university. TOEFL iBT is also universally accepted. PTE Academic is accepted by a growing number of institutions. Cambridge is great if you want a result that doesn't expire. Always check your specific programme's requirements.

What is the minimum IELTS score for Dutch universities?

It depends on the university and programme. Research universities (WO) typically require IELTS 6.0 to 7.0. Universities of applied sciences (HBO) usually require 6.0. Competitive programmes like law, psychology, or humanities at top universities may require 7.0 or higher.

Can I use IELTS General Training instead of Academic?

No. Dutch universities require IELTS Academic. The General Training version is designed for immigration and work purposes and is not accepted for university admission in the Netherlands.

Do I need English if I studied in English before?

Possibly not. If you completed secondary education or a degree in English in a recognised English-speaking country, you may be exempt. You'll typically need an official letter confirming the language of instruction. Each university has its own exemption policy, so always confirm.

How old can my test score be?

Most Dutch universities require test results to be no older than 2 years at the time of enrolment. Cambridge certificates are the exception — they don't expire.

What if I don't meet the minimum score?

Options include retaking the test, applying to a programme with a lower requirement, or checking if the university offers a pre-sessional English course or foundation year. Some universities allow conditional admission if you're close to the minimum.

English Proficiency Guide

English Language Requirements

Which English tests Dutch universities accept, what scores you need, common exemptions, and mistakes to avoid — everything in one place.

Disclaimer: Most English-taught programmes in the Netherlands require proof of English proficiency, but the accepted tests, minimum scores, sub-scores, exemptions, and validity rules can differ per university, faculty, and programme. Always follow the exact instructions on your programme page.

What Counts as “Proof of English”

Across Dutch institutions, these tests are generally accepted (specific programme rules still apply):

Cambridge English

e.g., C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency

IELTS Academic

TOEFL iBT

Pearson PTE Academic

LanguageCert Academic

TOEIC

Often more common at universities of applied sciences

Typical Minimum Scores (Examples, Not Universal)

Minimum scores vary widely by programme level and selectivity. Here are real examples from Dutch institutions to show the range:

University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Research University

IELTS Academic: 6.5 (subscores 6.0) or 7.0 (subscores 6.5)
TOEFL iBT: 92 (subscores 22) or 100 (higher subscores)
Cambridge C1 Advanced: 180 / 190 depending on programme type

University of Twente (UT)

Research University (Bachelor's example)

IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall (min 5.5 each section)
TOEFL iBT: 80 overall (min 18 each section)
Also accepts: PTE Academic / LanguageCert with stated minimums

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS)

University of Applied Sciences (programme example)

IELTS Academic: 6.0 (min 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 80 (min 20)

Key: Some programmes aim around B2, others effectively require C1 level performance — check the university's programme page for confirmation.

Common Exemptions

Exemptions are programme-specific, but commonly include:

Fully English-taught education

Completing fully English-taught education in specific countries (rules vary).

Certain diplomas

e.g., International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate with English requirements met.

Prior education assessed as English-taught

Some institutions may assess whether your prior education was taught completely in English and accept that as proof in certain cases.

Validity and Timing

Don't let your certificate expire

The 2-Year Rule

Many institutions only accept tests that are not older than 2 years (and may require that it remains valid during review).

Also, some universities set earlier submission deadlines for non-EU/EEA applicants (for example, UvA states a separate earlier date for providing proof in some cases).

Versions and Formats That Often Get Rejected

Even if your score is high, you can be rejected if you submit the wrong test format.

IELTS General Training

IELTS Academic is usually required — General Training is typically not accepted for university admission.

Certain online / indicator / retake variants

Some institutions do not accept certain online, indicator, or retake variants. Rules vary per university.

TOEFL "best scores" style reporting

Some institutions do not accept TOEFL "best scores" style reporting. Rules vary per university.

Quick Checklist Before You Book a Test

1
Confirm which tests your programme accepts
2
Confirm minimum overall score + minimum sub-scores
3
Confirm validity window (often 2 years)
4
Confirm accepted format (in-person/online/retake rules)
5
Plan for score delivery time (and possible retake buffer)

Not Sure Which Test to Take?

StudyPath helps you figure out exactly what your target programme requires — so you don't waste time or money on the wrong test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally accepted tests include Cambridge English (e.g., C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency), IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE Academic, LanguageCert Academic, and TOEIC (often more common at universities of applied sciences). Specific programme rules still apply — always check your programme page.

Minimum scores vary widely by programme level and selectivity. For example, UvA requires IELTS 6.5 (subscores 6.0) or 7.0 (subscores 6.5) depending on programme; UT requires IELTS 6.0 (min 5.5 each section) for some bachelor's programmes; AUAS targets B2 level with IELTS 6.0 (min 5.5). Some programmes aim around B2, others effectively require C1 level performance.

Exemptions are programme-specific but commonly include completing fully English-taught education in specific countries, certain diplomas like the International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate with English requirements met, or having prior education assessed as taught completely in English.

Many institutions only accept tests that are not older than 2 years (and may require that it remains valid during review). Some universities set earlier submission deadlines for non-EU/EEA applicants.

Even if your score is high, you can be rejected if you submit the wrong format. IELTS General Training is typically not accepted (Academic is usually required). Some institutions do not accept certain online/indicator/retake variants or TOEFL "best scores" style reporting. Rules vary per university.

Some programmes aim around B2, others effectively require C1 level performance. Check the university's programme page for confirmation of what level is expected.