The minimum required level of English proficiency is a Dutch pre-university (VWO) exam with an unrounded grade of a 7.0. A pre-defined number of foreign diplomas meet this requirement, see the admissions requirements per diploma.

Accepted alternatives, based on official documentation are:


  • TOEFL (Only internet-based exam scores are accepted): minimum overall score 80, minimum subscore 18 Reading & Listening, 20 for Speaking and 21 for Writing. The online TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is also accepted. Please note that the ITP TOEFL test is not accepted as it does not test the speaking abilities of the candidate. 
  • IELTS (Only academic exam scores are accepted): minimum overall score 6.5, minimum sub-score 6.0 (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing).
  • Cambridge: B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE)/ C2 Proficiency (CPE) with minimum overall score of 170 and minimum subscores of 170 (reading, listening, writing, speaking) or C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher) with minimum overall score 170 and minimum subscores of 170 (reading, listening, writing, speaking).

Other tests, such as Michigan English or Duolingo are not accepted
The test results of IELTS and TOEFL must not be older than 2 years. All sub-scores must meet the minimum requirements within one exam, meaning that scores of two exams may not be combined to reach sufficient scores from different categories of the exam. 


NOTE:

 

  • Applicants who intend to prove their proficiency in the English language by taking an exam are expected to upload their certificate via the IBA Online Application system no later than 15 March. Documents submitted after 15 March will not be accepted.
  • Take into account that test dates at the test centres can fill up quickly, particularly during peak testing periods. Therefore we urge you to register to take the test as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to receive the results of your test.


Exemption


You are exempt from taking an English language test if:


  • You have been taught in English for at least 2.5 years during your secondary school programme in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa (English Home Language). 
  • You have an IB English A Standard Level Certificate with grade 5 or higher or IB English A Higher Level certificate with grade 4 or higher.
    For other diplomas see admissions requirements per diploma. If this does not apply to you, you may prove your English by taking an English language test. 


Possessing a passport from an English speaking country without having English language education does not grant exemption from an English language exam.