Are you going to come for the exchange programme? Make sure you meet the language requirements in time.
Find out what language requirements apply and what certificates you may need to provide.
English language requirements
Success in your studies requires a high level of English proficiency. Therefore, prospective exchange students are required to prove they have sufficient command of the English language.
Make sure you have provided us with a valid English test result before the application deadline. If you take the test after the application deadline, or you do not have the official English certificate before the deadline, the University of Twente will not process your application. Therefore, make sure to do the test in advance, as it will take time for you to get the official certificate.
As proof that you meet this requirement, you will be asked in the application procedure to upload one of the requested language certificates below. Only these internationally recognised test results will be accepted. Without a valid certificate, your application cannot be processed.
- Intake September 2023 and February 2024
The English language proficiency for the prospective exchange students for the intake of September 2023 and February 2024 is still the same. However, this requirement has been adjusted for the academic year 2024-2025, you can find this information in the next section.
Keep in mind that special conditions may apply to students in UT double degree programmes; please consult your home institution.
- Requirements
- IELTS (academic), not older than two years, with an overall band score of at least 6.0. The IELTS Online test and IELTS Indicator test are not accepted by the University of Twente.
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based), not older than two years, with an overall score of 80. Please note that the University of Twente does not accept the MyBest scores of the TOEFL test. Please note that the University of Twente does not accept the MyBest scores of the TOEFL test. An alternative English test can be the TOEFL iBT (Special) Home Edition test. This test is valid for February 2023, September 2023, and February 2024 intake.
- TOEFL ITP (institutional testing program), Level 1 Intermediate to Advance, not older than two years, with a minimum score of 543.
- TOEIC certificate, not older than two years, contains both modules ‘Speaking and Writing’ with a minimum score of 290 and ‘Listening and Reading’ with a minimum score of 670.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced, formerly known as; Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) obtained with an A, B or C grade. The Cambridge online test is not accepted by the University of Twente.
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency, formerly known as; Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) obtained with an A, B or C grade. The Cambridge online test is not accepted by the University of Twente.
- DAAD language test, not older than two years: with a minimum score GER B2, UNIcert II, ALTE Level 3
- Exemptions
You are exempted from the English language requirement if:
- You are a national from Australia, Canada (English-speaking territories), Denmark, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the UK or the USA.
- You had English as an exam subject during your secondary education. This exemption is depending on your country, please check the country list below to make sure if you must do the additional English language test or not.
- In line with the Dutch Code of Conduct International Student Higher Education, exchange students only need to prove their English proficiency once. This means that if you have met the English language requirements before your enrolment in a full English-taught programme at your current university, you do not need to provide test results. The level of English should be in line with the level referred to in the above-mentioned English tests. In this case, please submit this exemption form that you can find below.
- Intake September 2024 and onwards
The English language requirements have been adjusted for the academic year 2024-2025. The details of proof of English language proficiency accepted for the September 2024 intake and onwards can be found below.
Keep in mind that special conditions may apply to students in UT double degree programmes; please consult your home institution.
- Requirements
- IELTS (academic) certificate, not older than two years, with an overall band score of at least 6.0, and a minimum score on each section of at least 5.5. The IELTS Online test, IELTS Indicator test, and IELTS General Training are not accepted by the University of Twente.
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) certificate, not older than two years, with an overall score of 80, and a minimum score on each section of at least 18. Please note that the University of Twente does not accept the MyBest scores of the TOEFL test. By exception, you can also take the TOEFL iBT (Special) Home Edition test (only valid for the September 2024 intake). This is only the case when you cannot use a regular language test as listed in this table because the onsite language test centre is closed because of unsafe situations in your country.
- TOEFL ITP (institutional testing program) Level 1 Intermediate to Advance, not older than two years, with a minimum score of at least 543, and a minimum subscore on each section as follows:
- Listening comprehension (54)
- Structure and written expression (53)
- Reading comprehension (56)
- TOEIC certificate, not older than two years, containing both modules ‘Speaking and Writing’ with a minimum score of 290 and ‘Listening and Reading’ with a minimum score of 670.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced, formerly known as; Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) from 2015 onwards (when the subscores were introduced). Obtained with an overall score of at least 169 and a minimum score on each section of at least 162. The Cambridge online test is not accepted by the University of Twente.
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency, formerly known as; Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE) from 2015 onwards (when the subscores were introduced). Obtained an A, B or C grade, with an overall score of at least 169 and a minimum score on each section of at least 162. The Cambridge online test is not accepted by the University of Twente.
- DAAD language test: GER B2, UNIcert II, ALTE Level 3, not older than two years.
- Exemptions
You are exempted from the English language requirement if:
- Do you want to know if you are exempted from taking an English test? Check out the tool on the Student Services website. Note: this only applies to students who already have a bachelor's degree from another institution and students who want to follow master's courses at UT.
- You have English as an exam subject during your secondary education. This exemption depends on your country, please check our country list to make sure if you must do the additional English language test or not.
- You have English as an exam subject, up until the final year, and you have studied the last three years of your secondary education in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (English-speaking part), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America. Also, check our country list for the specific requirements when studying in one of these countries.
- You have physically attended and obtained a three-year bachelor’s degree in one of the countries exempted by the UT. When your awarding institution is in one of these countries, but your teaching institution is not, you are not exempted. The same rule applies to distance (online) education.
- Students with an EEA nationality studying at a university that is part of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) can be exempted from providing one of the above-mentioned tests by providing the following exemption form provided by their home university on which the English language proficiency is stated according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Please note, your English language proficiency must be at least at the same level as the above-mentioned tests.
- In line with the Dutch Code of Conduct International Student Higher Education, exchange students only need to prove their English proficiency once. This means that if you have met the English language requirements before your enrolment in a full English-taught programme at your current university, you do not need to provide test results. The level of English should be in line with the level referred to in the above-mentioned English tests. In this case, please submit this exemption form. Please make sure that the exemption form is stamped and signed by the (departmental) Erasmus+ coordinator of your home university, your mobility coordinator and/or nominator. Note: This is only valid until the September 2024 intake, for February 2025 intake and onwards are still under evaluation.
KEEP IN MIND
- During your application, the University of Twente will verify your proof of English proficiency. The IELTS (academic) and TOEFL iBT are only accepted once it is not older than two years. Since your application will not be immediately reviewed, please kindly make sure that your English certificate is still valid for at least one month after you have submitted your application to Mobility Online. Please note: In some cases, it might take longer before your application is reviewed.
- Special conditions may apply to students in UT double degree programmes; please consult your home institution.
Country List
If you had English as an exam subject during your secondary education, you might be exempted from the mandatory language test. This exemption depends on your country.
- Select your country listed below
- Australia
Diploma
Higher School Certificate / Queensland Certificate of Education / South Australian Certificate of Education / Qualifications Certificate or Tasmanian Certificate of Education / Victorian Certificate of Education / Western Australian Certificate of Education / ACT Year 12 Certificate / Northern Territory Certificate of Education in combination with an ATAR score exceeding 85 or an OP ranging from 1 to 7.
Language Requirement
You have had English as a subject up until your final year and you studied the subject for the last two years of your secondary education. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Austria
Diploma
Reifezeugnis or Reifeprüfungszeugnis awarded by an Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule
Language Requirement
When English is followed as an exam subject on the national exam students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Belgium (Flanders)
Diploma
Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, richting Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs (ASO).
Language requirement
When English is followed as an exam subject on ASO students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Canada
Diploma
This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, kindly email us if you have secondary diploma from Canada, to make sure if the exemption applies to you. Otherwise, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Denmark
Diploma
Studentereksamenbevis (STX) or Bevis for Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF).
Language requirement
When English B (Middle Level) is followed as an exam subject on STX or HF, students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Estonia
Diploma
Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus and Riigieksamitunnistus.
Language requirement
When English is followed as an exam subject on the national exam students obtained a minimum score of 75% (B2 CEFR Level), you are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Finland
Diploma
Ylioppilastuskintotodistus / Studentexamenbevis.
Language requirement
When English is followed as a national matura exam subject on the national exam students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Germany
Diploma
Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife.
Language requirement
To be exempted from providing an additional English language test, English must be followed as an exam subject (Abiturprüfungsfach). If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Hungary
Diploma
Gimnáziumi Érettségi Bizonyítvány.
Language requirement
When English is followed as an Advanced Level exam subject on the national exam, students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Ireland
Diploma
Leaving Certificate Established (LCE):
- The LC has been obtained in at least 6 Leaving Certificate Established Subjects.
- The student got at least a result of grade 5 at Higher Level for at least 2 subjects. These subjects should be (applied) mathematics and one elective compulsory subject, such as physics, chemistry, and/or biology.
- The student got at least a result of grade 6 at Ordinary Level or grade 7 at Higher Level for the other 4 subjects. Being English mandatory and three other elective compulsory subject(s), such as physics, chemistry, and/or biology.
- A minimum of 350 CAO points have been achieved.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP):
- At least 6 subjects and the Link Modules have been passed.
- The student got at least a result of grade 5 at Higher Level for at least 2 subjects. These subjects should be (applied) mathematics and one elective compulsory subject, such as physics, chemistry, and/or biology.
- The student got at least a result of grade 6 at Ordinary Level or grade 7 at Higher Level for the other 4 subjects. Being English mandatory and three other elective compulsory subject(s), such as physics, chemistry, and/or biology.
- A minimum of 350 CAO points have been achieved.
Language requirement
Students are exempted from the English language requirement when English is followed as an exam subject as mentioned above. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Latvia
Diploma
Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību
Language requirement
Students with the diploma obtained ≥ 2023
When English is followed as a national exam subject (I or II) and obtained on level C1 or B2 (≥ 70%) on the national exam students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
Students with the diploma obtained ≤ 2022
When English is followed as an exam subject and obtained on level C2, C1 or B2 on the national exam students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Lithuania
Diploma
Brandos Atestatas.
Language requirement
When English is followed as a national state exam subject and obtained on level C1 or B2 (≥ 36%) on the national exam students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Luxembourg
Diploma
Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires - academic stream (enseignement secondaire classique) or technical stream (enseignement secondaire général).
Language requirement
When English is followed as an exam subject students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- New Zealand
Diploma
New Zealand University Entrance with National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA) at Level 3
Language requirement
You are exempted from taking an additional English language test if you have taken the approved subject English on level 3 and have obtained at least 14 credits or 10 credits in English Literacy from the standards (5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing). If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Norway
Diploma
Vitnemal for Videregaende Skole (Secondary School Certificate)
Language requirement
When English is followed as an exam subject up until Vg3 students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Romania
Diploma
Diploma de Bacalaureat (obtained after 2005)
Language requirement
When English is followed as a national exam subject in the final year students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Slovakia
Diploma
Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej Skuske obtained at a Gymnazium.
Language requirement
When English is followed as a national state exam subject and obtained on level C1 or B2 students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- Sweden
Diploma
Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskolan.
Language requirement
Students are exempted when English is followed at 5, 6 and 7. English 7 should be obtained with a minimum C grade. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- United Kingdom | England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Language requirement
When English as a subject obtained at (I)GCSE or GCE (O-, AS-, A2-Level) with an A, B or C score you are exempted from the English language test. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- United Kingdom | Scotland
Language requirement
When English is followed as a Higher or Advanced Higher National Course (and is obtained with an A, B, C, or D score) students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.
- United States of America
Language requirement
When student have had English as a subject up until your final year, and you studied the subject for the last three years of your secondary education in the USA High School Diploma curriculum, students are exempted from the English language requirement. If not, please see our language requirements at the top of this page for how to meet this requirement.