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English Language Requirements for exchange students

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.

Online English tests during COVID-19

We acknowledge the difficulties experienced worldwide in taking the compulsory language test, due to the Covid-19 situation. Alternative English tests can be the TOEFL iBT (Special) Home Edition test. This test is valid for February 2023, September 2023, and February 2024 intake, available everywhere that TOEFL iBT testing is normally available.

Please note that other online English language tests (i.e. IELTS Indicator test, Cambridge online test, etc.) will not be accepted. 

English language requirements

Exchange students are required to prove they have sufficient command of the English language by providing one of the following documents:

Success in your studies requires a high level of English proficiency. Please make sure to do the test in advance, as it will take time for you to get the official certificate.

  • TOEFL iBT (internet-based) with an overall score of 80. Please note that the University of Twente does not accept the MyBest scores of the TOEFL test. 
  • TOEFL ITP (institutional testing program) Level 1 Intermediate to Advance, with a minimum score of 543.
  • TOEIC containing both modules ‘Speaking and Writing’ with a minimum score of 670 and ‘Listening and Reading’ with a minimum score of 290.
  • 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: GER B2, UNIcert II, ALTE Level 3.

Note: IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC and DAAD test results must be less than two years old at the time of your exchange application at our university.

In addition to that, special conditions may apply to students in UT double degree programmes; please consult your home institution.

Exemptions

You are exempted from the English language requirement if:

Exemption during COVID-19

ONLY FOR THE COMING SEMESTER: 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.

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
    • 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.

    • 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 was followed as an exam subject on the national exam students and you obtained a minimum score of 75%, 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

      When English is completed as an exam subject Prüfungsvak 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.

    • 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.

    • Latvia

      Diploma

      Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību 

      Language requirement

      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.

    • 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.

    • 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.