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.
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- 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.
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- TOEFL ITP (institutional testing program) Level 1 Intermediate to Advance, with a minimum score of 543.
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- TOEIC containing both modules ‘Speaking and Writing’ with a minimum score of 670 and ‘Listening and Reading’ with a minimum score of 290.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- DAAD language test: GER B2, UNIcert II, ALTE Level 3.
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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:
- You are a national from Australia, Canada (English-speaking territories), Denmark, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, UK or USA.
- 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.