Language requirement | Admission requirements

Are you going to study a Dutch or English master's? Make sure you meet the language requirements of the study in time.

Find out what language requirements apply and what certificates you may need to provide.

Dutch language requirements

The University of Twente has several Dutch-taught (pre-)master’s programmes. These programmes have a Dutch language requirement, besides the English language requirement.

To the Dutch-taught master's programmes

English language requirements

Success in your studies requires a high level of English proficiency. Therefore, prospective master's students with an international degree must meet the English language requirement. The application will only be processed when the English language requirements have been met, the University of Twente does not offer possible conditional admission if the English language requirement is not met.

If you take the test after the application deadline, or you do not have the official English certificate before the application 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.

IELTS (academic) certificate, not older than two years, with an overall band score of at least 6.5, and a minimum score on each section of at least 6.0. The IELTS Online test, IELTS Indicator test, IELTS One Skill Retake, 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 90, and a minimum score on each section of at least 21. 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 2025 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.

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 176 and a minimum score on each section of at least 169. Both the ‘digital or paper-based’ are 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 176 and a minimum score on each section of at least 169. Both the ‘digital or paper-based’ are accepted by the University of Twente.

PTE Academic certificate, not older than two years, with an overall score of at least 63, and a minimum score on each section of 59 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). Only the standard PTE Academic test is accepted. The PTE Core and PTE Academic Online are not accepted by the University of Twente. Please note: PTE Academic will only be accepted from the September 2026 intake onwards.

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 Osiris. Please note: In some cases, it might take longer before your application is reviewed.
The language requirements when applying for a scholarship may be different because scholarship providers may have different requirements.
If you are a native English speaker and/or you have (fully) completed your education in English, you also have to meet the specific English language requirement.

English language exemptions

All officially recognised exemptions to the standard English language requirements are clearly outlined on the University's website. Please consult the English Language Tool to determine whether any of the listed exceptions may apply to your situation.

Please note that individual requests for waivers outside the stated exceptions cannot be considered, as the University of Twente does not offer English waivers.

Make sure to answer the follow-up questions after selecting your country. Selecting your country alone does not automatically entitle you to an exemption, as it forms only one part of the overall assessment.