Certificates
You meet our language requirement if you’ve been awarded one of these certificates:
- IELTS Academic: at least 6.0 for each section and for the overall band score. We only accept results from official IELTS test centres.
- TOEFL iBT: at least 20 for each section and a total score of 80 or higher. We do not accept the Home Edition.
- TOEIC: at least 167 for speaking and writing, and at least 432 for listening and reading.
- Cambridge First (FCE) or higher: at least 169 for each section and overall score.
Student Affairs will ask you to upload or email your certificate. Other certificates are not accepted.
If you already have a certificate, make sure it is valid before you start your programme. Most certificates are valid for two years. Cambridge certificates are sometimes valid for longer.
When do you automatically meet the language requirement?
You automatically meet the requirement if:
- English is your first language and the national language of the country where you gained your secondary school leaving certificate, or
- You completed an English-taught preparatory programme and earned a certificate equivalent to at least secondary level or pre-university level (HAVO or VWO in the Dutch system), or
- You attended secondary school in the Netherlands or the Dutch Caribbean and passed English as a final examination subject at secondary or pre-university level (HAVO or VWO). English at MBO-4 level is not accepted*, or
- You obtained a first-year certificate (propedeuse) from an English-taught programme in the Netherlands, or
- You graduated from an English-taught bachelor’s programme or an English-taught associate degree, or
- Your programme is listed on the official Diploma List, and you took English as an examination subject.
Student Affairs will ask you to upload or email your school leaving or graduation certificate.
*If you’re following an MBO 4 programme and taking English at a higher level (HAVO), you may still meet the language requirement. Use this form to check whether you’re taking a test at the right level. Have the form completed and send it to us.
Take your language test as soon as possible
If you need to take a language test, register early. This will help because:
- Waiting times for test dates and results can be long, especially in summer.
- You’ll still have time to resit the test if needed.
- You’ll know sooner whether you can enrol in your programme.
- You can meet the deadlines: 31 August for submitting proof of language skills, or 31 May if you need a residence permit to study at ArtEZ.
If you are dyslexic or have low vision, you may be able to take a modified test. Ask the language centre where you plan to take the test as soon as possible.
Questions
If you have questions about the language requirement, contact Student Affairs at studentenzaken@artez.nl.