Applicants with a bachelor's degree obtained outside of the Netherlands must show proficiency in the English language and demonstrate this by means of an English proficiency test. The following tests are accepted:

• TOEFL iBT 
• TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition (EEA applicants only)
• Academic IELTS
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or 
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE)

The test score report needs to prove that the test was taken no longer than 2 years before the application. The accepted minimal scores of each test can be found below:

Only the above mentioned English proficiency tests are accepted. English proficiency tests not mentioned in the list and/or tests that were taken more than two years ago will not be accepted.

Please note that online tests are not currently accepted for visa and immigration purposes. If you are a non-EEA student and require a residence permit or visa to study in the Netherlands, we strongly recommend taking a test at an official test centre. We do not accept alternative test formats, such as IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL Home Edition, or TOEFL MyBest Scores, among others.

EEA students, however, are permitted to use online test versions of the relevant IELTS and TOEFL tests.

Exemption from the English proficiency requirement

Below you will find reasons for exemption from the English proficiency requirement:

• You have obtained your diploma in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, South-Africa, United Kingdom (with the exception of commonwealth countries and territories) or the United States of America. 
• English was your first language during your secondary school education for at least 2,5 years in one of the above mentioned countries.
• You have obtained a Dutch VWO diploma in the Netherlands and English was one of your exam subjects.
• You have obtained Dutch four year HBO diploma in the Netherlands including an English language course.

Please note: The Examination Board makes the final decision on granting you an exemption for the English language test based on the above mentioned criteria. Erasmus School of Economics does not offer any preparatory English courses.

An American university in a country that is not mentioned in the list above does not grant you exemption.