For the Netherlands, is IELTS or TOEFL required?
Neither IELTS nor TOEFL is strictly mandatory on its own for the Netherlands. Universities require proof of English proficiency, and you can choose IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. You may also get a full exemption if your prior education was entirely taught in English.
You do not have to pick between IELTS and TOEFL specifically for Dutch universities, since both are accepted and you can choose whichever suits you better. What actually matters is meeting the minimum score your specific program requires, or qualifying for an exemption.
Minimum Score Requirements
| Test | Bachelor's Minimum | Master's Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Band 6.0 | Band 6.5 to 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | Score 80 | Score 90 to 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | Around 62 | Around 62 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110+, select universities | 110+, select universities |
Ways To Skip The Exam Entirely
- Provide a Medium of Instruction certificate if your school or bachelor's degree was taught fully in English.
- Show citizenship or a degree from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Ireland for automatic exemption.
- Hold an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma, which most Dutch universities accept without testing.
My Advice
Check your target program's own admissions page on the Study in NL portal before booking any test, since exemption rules and minimum scores vary by university and by course, and a needless retest wastes both your time and money.
IELTS, PTE or Duolingo: which does Netherlands accept?
Find out which test your universities accept, and which is easiest for you.
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