Students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and produce written work in English. Applicants are therefore required to submit proof of sufficient proficiency in English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): level C1).

Proof of sufficient English language proficiency

The requirement for sufficient English language proficiency can be met in the following ways :

1.      By completing fully English-taught secondary education in Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America;
2.      By obtaining an International Baccalaureate DP diploma with English as an IB exam subject
3.      By obtaining a European Baccalaureate diploma, with the subject English as first or second language (minimum final score result: 6);
4.      By obtaining a French Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général with Baccalauréat Francais Internationale (BFI) or Option Internationale du Baccaluréat (OIB), section britannique/américaine;
5.      By submitting a valid English language proficiency test certificate. Please see below for the approved tests and minimum scores.

If your diploma is not mentioned above, or if you are applying to the PPLE programme, please consult the diploma calculator to see if your prior education exempts you from taking the English language proficiency test.

Exemptions on an individual basis are possible. If you think you are entitled to exemption to the rules mentioned above, please enter your prior education in detail in the application form. The Central Admissions Office will make a final decision after checking your documentation.

UvA approved English language proficiency tests and minimum test scores

Other test versions or modules are not accepted. Examples of these include but are not limited to: IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online, TOEFL Home Edition, TOEFL MyBestScores.

Please note:
The test must have been taken less than two years before the start date of the Bachelor programme. Test results obtained prior to 1 September 2023 will not be accepted. 
Take enough time to prepare for the test.

Deadline
The deadline for providing the UvA with an English language test certificate with sufficient scores for non-selective Bachelor's programmes is: 1 April for non-EU/EEA applicants, and 1 May for EU-EEA applicants. Make sure to book your test at least one month before the deadline, but the earlier the better. We cannot accept applications without English proficiency test results (if required).

Online test results verification

For a timely verification of your English proficiency test results make sure to include the following documents in your application file:

• IELTS test takers: Official test results certificate including the TRF number.
• TOEFL iBT test takers: Official test results certificate including the appointment number
• Cambridge C1 Advanced test takers: Official test results certificate including the reference or validation number.