English proficiency test

Although the study programmes are taught in Dutch, most of the literature and some of the lectures are in English. Therefore all prospective students must be proficient in English and should take an English proficiency test, unless you are exempted from this requirement. Exempted are:

• Those who have obtained their diploma in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America.
• Those who have obtained their diploma in a country of the European Economic Area (EEA), or in Switzerland.

With a diploma from a country where English is the official language of instruction, or with one of the following diploma's you can also get exemption from the English proficiency test:

• International Baccalaureate: 
  - at least English A (SL/HL) 
  - provided that English has been the instruction language: at least English B (SL/HL)  
• Aruba: VWO diploma
• Israel: Te’údat Bagrut with at least 4 study units for English
• Morroco: Licence diploma in English
• Netherlands Antilles: VWO diploma
• Surinam: VWO diploma

Please send a request for exemption from the English proficiency test together with a copy of the diploma + transcript (list of grades) to:
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Admission Office
Binnengasthuisstraat 9
1012 ZA Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Please note: your request for exemption from the English proficiency test can only be taken into consideration after you have completed the application form on this website.

We advise you to first make sure you have passed the test before paying the application fee (if applicable).

Accepted tests and test scores

The following three tests are accepted as proof of proficiency in English:

• TOEFL
• Cambridge International Examinations
• IELTS (academic module)

Please note the minimum scores mentioned below. For information on how to take the English proficiency test, please contact the testing institute directly.
We only accept official test results, copies will not be held in consideration. Make sure the testing institute sends the test results directly to the Admission Office of the Universiteit van Amsterdam.

• TOEFL

Students should have a minimum score of:

• 570 for the paper test; 
• 230 for the computer test;
• or 89 for the Internet test.

The TOEFL reporting number of the Admission Office of the Universiteit van Amsterdam is 9011. Students will need to enter this code on their answer sheets of the examination.

See the TOEFL website for more information on the test and the location of test centres. To make an appointment for taking a TOEFL test in the Netherlands, please contact Prometric in Lelystad, phone: +31 (0)320 23 9540. For information about examinations, study materials and an information bulletin please contact CITO in Arnhem, telephone: +31 (0)26 352 1480.

• Cambridge International Examinations

Students taking one of the Cambridge International Examinations should have the following results:

• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): scores A and B+
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): scores A, B and C 

See the website below for more information and for authorised Cambridge exam centres near you.

• IELTS

Students taking the IELTS test should have a minimum score of 6.5. See the IELTS website for more information and for the addresses of IELTS test centres.

Applicants for regular Dutch taught study programmes have to meet other requirements as well. Please read the information below carefully.