English language proficiency
All students must be able to read academic texts, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English. Applicants are therefore required to have sufficient proficiency in English (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): level C1).
Applicants are required to submit an English test score meeting these entry requirements (see below for the tests and scores). Inability to do so will prevent enrolment.
The following applicants are exempted from the requirement to submit an English test score:
Applicants can request a waiver from the requirement to submit an English test score, together with their application to the programme of their choice, if:
The waiver request will be evaluated by the admissions committee. Applicants who have other proof of English language proficiency can bring this to the attention of the admissions committee.
Please note that submitting a waiver request does not mean that the admissions committee will decide to grant the request, and that the committee’s decisions are final.
Please note that we will need to receive the official English test score report one month before the start of the programme at the latest (so the test score does not have to be submitted before the application deadline).
The following tests are accepted:
Chinese students are strongly recommended to take either the IELTS test or the TOEFL IBT, as one of these tests is required for their visa application.
Way of submitting score
Official scores should be sent by regular mail directly by the testing organisation.
If you took the test more than two years ago, please make sure to add a scan or photocopy of your test score to your online application file and describe any relevant experience, showing that you have been practicing your English since the time the test was taken. The admissions committee will then decide whether a waiver of this requirement can be granted.
Please note that third year Bachelor students of the UvA can do an IELTS test and receive a reimbursement of part of the IELTS fee. Please see below for more information about this ELTS test and the reimbursement.
IELTS test for third year Bachelor students of UvA
There are two different types of TOEFL tests: the international test and the institutional test. Only international TOEFL test scores are accepted.
Scores
Costs
The TOEFL test costs approximately € 225,-.
More information
For more information, please visit the TOEFL website.
The IELTS examination is organised by the British Council. Students can contact the nearest British Council centre in their home country to register for this test.
IELTS is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The GSSS only accepts Academic test scores.
Scores
A minimum of 7.0 for the test, with a minimum of 7.0 for each test component.
Costs
The IELTS test currently costs approximately € 225,-. The University of Amsterdam offers its third year bachelor students a reimbursement.
More information
For more information, students in the Netherlands can contact the British Language Training Centre (BLTC).
Students in the rest of the world can contact The British Council.
Students can also take one of the English exams of Cambridge Assessment English, whose examinations are available in more than 150 countries.
We accept the following Cambridge exams: C1 Advanced, formerly known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). We do not accept the B2 First (FCE) test.
Scores
C1 Advanced (CAE): minimum score of B, and C2 Proficiency (CPE): minimum score of C
Costs
The Cambridge test costs approximately € 225,- for C1 Advanced/CAE and € 245,- for C2 Proficiency/CPE.
More information
For more information, students in the Netherlands can contact the British Language Training Centre (BLTC).
Students in the rest of the world can contact: Cambridge Assessment English.