English language proficiency

English test requirement for all non-native speakers

All non-native speakers of English applying to English taught programmes of the GSSS (Dutch and foreign students) are required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English.

Applicants with a nationality other than American, Australian, British, Canadian, Irish or New Zealand - as proven by the identity papers submitted - are required to submit an English test score meeting the entry requirements as specified below.

An exception is made for:

• Applicants who have obtained their BA degree in the USA, Australia, UK, Canada, Ireland or New Zealand.
• Dutch students applying to an MSc programme or track offering the possibility to hand in written work in Dutch:
  • MSc Cultural and Social Anthropology
  • MSc Human Geography: all tracks
  • MSc Political Science: all tracks (excluding MSc Conflict Resolution and Governance)
  • MSc Sociology: general track only (excluding all other tracks)
  • MSc Urban and Regional Planning
• UvA students of the College Sociale Wetenschappen (CSW) who completed the CSW English Refresher course, or passed the entry examination for this course.
• Students who have obtained or will obtain a fully English taught Bachelor's degree at one of the following institutes, with entry requirements or exit qualifications meeting the entry language proficiency requirements of our MSc programmes:
  • Amsterdam University College
  • Leiden University College
  • Roosevelt Academy Middelburg
  • Tilburg University
  • University College Maastricht
  • University College Utrecht
  • Erasmus University College

The students mentioned above do not have to submit an English test score. This exemption does not apply to other students or programmes.

All other applicants are expected to submit an English test score. Inability to do so will prevent enrolment.

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:

• TOEFL International - internet-based test (IBT)
• TOEFL International - paper-based test (PBT)
• IELTS Academic
• C1 Advanced, formerly known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

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.

International test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL)

There are two different types of TOEFL tests: the international test and the institutional test. Only international TOEFL test scores are accepted.

Scores

• Internet-based test: minimum total score 100; minimum score on each component 24
  (components are: listening, structure/writing, reading, and speaking)
• Paper-based test (taken July 2017 or later): minimum score on each component 24; there is no minimum total score
  (components are: listening, structure/writing, and reading)
• TOEFL reporting code
  The TOEFL reporting code for the University of Amsterdam is 9011. Students will need to enter this code on their answer sheets when sitting for the examination. If asked for a department code, please indicate none, or 99 (any department not listed). 

Costs
The TOEFL test costs approximately € 225,-.

More information
For more information, please visit the TOEFL website.

International English language testing system (IELTS) Academic

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.

Cambridge international examinations

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.