Language requirements to study abroad
If you are going to study abroad, you may be required to prove that you have the language skills needed to be successful in your studies.
You have to pay attention to the language requirement at both the partner university and Tilburg University. Please read the below information carefully to find out what applies to your situation.
What is the language requirement at the partner university?
Students will have to meet a language proficiency requirement as set by the host university. Sometimes you may need to provide a certificate to prove this. The minimum requirement can often be found on the host university website - search for incoming exchange student information, or by checking with studyabroad@tilburguniversity.edu.
It is important to find out early what this requirement is. Sometimes you need to take additional courses or sign up for a test, therefore obtaining a certificate can take time.
In addition to the partner university requirement, Tilburg University expects you meet a certain language requirement as well.
Meeting Tilburg University's language level expectation
In addition to the host university requirement, Tilburg University expects the following language level from you before commencing your exchange:
- Bachelor students: B2 CEFR
- Master students: C1 CEFR
If the host university requirement is set below these levels, Tilburg University has the expectation that you take additional courses up to this level. These expectations are set in place to increase your chances of having a successful academic experience abroad.
How do I obtain the required language certificate?
Taking courses taught in English:
Tilburg University already considers all its students to have a minimum level of B2 CEFR in English. Some partner universities therefore do not require you to take an additional test. You are automatically provided with a statement regarding this during your pre-departure phase.
Sometimes you need to obtain a higher level than B2 CEFR, or you need to prove your language level by submitting a certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS. It is the decision of the partner university what kind of proof they are willing to accept. Below you can find more information on how to obtain a specific certificate.
Taking courses in any language other than English:
After being accepted for a destination, and before the start of your exchange, you are always required to provide a certificate showing that you meet the minimum language requirement.
How do I obtain that certificate?
Take a test at the Language Center
If you feel your language skills are already up to the required standard, you can take a test at our Language Center. Upon successful completion of the test, you will be awarded a Language Proficiency Report which will state your obtained CEFR level.
Take a language course at the Language Center
You are allowed to study for a maximum of 12 ECTS at our Language Center for free. After you have successfully passed a language course, you may request a Language Proficiency Report which will state your obtained CEFR level. Check the Language Center website for the course offer. In the event that they do not offer courses up to the required level, you may need to take additional language courses with an external provider.
- If the partner university requires you to take a language test at a specific language test center (e.g. TOEFL or Academic IELTS) you will have to take this test with an external provider and obtain the required test score in order to be accepted at the partner university. More information about the official test centers in the Netherlands can be found below.
| Test centers | |
| TOEFL | Amsterdam, Diemen and Den Bosch, and at home |
| Cost: approximately $ 250 (Internet Based Test) | |
| www.toefl.org | |
| Tilburg University Code: 9860 | |
| Academic IELTS | Amsterdam, Den Bosch, Barendrecht, Eindhoven, Zwolle |
| Cost: approximately € 195 | |
| www.ielts.org |
Please note that as of 2023, Tilburg University's Language Center is no longer a TOEFL test location.