Language requirements

Please note that some courses/programmes have their own requirements regarding English proficiency. It is very important that you check the dedicated pages of each programme to find out requirements you have to meet.

Language requirements for BA and Bsc students

A B2 complex proficiency certificate in English language or a certificate of equal value IELTS 5.5 or higher, TOEFL 60 or higher if the language of instruction is other than English.

Language requirements for master and doctoral level degree programmes

Although the programmes have different language requirements, an advanced level English language knowledge is necessary to get admission to the programmes, as the language of instruction is English.

Advanced level means level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Language knowledge of students are tested through a personal or a Skype interview.

Proof of language knowledge might be requested in the admission criteria of the programmes. Some programmes require a complex (written and oral) language exam at a B2 level in order to get admission. In case the student provides a language exam in a language other than English, he/she will still be obliged to prove their English language skills.

Language requirement for exchange students

Applicants, regardless of the scholarship programmes they are applying through, are required to have a B2 level English language knowledge according the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Although this requirement applies to all levels of education from bachelor to PhD, it is recommended to possess a C1 level English knowledge for the master and doctoral levels.

Applicants have to give information about their language skills upon application. At some Faculties the language knowledge of the applicants might be tested upon arrival.

CEFR Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF or CEFR) was put together by the Council of Europe as a way of standardising the levels of language exams in different regions. It is very widely used internationally and all important exams are mapped to the CEFR.

There are six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. These are described in the table below.

Council of Europe levels	Description
C2 Mastery	The capacity to deal with material which is academic or cognitively demanding, and to use language to good effect at a level of performance which may in certain respects be more advanced than that of an average native speaker. Example: CAN scan texts for relevant information, and grasp main topic of text, reading almost as quickly as a native speaker.
C1 Effective Operational Proficiency	The ability to communicate with the emphasis on how well it is done, in terms of appropriacy, sensitivity and the capacity to deal with unfamiliar topics. Example: CAN deal with hostile questioning confidently. CAN get and hold onto his/her turn to speak.
B2 Vantage	The capacity to achieve most goals and express oneself on a range of topics. Example: CAN show visitors around and give a detailed description of a place.
B1 Threshold	The ability to express oneself in a limited way in familiar situations and to deal in a general way with nonroutine information. Example: CAN ask to open an account at a bank, provided that the procedure is straightforward.
A2 Waystage	An ability to deal with simple, straightforward information and begin to express oneself in familiar contexts. Example: CAN take part in a routine conversation on simple predictable topics.
A1 Breakthrough	A basic ability to communicate and exchange information in a simple way. Example: CAN ask simple questions about a menu and understand simple answers.

Source: www.examenglish.com/CEFR

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