English language test

As a prospective student from a non-English-speaking country, you must at least demonstrate a sufficient command of English to study in an academic setting. Most American educational institutions want you to take an English language test for this purpose. Often this will be the TOEFL, but nowadays, more and more universities also accept the IELTS or Duolingo test.

You can take English language tests regularly at test centers in the Netherlands. Nowadays you can also take more and more English language tests online. It is wise to take these tests once before your final exam year, for example in 5 VWO or 4 HAVO. Often universities set minimum requirements for the scores, and you can sometimes get scholarships with a good score. Most test scores remain valid for 2 years.

Tip

Have you recently completed more than two years of full English-language education, such as at an international school? In this case, sometimes you may be exempt from the English language test. This usually does not apply to additional English courses within regular education, such as IB English or a Cambridge certificate. If you think you might be eligible for exemption from an English language test, you can inquire about this with the universities you want to apply to.

Requesting testing accomodations

If you have dyslexia or a disability that makes you need extra time or help with language tests, you can request this through the testing organizations themselves. Be sure to request these testing accommodations at least two months before your scheduled testing date, as requesting testing accommodations is a long procedure. For international students, the procedure is sometimes more complicated.

Learn more about support:

ETS Testing Accomodations

IELTS Testing Accomodations

Duolingo Testing Accomodations

The TOEFL iBT

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures your English communication skills in an academic setting. The final score is given on a scale of 0-120. On the websites of American universities you can find what their minimum and/or required TOEFL score is. Scores are valid for up to two years.

The test takes four hours and consists of four different sections: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking comprehension, and writing comprehension. The difficulty of the test is similar to the HAVO/VWO final exams. Although Dutch students generally score very well on this test, with an average score of 100, it is still wise to prepare well for the test.

Registration and preparation for the TOEFL

Dutch students can take the test at a number of computer test centers in the Netherlands. You can register online through ETS and pay $245. You can take the TOEFL several times a month. Be sure to sign up on time. Especially in the fall, many students take the test and test dates fill up quickly. Within 15 business days, your scores will be available online through the ETS website.

You should also forward your scores to the universities where you will be registering. During registration, you can forward the score report to four institutions for free; for each additional score report, you pay $20. Not sure yet where you want to apply, or want to wait to see the score before forwarding? You can always forward your scores at a later time.

Practice material

We recommend that you prepare the TOEFL well and practice at least a few times. You can download free practice materials at:

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), like the TOEFL, measures how proficient you are at communicating in English. The IELTS is increasingly being accepted by US universities as a test to demonstrate your command of English, but in the US, the TOEFL is, for now, the test with which universities are most familiar. Should you still choose the IELTS, first check to see if the US universities you plan to apply to accept this test. Are you planning to apply for the Campus Scholarship Program? Then the IELTS will not be accepted.

The IELTS Academic Test lasts two hours and 45 minutes and is taken at a test center, both on paper and orally. The test consists of four parts: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking comprehension and writing comprehension. The final score is given on a scale of 0-9. The scores are valid for up to two years.

Registration and preparation IELTS

The IELTS is offered about four times a month and costs $215. You can register online through IELTS. It is wise to register as early as possible because test centers fill up quickly. Within two weeks of taking the test, you will receive a score report. Your scores will be available online through IELTS after 28 days. In addition, IELTS will send your score to up to five educational institutions. If you do not yet know where you want to apply or want your score sent to more than five universities, you can still have your score sent later through IELTS for a small fee.

Practice material

We recommend that you prepare the IELTS well and practice at least a few times. You can download practice materials at

Duolingo

The Duolingo English proficiency test is a relatively new test, but it is being accepted by more and more American universities. Before you enroll, check the list of educational institutions that accept Duolingo to see if your universities are included.

The Duolingo test consists of a 45-minute test that tests your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. You then complete a 10-minute video interview in which you answer a series of open-ended questions. You can take the test online at any time, on a computer with a camera, microphone, and speakers. You also need a valid passport or id card to start the test.

Registration

You take the Duolingo test online and can register for it online at Duolingo. You will receive a score between 10-160. Your test results will be available within 48 hours and your test result will remain valid for two years. The Duolingo test costs $45.

Practice material

On Duolingo’s website, you will find free practice materials to prepare well for the test.

Duolingo English Test