Language Requirements
If you are applying for one of our bachelor’s programmes you will have to demonstrate sufficient language proficiency. You are therefore asked for a language test unless you qualify for one of the exemptions as specified below.
For English taught programmes, you only have to meet the English Language requirements. For Dutch taught bachelor programmes, you have to meet both the Dutch and English Language requirements.
English requirements
The English language requirements apply to all bachelor's programmes, both English and Dutch taught.
Accepted English tests
Wageningen University accepts the following minimum test results and diplomas as proof of your English language proficiency.
| IELTS Academic Test (IELTS online test and IELTS One Skill Retake results are not accepted) | overall grade 6.0, with a minimum sub-score of 6.0 for speaking |
| TOEFL iBT (TOEFL Home Edition and MyBest scores are not accepted) | total score 80, with a minimum sub-score of 20 for speaking |
| Cambridge FCE/B2 First | score between 169-190 |
| Cambridge CAE/C1 Advanced | score between 169-210 |
| Cambridge CPE/C2 Proficiency | score between 180-230 |
| Dutch VWO diploma | Engelse taal en literatuur |
| Dutch HAVO diploma | Engelse taal en literatuur grade 7 |
IELTS and TOEFL tests should be taken no longer than 24 months prior to the day of your application.
Information and registration for these different tests can be found on the website of IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge.
Exemptions: general
Exemptions: International Secondary Diploma
If you hold one of the following diplomas with English as an exam subject, you can in most cases be exempted from further English language requirements.
| Country | Name of diploma |
|---|---|
| Austria | Reifezeugnis / Reifeprüfungszeugnis |
| Belgium | Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, richting Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs |
| Curaçao, Sint-Maarten and BES-Islands | VWO Diploma |
| Estonia | Gümnaasiumi löputunnistus |
| Finland | Studenteksamenbevis / Ylioppilastutkintotodistus |
| Germany | Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife (Abitur) |
| Hungary | Gimnaziumi Érettségi Bizonyítvány |
| Latvia | Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo izglītību |
| Lithuania | Brandos Atestatas |
| Luxembourg | Diplôme de fin d'études secondaires |
| Norway | Vitnemal for Videregående Skole |
| Romania | Diploma de Bacalaureat (obtained after 2005) |
| Slovakia | Vysvedčenie o Maturitnej Skúške (obtained from a Gymnázium) |
| Suriname | VWO Diploma |
| Sweden | Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan |
| International diploma | Name of diploma |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | Language of instruction English or English A Language and Literature |
| European Baccalaureate | English Language 1 or English Language 2 |
Dutch requirements
The Dutch language requirements apply to all Dutch taught bachelor's programmes. Below you will find the accepted tests, diplomas and certificates.
Accepted Dutch language tests, diplomas and certificates
Wageningen University accepts the following test scores, Dutch diplomas and certificates as valid proof of your Dutch language proficiency:
- MBO4 (Dutch Taught), HAVO or VWO diploma
- NT2-II diploma
- VWO certificate 'Nederlandse Taal en Literatuur' (for example via VAVO, adult education, Staatsexamen)
- CNavT 'Educatief Startbekwaam' or 'Educatief Professioneel'
Exemptions: accepted secondary education
In most cases, you also meet the Dutch language requirements if your secondary school diploma is equivalent to the Dutch VWO level and if the subject 'Dutch' is part of your final exam. Examples of such diplomas are:
| Diploma | Subject |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | Dutch A Language and Literature (Standard Level) |
| Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs (Belgium) | Nederlands |
| VWO diploma (Suriname) | Nederlands |
| VWO diploma (Curaçao, Sint-Maarten and BES-Islands) | Nederlandse Taal en Literatuur |