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Do I Need to Take a Test?

Check the admissions requirements for your diploma. If your English doesn’t meet the minimum, you can sign up for one of the test options listed.

Please note: The RSM Admissions Office makes the final decision on whether your education level is equivalent to the Dutch secondary school system.

You are exempt from taking an English language test if:

  • This exemption is indicated for your specific diploma type in the requirements.
  • You completed at least 2 years of full-time education in English during secondary school in one of the following countries: the USA, UK, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa (English as a Home Language).
  • You have obtained, or will obtain, an English-taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or UK/International A Levels, provided that the final two years of secondary school were fully taught in English.
  • You have completed or are completing a diploma in a non-English speaking country and have achieved at least a grade B (5) in (I)GCSE First Language English.
Accepted English Tests

Students submitting a TOEFL (iBT) English test result must have obtained a minimum overall score of 80 and minimum sub-scores of 18 for Reading & Listening, 20 for Speaking and 21 for Writing.

  • Both overall and sub score requirements listed above must be met.
  • Please note that the TOEFL Paper-delivered Test and the ITP TOEFL test or TOEFL Essentials are not accepted as it does not test the speaking abilities of the candidate. 
  • The online TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is currently accepted until further notice. The online tests are not currently accepted for visa and immigration purposes. If you are a NON-EEA student and you need a residence permit / visa for your studies in the Netherlands, we advise you to take a test at a test center.
  • The test results may not be older than 2 years.

Students submitting an IELTS English test result must have obtained a minimum overall score of 6.5 AND minimum sub-scores of 6.0 for Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

  • Both overall and sub score requirements listed above must be met. 
  • Only the IELTS academic exam is accepted.
  • The IELTS Online is currently accepted until further notice. The online tests are not currently accepted for visa and immigration purposes. If you are a NON-EEA student and you need a residence permit / visa for your studies in the Netherlands, we advise you to take a test at a test center.
  • The test results must not be older than 2 years.

The following Cambridge English test results are accepted. 

Both overall and sub score requirements listed above must be met. 

  • B2 First (FCE) with minimum overall score of 170 and minimum subscores of 170 (reading, listening, writing, speaking)
  • C1 Advanced (CAE)/ C2 proficiency (CPE) with minimum overall score of 170 and minimum subscores of 170 (reading, listening, writing, speaking)
  • C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher) with minimum overall score 170 and minimum subscores of 170 (reading, listening, writing, speaking)
  • The test results must not be older than 2 years.

Students submitting a Pearson PTE English exam must have obtained a minimum score of 70 and minimum sub scores 65 for all parts of the exam (Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing) 

  • Both overall and sub score requirements listed above must be met.
  • Only the Pearson PTE Academic exam is accepted.

Students submitting a LanguageCert English exam must have obtained a minimum score of 70 and minimum sub score 65 for all parts of the exam (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) 

  • Both overall and sub score requirements listed above must be met.
  • Only the LanguageCert Academic exam is accepted.
Important to know!

A passport from an English speaking country without having English language education does not grant exemption from an English language exam

Other tests, such as Michigan English or Duolingo are not accepted

The costs of the tests are covered by the applicant. 

A sufficient result does not guarantee a spot in the programme. It is simply a tool to make up for any deficiencies in your English level or grades. 

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