Frequently Asked Questions

No, having a passport does not prove proficiency in a language. 

Yes, RSM can check your TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge results online. However, the RSM Admissions Office can only do this if you upload a copy of your score report in your application:

TOEFL scores can be verified online. Therefore you should request the tests center to send your score report to RSM. The institutional code of RSM is 0798 and for Erasmus University 7199 (you can use either). Scores are verifiable for 2 years.

IELTS scores are verified online using the TRF code marked on the score report. Scores are verifiable for 5 years.

Cambridge results taken after 2005 can be verified online.

Note: it is sufficient to upload your score report and follow the instructions mentioned above. It is not needed for TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge to send us your English certificate by postal mail. 

The IBA programme is taught completely in English.Thus, proficiency in English is important. Most secondary education diploma holders will need to prove their proficiency in English by submitting the official results of either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Cambridge or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. To see if your secondary school diploma meets our English language criteria see our website.

Yes, you can send us your application first and complete your application package later with the results of your English language exam. Indicate the planned exam date on your application form. Applicants who intend to prove their proficiency in the English language by taking an exam are expected to provide us with their score report via the IBA Online Application Form (OLAF) no later than 1 April. Documents submitted after 1 April will not be accepted. 

Avoid disappointment and sign up for a language test on time! Exam centers fill up quickly, particularly during peak testing periods. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to receive the results of your exam. This means that you should plan to take the exam no later than 1 March.

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. 

The minimum required level of English proficiency is a Dutch pre-university (VWO) exam with an unrounded grade of a 7.0. A pre-defined number of foreign diplomas meet this requirement, see the admissions requirements per diploma.

Accepted alternatives, based on official documentation are:

• TOEFL (Only internet-based exam scores are accepted): minimum overall score 80, minimum subscore 18 (Reading, Listening and Speaking) and 21 for Writing. The online TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is also accepted. Please note that the ITP TOEFL test is not accepted as it does not test the speaking abilities of the candidate. 
• IELTS (Only academic exam scores are accepted): minimum overall score 6.5, minimum sub-score 6.0 (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing).
• Cambridge: B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE)/ C2 Proficiency (CPE) with minimum overall score of 176 and minimum subscores of 170 (reading, listening, writing, speaking) or C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher) with minimum overall score 176 and minimum subscores of 170 (reading, listening, writing, speaking).

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

The test results of IELTS and TOEFL must not be older than 2 years. All sub-scores must meet the minimum requirements within one exam, meaning that scores of two exams may not be combined to reach sufficient scores from different categories of the exam. 

NOTE: 

• Applicants who intend to prove their proficiency in the English language by taking an exam are expected to upload their certificate via the IBA Online Application system no later than 1 April. Documents submitted after 1 April will not be accepted.
• Take into account that test dates at the test centres can fill up quickly, particularly during peak testing periods. Therefore we urge you to register to take the test as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to receive the results of your test. This means that you should plan to take the exam no later than 1 March.

Exemption

You are exempt from taking an English language test if:

• You have been taught in English for at least 2.5 years during your secondary school programme in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa (English Home Language). 
• You have an IB English A Standard Level Certificate with grade 5 or higher or IB English A Higher Level certificate with grade 4 or higher.
  For other diplomas see admissions requirements per diploma. If this does not apply to you, you may prove your English by taking an English language test. 

Possessing a passport from an English speaking country without having English language education does not grant exemption from an English language exam. ​

You are exempt from taking an English language test if you have been taught in English for at least 2.5 years during your secondary school programme in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa (English Home Language). 

Please note that possessing a passport from an English speaking country without having English language education does not grant exemption from an English language exam. For other diplomas see admissions requirements per diploma. If this does not apply to you, you may prove your English by taking an English language test. 

Secondary education diploma holders who already have the required level of English do not have to take an additional English language test. If your English grade does not fully meet the minimum grade requirement, you can opt to compensate your lower grade by taking an English language test (IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge). If you pass one of these tests with the required scores, you have fulfilled the English language requirement. A pre-defined number of foreign diplomas meet this requirement, see the selection criteria per diploma).Keep in mind that successfully passing the English test or meeting the English requirement does not guarantee a spot.