As mentioned in category 3, Selection, all students need to submit proof of their proficiency in English and if applicable proof of the local language as well.
For proof of your level in English you must submit either your official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. English proficiency is measured through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). There are two testing methods: internet-based (iBT) and paper-based (PBT). A score of at least 580 on the paper based exam or 93 on the internet based TOEFL is required.
These are the official TOEFL examinations and are not offered by the Language and Training Centre, here at Erasmus University. In the Netherlands the test can be done in one of the three test centres, located in Amsterdam, Arnhem and Velp. Please keep in mind that available test dates and spots are limited. About two weeks after the test, you can check your result online. Please note that it takes up to six weeks before you receive the official result at home. We need a copy of your official result before the application deadline in December. The test centre might ask you where to send the test results to. Always mention your own address. Do not opt for the option to send it to RSM and/or Erasmus University as it will get lost in the internal mail as we know from experience.
We also accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores in which students must score at least a 6.5. If you’re interested in passing the IELTS tests in the Netherlands, you can do this at the centres in Breda, Utrecht or Amsterdam. IELTS tests all four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is accepted by thousands of organisations, including universities, in more than 135 countries.
We do not accept any other English language tests results, copy of a passport from an English speaking country or lower scores than the ones mentioned above.
Please be aware that after selection, the partner school may require additional language requirements, such as higher scores or even minimum sub scores (for listening, speaking, writing and reading). On our Blackboard page an overview is posted with the required TOEFL and IELTS scores per partner school.
It might be the case that a partner school does not ask for proof or a TOEFL or IELTS test or that the required score is lower than our required score. Please do bear in mind that you need to meet our minimum requirements, this is non-negotiable.
In the event that the school offers both its business courses in English and in the local language, proof that you have advanced knowledge of the local teaching language is usually required. Please check Appendix II “Language proficiency” in order to find out which language level is required at each stage of the application and selection process and which test results or proofs of proficiency are accepted.
Please be aware that after selection, the partner school may require additional language requirements, such as higher scores or even minimum sub scores (for listening, speaking, writing and reading) if applicable. It might be the case that a partner school requires score a lower score than our required score. Please do bear in mind that you need to meet our minimum requirements, this is non-negotiable.
For more information about the (required) language tests or test centers/institutes, please have a look at the following web pages:
For English: Official TOEFL: www.toefl.org or IELTS: www.ielts.org
For local languages: www.eur.nl/english/ltc/students/courses/
