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Enrolment

English language proficiency

English language proficiency

For all programmes conducted in English Fontys has set minimum language requirements. To prove that you meet these requirements you will be asked to send one of the English language certificates as shown in the table below.

Please note:

  • The requirements for a master’s degree, exchange students, students who wish to study at Fontys Academy of the Arts and/or specific programmes may differ. Please contact your admissions officer for more information.
  • Fontys doesn’t accept language test certificates which are older than two years at the desired start of your study. Cambridge certificates remain valid and are exempt from this.
  • All English tests must be taken at an authorized test center. Fontys doesn’t accept online versions of tests. If your test center is closed due to circumstances please contact your admissions officer.
  • You will need to redemonstrate your language proficiency if you are in possession of a diploma proving a sufficient English level which was issued more than 2 years ago.

Ambience photo Fontys

You may be considered proficient in English and don’t need to provide a test score if:

  • You have obtained a diploma of secondary education in a country listed on the diploma list drawn up on behalf of the associations of higher education institutions,as published on the website of the Code of Conduct and English is on your final transcript of grades.
  • You have completed one of the following baccalaureate programmes in English:

- International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

- European Baccalaureate Diploma with English as first or second language

- International Baccalaureate Career Related Program

  • You completed your entire preparatory education in English in one of the following countries and English is on your final transcript of grades:
    • Australia
    • Canada (Quebec excluded)
    • Ireland
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa; the South African National Senior Certificate with English as Home Language
    • United States of America
    • United Kingdom

Fontys may request a statement from NUFFIC confirming that the preparatory education has been fully followed in the English language.

  • You have a Dutch mbo-4, havo or vwo-diploma

An applicant's level of proficiency in English must always meet the entry requirements for the chosen Fontys course programme. Fontys reserves the right to require language proficiency testing for all categories of applicants.


Students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

Students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands who are exempted from submitting language proficiency test results:

  • Students from Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in possession of a havo or vwo diploma
  • Students from Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten in possession of a havo or vwo diploma obtained at Dutch-speaking schools
  • Students from St. Eustatius and Saba in possession of a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate
  • Students from Bonaire in possession of a mbo-4 diploma
  • Students from Aruba in possession of an EPI level 4 diploma and students from Curaçao with a SBO level 4 diploma, provided that education was entire in English and/or with a sufficient grade for English as an exam subject (≥ 5.5).

Students from Suriname

Students with a havo or vwo diploma from a school in Suriname that is accredited for havo or vwo are exempt from an English language test. Check the Nuffic website for the list of accredited schools.