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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 get in touch with your admissions officer for more information.
  • Fontys doesn’t accept language test certificates that 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 have a diploma proving a sufficient English level that was issued more than 2 years ago.

English Language Requirements – Accepted Test Scores

  • Overall score: at least 6.0
  • Each part (reading, listening, speaking, writing): at least 6.0
  • One part may be slightly lower: minimum 5.5
  • Overall score: at least 169
  • Each part (reading, listening, speaking, writing, Use of English): at least 169
  • One part may be slightly lower: minimum 160
  • Total score: at least 80
  • Reading: at least 18
  • Listening: at least 17
  • Speaking: at least 20
  • Writing: at least 17

  • Listening and reading: at least 865

    • Listening: at least 400
    • Reading: at least 385

  • Speaking and writing: at least 335

    • Speaking: at least 160
    • Writing: at least 150
  • Total score: at least 65
  • Total score: at least 61

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 may have completed one of the following baccalaureate programmes in English: International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, European Baccalaureate Diploma with English as first or second language, International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme.
  • 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), United States of America or United Kingdom.
  • 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.

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


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.