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English language requirements

If you want to study a programme in English at Fontys, you need to show that your English is good enough. Below, you can read how you can prove this and in which cases you may be exempt.

When do you need an English test?

Most students must send an official English language certificate.
The test must:

  • Be taken at an authorised test centre (not online).
  • Be valid (not older than two years when your study starts).
  • Show the minimum level required for your chosen programme.

Cambridge certificates are an exception: they stay valid and do not expire after two years.

If your test centre is closed for any reason, please contact your Fontys admissions officer for advice.

See list of accepted English tests and minimum scores

Validity of your diploma or certificate

  • Language test certificates older than two years are not accepted.
  • If you already have a diploma that shows your English level, but it was issued more than two years ago, you must prove your English again with a new test

Different rules for some students

If you apply for a master’s programme, as an exchange student, or for a study at the Fontys Academy of the Arts, the rules may differ. Always check with your admissions officer if you are unsure.

When you do not need to send a test

You may be considered proficient in English and do not need to send a test score if one of the following applies:

  • You have a secondary school diploma from a country on the official NUFFIC diploma list. English must also be listed on your final transcript.
  • You completed one of these international programmes in English: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), European Baccalaureate Diploma (with English as first or second language).
  • You completed all your education in English in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa (with English as Home Language on your certificate), the United States of America, United Kingdom.

    Fontys may ask for confirmation from NUFFIC that your education was fully taught in English.

    Who is exempt from an English test

    Dutch diplomas

    If you have a Dutch mbo-4, havo or vwo diploma, you are usually exempt.

    Please note: Fontys always reserves the right to ask for an English language test, no matter which diploma you hold.

    Students from the Caribbean

    Students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands may also be exempt:

    • Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba - havo or vwo diploma
    • Curaçao, Aruba, St. Maarten - havo or vwo diploma from a Dutch-speaking school
    • St. Eustatius and Saba - Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)
    • Bonaire - mbo-4 diploma
    • Aruba - EPI level 4 diploma (if English was main language or passed with ≥ 5.5)
    • Curaçao - SBO level 4 diploma (if English was main language or passed with ≥ 5.5)

    Students from Suriname

    If you hold a havo or vwo diploma from an accredited Surinamese school, you are exempt. You can check the list of accredited schools on the Nuffic website.

    Quick answers

    Not everyone needs a test. It depends on your diploma, country, or programme. Check the exemptions list or ask your admissions officer.

    Fontys accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge certificates. You must take the test at an official test centre.

    Most certificates are valid for 2 years. Cambridge certificates stay valid for longer.

    Yes. If your diploma is older than 2 years, you may need to take an English test again.

    Yes. Some students do not need a test. This includes:

    • Students with certain Dutch diplomas
    • Students from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
    • Students from Suriname
    • Students with certain international diplomas, like IB or European Baccalaureate

    Check the NUFFIC diploma list or ask your admissions officer.

    If you did all your preparatory education in English in certain countries (like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa) and English is on your transcript, you may not need a test.