Which English test do you need?
- Find out which English tests are accepted by each university
- Requirements depend on the university and study program
- Need help? Ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts
Required English language tests by university
Below you will find tables showing which English proficiency tests are accepted by each university. Requirements may vary depending on the study program, so always check the official university website. Still have questions? Ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.
Symbols:+ – accepted · – – not accepted · +* – accepted with additional conditions
See the “Additional conditions by university” section below for details on +* entries.
Click on a country to view the university table:
Possible exemption for candidates from selected EU countries: If you obtained a recognised Secondary School Leaving Certificate (including the required English examination) from one of the following countries, some Kastu partner universities in the Netherlands may exempt you from IELTS or TOEFL: Belgium (Flanders), Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden. This is not a general rule – it applies only to universities that recognise the certificates listed in the official document (PDF). If your Secondary School Leaving Certificate is not included in the official list, or if your chosen university does not apply this exemption, you will need IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English language test.
Note: If your chosen Danish university requires proof of English hours and you do not meet the 210-hour requirement, you will need to provide IELTS, TOEFL, or another English language test accepted by the university.
Explanations
Secondary School Leaving Certificate* – In some cases, a recognised Secondary School Leaving Certificate may be accepted as proof of English proficiency. Whether this applies depends on the university, the study program, and your country of education. Always check the official university website for details.
English hours (210h)* – Some Danish universities accept candidates who completed at least 210 hours of English instruction during the final three years of secondary education. The exact requirements depend on the university.
English grade* – Some Finnish universities accept candidates with a specific English grade on their diploma (e.g., 7 or 8 out of 10). See additional conditions below.
+* – Accepted with additional conditions. See the section below for details:
Denmark
- University of Southern Denmark – To be exempt from IELTS/TOEFL, you must have completed at least 210 hours of English instruction during the final three years of secondary education.
- University College Absalon – To be exempt from IELTS/TOEFL, you must have completed at least 210 hours of English instruction during the final three years of secondary education.
- VIA University College – To be exempt from IELTS/TOEFL, you must have completed at least 210 hours of English instruction during the final three years of secondary education.
Finland
- Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences – English proficiency can be proven by: 1. Having an English grade of at least 8 (out of 10) on your diploma. 2. Scoring 75% or higher on your national English exam.
- Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) – English proficiency is assessed by: 1. Having an English grade of at least 7 (out of 10) on your diploma. 2. Completing English tasks during the “selection course”.
- LAB University of Applied Sciences – You need an English grade of at least 8 (out of 10) on your diploma. If you apply with interim high school results and have 8 (out of 10) or higher, your final diploma must also show at least 8 (out of 10) in English.
- LUT University – You need an English grade of at least 8 (out of 10) on your diploma. If you apply with interim high school results and have 8 (out of 10) or higher, your final diploma must also show at least 8 (out of 10) in English.
Sweden
- Jönköping University, Linköping University, University West – Candidates whose Secondary School Leaving Certificate confirms English proficiency at B2 level (or an equivalent qualification accepted by the university) do not need to take an additional English test.
The Netherlands
- University of Groningen – For some programs, a recognised Secondary School Leaving Certificate may be accepted instead of IELTS or TOEFL. For other programs, an English language test is required. Requirements vary by program, so always check the official program requirements.
Frequently asked questions
+ means the university accepts this way of proving English proficiency. – means it does not. +* means it is accepted with additional conditions – see the “Additional conditions by university” section above.
It depends on the university and its requirements. If a university applies the exemption described in the official document, a recognised Secondary School Leaving Certificate may be accepted as proof of English proficiency. In other cases, you may need IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English language test. Some universities (especially in Finland) also require a specific English grade on your certificate. See the additional conditions section for details.
You can use any English proficiency method that is accepted by your chosen university (marked with “+” in the table). However, requirements may vary depending on the study program and can change over time. Always check the official university website for the most current information. Still unsure? Ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.
Some Danish universities accept candidates who completed at least 210 hours of English instruction during the final three years of secondary education. If you do not meet this requirement, you will need to provide IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted English language test. The exact number of hours and how they are calculated depends on your country’s education system.
Yes. Universities may update their requirements at any time. Always check the official university website for the latest information. If you need help, ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.
