Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
HU English scores by programme
From the International Business admission page and the Master Next Level Engineering admission page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| International Business (bachelor, full-time) | 6.0 overall | TOEFL 550 paper, 213 computer or 80 internet-based; C1 Advanced accepted |
| Master Next Level Engineering | 6.5 overall, Speaking 6.5, no band below 6.0 | TOEFL, TOEIC and Cambridge English accepted; no minimums printed |
Exemptions for the test
For the Master Next Level Engineering, the page exempts holders of a bachelor's diploma from the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia, and holders of an accredited international American or British bachelor's diploma. It tells other applicants to email the programme to check whether their high school or bachelor's diploma qualifies.
The International Business page says you may be granted an exemption based on your diploma, and that Dutch diploma holders do not need a test. Chinese applicants to the master's must submit an IELTS result, as no other test is accepted for them.
Free test: are you at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Hogeschool Utrecht)'s score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Motivation letter and interview
For the Master Next Level Engineering, HU also judges your English through your motivation letter and the interview, so a test score alone does not complete the application. For questions about language requirements the page points to stip@hu.nl.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your HU programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Hogeschool Utrecht) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does HU Utrecht need for International Business?+
An IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0. The page lists no band minimums.
What IELTS does the HU Master Next Level Engineering need?+
6.5 overall, at least 6.5 in Speaking and no band below 6.0.
Can I skip IELTS at HU Utrecht?+
For the master's, holders of a bachelor's diploma from the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia are exempt. Other cases are checked with the programme.
Does HU accept TOEFL?+
Yes. International Business lists TOEFL 80 internet-based, 550 paper or 213 computer. The master's page lists TOEFL but gives no minimum.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the Netherlands accepting IELTS 6.0
- Fontys University IELTS requirement
- Utrecht University IELTS requirement
- IELTS band score calculator
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 5669 guides
Guide updated on 4 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy