Rules, comparisons and data

What is the minimum IELTS score for Dutch universities?

6.0 overall in IELTS Academic. The language annex to the Dutch Code of Conduct for international students in higher education sets 6.0 as the minimum for bachelor's, master's and pre-master programmes taught in English, with matching floors for PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge and LanguageCert. These are minimums: universities can and often do require higher scores.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

The Code of Conduct language table

Article 5.2 of the Code says that international students applying to an English-taught programme must hold a certificate from a test in the Code's language annex with at least the listed score, and that institutions may require higher scores (language annex, set 1 October 2026). The annex is published by the National Commission for the Code of Conduct (Code documents).

Test taken at a test centreBachelor's, master's or pre-master minimum
IELTS Academic (overall band)6.0
PTE Academic61
TOEFL iBT (Traditional and Paper Edition)4.5
Cambridge English (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)Scale 169 to 175
Linguaskill and Linguaskill BusinessScale 169 to 175
LanguageCert Academic65
TOEICListening and Reading 865; Speaking and Writing 335

Why your university may ask more

The table sets a floor, not a target. The annex also says it is not meant to compare tests with each other; it only fixes minimum scores for the accepted tests. A programme can set 6.5 or 7.0, and section minimums, in its own admission rules.

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Online tests and preparatory courses

IELTS Online and TOEFL iBT Home Edition are in the annex, but the Code allows online tests only in exceptional situations, such as test centres being closed or unreachable for safety reasons. Lower minimums apply to preparatory courses. Requirements change between intakes and scholarship rounds. Confirm the current rule on the Code of Conduct language annex before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not admissions advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is IELTS 6.0 enough for a Dutch university?+

It is the legal floor under the Code of Conduct for bachelor's and master's entry. Many programmes ask for 6.5 or more.

What PTE score is the Dutch minimum?+

PTE Academic 61 for bachelor's, master's or pre-master entry.

Does the Netherlands accept IELTS General Training?+

The Code's table lists IELTS Academic. Check your university if you only hold General Training.

Is the minimum the same for a foundation year?+

No. Preparatory courses have lower minimums: IELTS 5.0 for 6 to 12 months and 5.5 for 6 months or less.

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Related

Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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