Saxion minimum scores
From Saxion's admission and entry requirements for 2026-2027. The same minimums apply to bachelor's and master's programmes. Certificates must be no more than two years old at the programme start date, and all tests must be taken at an official centre.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 (MyBest scores not accepted) |
| PTE Academic | 61 |
| Cambridge (First, Advanced, Proficiency) | 169 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 65 |
| TOEIC | Listening and Reading 865, Speaking and Writing 335 |
Exemptions, including an English-taught degree
You can skip the test if your bachelor's or master's studies were conducted in English and your university sends an official signed and stamped statement that the whole curriculum was taught in English. That makes an English-medium degree from India, Pakistan or Nigeria a realistic route for a Saxion master's.
Other exemptions: a diploma on Nuffic's list with English on the final transcript, an English-taught American high school diploma, English-taught GCE AS or A levels, the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme Certificate with English, or the European Baccalaureate with English as language 1 or 2. Diplomas from English-speaking countries are assessed on request. Duolingo is not listed.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Saxion programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Free test: are you at Saxion University of Applied Sciences'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.
Free test: take an IELTS mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Saxion University of Applied Sciences 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 Saxion need?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 for both bachelor's and master's programmes.
Can I get into Saxion without IELTS?+
Yes, if your previous bachelor's or master's was taught entirely in English and your university confirms it in a signed and stamped statement, or if you hold one of the listed school diplomas.
Does Saxion accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 61.
Does Saxion accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on Saxion's list of accepted certificates.
Keep reading
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Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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