Groningen's three English levels for 2027/28
Groningen's English language requirements (2027/28) page sets three levels on the CEFR scale. Level 1 (B2) matches the Dutch national minimum and applies to many bachelor's programmes; Level 2 (B2-C1) is the most common, used by most regular master's and many bachelor's; Level 3 (C1) applies to many selective and research master's programmes. These are the overall scores, with the lowest section minimum the page sets:
| Test | Level 1 (B2) | Level 2 (B2-C1) | Level 3 (C1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0, all sections 6.0 | 6.5; L/R 6.0, S/W 6.5 | 7.0, all sections 6.5 |
| PTE Academic | 61 (L/R 54, S/W 60) | 66 (L 58, R 64, S 56, W 70) | 71 (L 58, R 64, S 58, W 70) |
| TOEFL iBT from 2026 (1-6) | 4.0, all sections 4.0 | 4.5 (writing 5.0) | 5.0, all sections 5.0 |
| TOEFL iBT before 2026 | 80 (L/R 18, S 20, W 21) | 90 (L/R 21, S 23, W 24) | 100 (L 22, R 24, S/W 25) |
| Cambridge C1/C2 | 169 | 180 | 185 |
| Duolingo English Test | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted |
Which level your programme needs
The page maps each faculty to a level. Science and Engineering, Economics and Business, Spatial Sciences and Campus Fryslân bachelor's programmes are Level 1; Arts, Behavioural and Social Sciences, Philosophy and University College Groningen bachelor's are Level 2. Most master's are Level 2. Law is Level 3 across the board, as are most research master's, the MA Linguistics and Media Studies tracks and the MSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Two faculties get a lower bar in listening and reading only. Economics and Business bachelor's programmes accept IELTS 5.5 in those two sections at Level 1, and the LLB International and European Law plus the Faculty of Law's English-taught master's accept IELTS 6.0 in listening and reading at Level 3. The MA Literary Studies has its own C2 requirement.
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Groningen accepts Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, IELTS Academic, LanguageCert Academic, Linguaskill, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT taken at an official test centre. IELTS, LanguageCert, PTE and TOEFL results are valid for two years; Cambridge and Linguaskill do not expire. IELTS Online and the TOEFL iBT Home Edition are accepted only if you cannot reach a test centre because of unsafe conditions or closure.
The 2027/28 page does not mention IELTS One Skill Retake, while the 2026/27 master's page for the February 2027 intake says Groningen does not accept it or IELTS Online, so do not plan around a retake. You can apply without a test, but if you need an MVV visa your result is due by 1 July for a September start; EU/EEA applicants have until 31 August.
You are exempt with a secondary or higher education diploma taught in English in countries such as Australia, Canada (outside Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, or with a full English-taught degree from listed countries including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Singapore and South Africa. India and Pakistan are not on the list.
Groningen's English pages we read do not set a separate English score for the Dutch student residence permit. For how the permit and English proof work in general, see IELTS for the Netherlands.
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Groningen accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic needs 61 for Level 1, 66 for Level 2 and 71 for Level 3, with section minimums at each level.
Does the University of Groningen accept Duolingo?+
No. Duolingo is not among the accepted tests: Cambridge C1/C2, IELTS Academic, LanguageCert Academic, Linguaskill, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT.
Is IELTS 6.5 enough for a Groningen master's?+
For most regular master's, yes, if you have 6.0 in listening and reading and 6.5 in speaking and writing. Law, selective and most research master's need 7.0 with 6.5 in every section.
Does Groningen accept IELTS Online?+
Only if you cannot take a test at an official centre because of unsafe conditions or a centre closure in your country. Otherwise the test must be taken at a test centre.
How long is my IELTS valid for Groningen?+
Two years, the same as TOEFL, PTE and LanguageCert. Cambridge and Linguaskill certificates have no expiry.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Amsterdam IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the Netherlands
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
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Verified against the linked official sources on 9 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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