Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026
Groningen TOEFL iBT levels (2027/28)
From Groningen's English language requirements page for 2027/28. Each programme states which admissions level it uses.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (CEFR B2), tests before 2026 | 80; Listening 18, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21 | Many bachelor's programmes |
| Level 1, tests from 2026 | 4.0 overall and 4.0 in each section | Economics and Business bachelor's: lower Listening and Reading minimums |
| Level 2 (CEFR B2/C1), tests before 2026 | 90; Listening 21, Reading 21, Speaking 23, Writing 24 | Most regular master's, many bachelor's |
| Level 2, tests from 2026 | 4.5 overall; 4.5 Listening, Reading, Speaking; 5.0 Writing | |
| Level 3 (CEFR C1), tests before 2026 | 100; Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 25 | Many selective and research master's |
| Level 3, tests from 2026 | 5.0 overall and 5.0 in each section | Law LLB and Law master's: lower Listening and Reading minimums |
Test rules at Groningen
Groningen accepts tests taken at an official centre. It accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition only if you cannot take a test at a centre because of unsafe conditions or test centre closure in your home country. TOEFL certificates are valid for two years. The master's language requirements page says TOEFL MyBest Scores are not taken into consideration.
Footnotes lower two section minimums: Faculty of Economics and Business bachelor's accept TOEFL 17 Listening and 18 Reading (or 4.0 for both) at Level 1, and the LLB International and European Law and Law master's accept 21 (or 4.5) at Level 3.
On the same page, IELTS Academic is 6.0 at Level 1, 6.5 at Level 2 and 7.0 at Level 3.
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If your TOEFL score falls short
Check which level your programme uses: a Level 1 programme asks noticeably less than a Level 3 one. For Iranian applicants affected by the suspension of TOEFL and IELTS testing, Groningen suggests LanguageCert or a test taken in a neighbouring country.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Groningen programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does the University of Groningen require?+
For 2027/28: 80 or 4.0 at Level 1, 90 or 4.5 (writing 5.0) at Level 2, and 100 or 5.0 at Level 3, each with section minimums.
Does Groningen accept the TOEFL Home Edition?+
Only if you cannot test at a centre because of unsafe conditions or a test centre closure in your home country.
Does Groningen accept MyBest scores?+
No. The master's page says MyBest Scores are not taken into consideration.
How long is a TOEFL score valid for Groningen?+
Two years.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Groningen IELTS requirement
- University of Amsterdam TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL fee in the Netherlands
- What is a good TOEFL score?
- All 5495 guides
Guide updated on 2 November 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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