Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
VUB English scores
From VUB's language requirements page. The same rules apply to bachelor's and master's programmes taught in English.
| Test | Minimum (B2) |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (incl. One Skill Retake) | 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT / Home Edition (before 21 Jan 2026) | 79, with 18 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT (from 21 Jan 2026) | 4.5, with 4 in each component |
| Cambridge B2 First (FCE) | 170 |
| ITACE | B2 in at least 4 of 5 components |
Degree or school in English
VUB accepts a secondary diploma or a higher education diploma where English was the only language of instruction, apart from language courses. Unlike many European universities it does not limit this to particular countries, so an English-only degree from India, Pakistan or Nigeria can count if your documents show it.
TOEFL MyBest scores are not accepted. PTE and Duolingo are not mentioned on the page.
Free test: are you at VUB's score yet?
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Validity and programme exceptions
Certificates and online test results may not pre-date your first enrolment by more than five years. Each faculty can set a higher level for a programme, which appears in the programme description, and faculties may waive proof for postgraduate or advanced master's programmes.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your VUB programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) 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 VUB need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component. One Skill Retake results are accepted.
Does VUB accept a medium of instruction certificate?+
A diploma where English was the only language of instruction counts as proof. VUB's page does not restrict this to particular countries.
How old can my IELTS be for VUB?+
Up to five years before your first enrolment.
Does VUB accept PTE or Duolingo?+
Neither is mentioned on VUB's language requirements page.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Belgium
- University of Antwerp IELTS requirement
- KU Leuven IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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