- National minimum
- None set
- UvA bachelor's
- 6.5 (6.0 each)
- TU Delft MSc
- 7.0 (6.5 each)
- Fee (IDP)
- EUR 283
Studying in English: institutions set the score
Study in NL, run by Nuffic, says you must have passed an English language test to study on an English-taught programme and lists Cambridge English, IELTS, LanguageCert, Pearson, TOEFL iBT and TOEIC. It sets no score: check with your institution what your programme requires.
| University and level (own admissions page) | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| University of Amsterdam, bachelor's (2027–28 intake) | 6.5 overall, 6.0 each section | 71 overall, 65 each section |
| TU Delft, MSc (international diploma) | 7.0 overall, 6.5 each section | Not listed |
UvA says its test list and scores are reviewed yearly. For master's programmes it sends you to each programme page. TU Delft's MSc page lists only TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic (including UKVI Academic, and One Skill Retake) and Cambridge C1/C2, and says it does not deviate from these requirements.
Working in the Netherlands
The IND's highly skilled migrant page sets no language test. It sets gross monthly salary minimums: €5,942 at 30 or older, €4,357 under 30, and €3,122 within three years of graduating.
IELTS fees in the Netherlands
IDP lists eight IELTS test centres in the Netherlands: Amsterdam, Den Bosch, Diemen, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle. IELTS on computer (Academic or General Training) was EUR 283 at the Amsterdam and Rotterdam centres on 30 September 2026, with results in one to five days.
BandLadder pricing in EUR for Netherlands
BandLadder in EUR
One-time access, no automatic renewal. Free practice needs no card. Prices are shown in your currency at checkout as well.
| Plan | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint Pass | 7 days | EUR 5.99 |
| Quick Pass | 15 days | EUR 9.99 |
| Boost | 30 days | EUR 16.99 |
| Professional | 60 days | EUR 28.99 |
| Professional | 90 days | EUR 36.99 |
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Practice IELTS Academic →Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score is required to study in the Netherlands?+
Your university sets it. UvA asks 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each section for bachelor's entry; TU Delft asks 7.0 with 6.5 in each for MSc programmes.
Do I need IELTS for a Dutch work permit?+
The IND sets no language test for highly skilled migrants; it sets salary minimums.
Does the Netherlands accept PTE?+
Some universities do. UvA accepts PTE Academic 71 (65 each) for bachelor's entry; TU Delft's MSc page does not list PTE.
IELTS or PTE for the Netherlands?+
IELTS is the safer choice where a programme, like TU Delft MSc, does not list PTE. Where both are accepted, PTE is EUR 275 and IELTS EUR 283.
How much is the IELTS fee in the Netherlands?+
EUR 283 for IELTS on computer at IDP's Amsterdam and Rotterdam centres on 30 September 2026.
Official sources
Reviewed 30 September 2026. This guide helps you plan test preparation; check the current rules for your own program.
- Study in NL (Nuffic): admission requirements
- IND: highly skilled migrant
- IND: required amounts, income requirements
- University of Amsterdam: applying for a bachelor's programme
- TU Delft: MSc admission requirements (international diploma)
- IDP IELTS Netherlands: IP Campus Amsterdam sessions and fee
- Pearson: test centres and fees (price finder)
- PTE for the Netherlands compared
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- IELTS band score calculator
- TOEFL to IELTS converter
- What IELTS score do you need for the University of Amsterdam?
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