IELTS and TOEFL for European Universities

Why English tests matter for European study

European universities offer a large and growing number of degrees taught entirely in English, particularly at master's level. When a programme is English-taught and your previous education was not in English, the university will usually ask for proof of English proficiency.

IELTS and TOEFL are the two most widely recognised tests for this purpose across Europe. They are accepted by universities in Germany, the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, France, Italy, Spain and beyond for their English-medium courses.

What IELTS and TOEFL are

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and is offered in Academic and General Training versions; the Academic version is the one universities ask for. TOEFL iBT, run by ETS, also tests Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing and is delivered as an internet-based test.

Both are designed to measure academic English. Which one a university prefers, and the exact score it wants, is decided by that institution.

• IELTS Academic — four sections; use the Academic (not General Training) version
• TOEFL iBT — four sections; internet-based test from ETS
• Both measure academic English for university-level study

Minimum scores vary by university and programme

There is no universal IELTS or TOEFL minimum for Europe. Each university sets its own required score, and that score can differ between an undergraduate and a master's programme, or between faculties at the same university.

Because the bar varies, always read the official admissions page for the exact programme you are applying to and note the precise minimum it lists, including any per-section minimums. Verify it on the official source before you book the test, as requirements can be updated.

Check validity, format and how to send scores

Both tests have a validity window after which scores expire, and universities may require results sent directly from the test provider. Some institutions also accept specific delivery formats (for example, computer-delivered IELTS or at-home TOEFL editions) while others do not.

Confirm the current validity period, accepted format and the score-reporting method on the official test provider's site and on the university's admissions page, as these details change.

Do you always need IELTS or TOEFL?

Not always. Some universities waive an English test if your prior degree was taught in English, or if you completed schooling in an English-medium system, and many also accept alternatives such as PTE Academic or the Duolingo English Test. Policies differ widely.

Check the specific programme's requirements — a waiver or an alternative test may save you from sitting IELTS or TOEFL at all.