If you want to study in Europe, universities often ask for proof of English. The most common tests are IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo English Test, but acceptance depends on the country, university, and programme. Always check the official admissions page for the exact rule for your course.
Which tests are usually accepted
There is no single European rule. Many universities accept one or more of these tests:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test
Some universities also accept PTE Academic, Cambridge English exams, or another test. Some accept more than one test but give different minimum scores for each one.
What matters most is not the test name only. The university may also require that the test is taken in a certain format, by a certain deadline, or from an approved test centre or online version.
Why the accepted test can change
English test rules change often. A university may update its policy, change the minimum score, or stop accepting one test for a specific programme.
Typical reasons include:
- the programme is taught fully in English or partly in English
- the school wants to compare students using one score system
- the faculty sets its own language rule, not just the main university
- the university accepts exemptions for some students, but not all
For current rules, check the programme page, the admissions page, or the university's language requirements page. If the page is unclear, contact admissions and ask which test they accept for your exact course.
How the scores are usually used
Universities normally set a minimum overall score. Some also set minimum scores for each skill: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This is common for medicine, law, teaching, nursing, and other courses where language use is important.
For example, a university may ask for:
- an overall IELTS score, plus a minimum writing score
- a TOEFL total score, plus section minimums
- a Duolingo score, sometimes with extra proof for speaking or writing
Do not assume that a score that is enough for one programme is enough for another at the same university.
How to choose between IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo
The best test for you depends on what the university accepts, where you live, and how you prefer to test.
- IELTS is widely accepted across Europe and is familiar to many admissions teams.
- TOEFL iBT is also widely accepted, especially by universities used to international applicants.
- Duolingo English Test is often more flexible and can be taken online, but not every university accepts it.
Before you book a test, make a short list of the universities and programmes you want. Then check each admissions page. If one test is accepted by all of them, that may save time and money.
Also check these points:
- Is the test accepted for your level, such as bachelor's, master's, or PhD?
- Is the online version accepted?
- Is a test report sent directly by the test provider or uploaded by you?
- How old can the test result be?
Other ways to meet the English requirement
Some students do not need a test. Universities may waive the requirement if you:
- have studied in English before
- come from a country where English is the main language in education
- have a recent degree taught fully in English
- already passed a school leaving exam or national qualification accepted by that university
These exemptions are not universal. The same university may give a waiver for one programme but not another. If you want to use an exemption, read the official rule carefully and keep proof such as transcripts, a medium-of-instruction letter, or previous degree documents.
How to avoid common mistakes
Many applicants lose time because they assume all universities accept the same test. Avoid these common mistakes:
- booking a test before checking the programme page
- using the wrong test version, such as General Training instead of Academic
- missing a minimum score in one section
- sending an expired result
- assuming Duolingo is accepted everywhere because another university accepted it
A good method is simple: choose your programmes first, then check their exact language rule, then book the test that fits most of them.
Common questions
Is IELTS better than TOEFL for Europe?
Neither is always better. Both are widely accepted, but the right choice depends on the university and the programme. Check the admissions page for the exact accepted tests.
Do European universities accept Duolingo English Test?
Some do, some do not. Duolingo is more common than before, but it is still not accepted everywhere. Always check the official programme page before you rely on it.
Where can I find the current score requirement?
Use the university's official admissions page or programme page. If the requirement is unclear, contact the admissions office. Do not rely on old forums or third-party websites for the current figure.
How Eduuro helps
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