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Language proficiency test

Last updated on 15 May 2025
Here you can find all the relevant information for the VU Amsterdam Language Proficiency test.

At the beginning of the academic year, during the second week of September, you’ll take a language test. This test gives you insight into your current level of Dutch or English, depending on your programme. Your language skills are an important foundation for your studies: the better your proficiency, the better prepared you are for academic work.

The language proficiency test is a mandatory part of your bachelor's programme. All first-year bachelor students must take a language test in either Dutch or English, depending on the language of their study programme. If you do not take the test, you will not receive credits for the corresponding course. The Educationak Office will register you for the test no later than the Friday before the test week, provided your enrolment in the programme is complete. You can check your programme's timetable to find out when the test is scheduled.

  • If you do not pass the language proficiency test, you must attend a refresher course through the Taalloket (see the steps provided). 
  • If you have a disability or chronic illness, you can request an adapted workplace. 
  • For more information about the language proficiency test and the refresher course, please visit www.taalloket.nl or send an email to taalloket@taalcentrum-vu.nl.

Practical information

  • Who is required to take the test?

    The language proficiency test is mandatory for all first-year bachelor’s students. Are you a second or later- year bachelor student and you have not taken the test yet? Please contact your Educational Office.

    Students enrolled in two programmes taught in the same language only need to take the corresponding test once. Students enrolled in both a Dutch-taught programme and an English-taught programme need to take both tests.

    Have you already taken the language test? Please go to the header "Language test already taken/request for exemption" for more information.

  • What if I have already taken an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or the IELTS?

    Even if you have already taken a language proficiency test to gain admission to VU Amsterdam, you are still required to take the university’s own test. The English language proficiency test at VU Amsterdam has a different purpose: it is a compulsory part of every Bachelor's degree programme, designed to determine whether you need extra support with your language skills.

  • What can I expect from the test?

    Both language proficiency tests contain 200 closed questions and cover the following topics: grammar, spelling and punctuation, structure, vocabulary/usage and phrasing. The English language proficiency test also includes reading comprehension, pronunciation and classroom English. The test takes most students 1,5-2 hours to complete.

    You do not need to prepare for this test. The test gauges your language proficiency based on the level that a high school graduate should possess prior to embarking on an academic career.

  • Language test already taken/request for exemption

    All first-year undergraduate students at VU University Amsterdam have to take a language test. You can get an exemption for this if you have already passed the test or the corresponding refresher course in a previous academic year at the VU. Please note: the language test will remain visible in your timetable even if you have been granted exemption.

    Language test passed after 2020

    Did you complete the language test in 2020 or later? Then your exemption will be processed automatically. It will be registered as an exemption (VRS) between the end of August and the second week of the new academic year. You can check this yourself via your Results Overview in your Dashboard.

    Passed the language exam before 2020

    Did you pass the language test before 2020? In that case, the exemption will not be processed automatically. In that case, you can apply for an exemption using this form.

    Language of the test

    The exemption only applies to the same language in which you previously passed the test. For example, did you take an English language test and are now following a Dutch-language programme (or vice versa)? Then you will still have to take the language test again.

    Faculty exceptions

    Some faculties have their own rules or exceptions. These can be found at the bottom of the page.

  • Score and refresher course

    The language proficiency test results in a total score and a number of subscores. Each score falls into a category: High, Average or Low. If your total score is Low (67% and below), you will have to take the Dutch or English refresher course. You will need to complete the refresher course in order to receive your credits for the first-year course that the test is a part of. Participation in the refresher course is by no means optional.

  • What should I bring?

    It is important to remember your VUnet ID and associated password. You need this information to log into the test. Tip: use this link to choose a password that is easy to remember.

    Also, make sure you have your proof of identity and your student ID to hand when you take the test.

  • Do you have dyslexia, a disability or a chronic illness?

    If needed, we will take care of a customized workspace.

    • The language proficiency test has no time limit, meaning you don't have to arrange extra test time.
    • If you need a customized workspace during the language proficiency test, please send an email to taalloket@taalcentrum-vu.nl.

    For more information about studying with a disability, please go to this page. 

Language test per faculty

The additional conditions with regard to the language test may differ per faculty.

  • ACTA

    There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Dentistry (ACTA).

  • AUC

    There are no exceptions for Amsterdam University College (AUC).

  • BETA

    There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Science.

  • FBMS

    There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences.

  • SRT

    There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Religion and Theology.

  • SSC

    For the Bachelor's programme Bestuurs- & Organisatiewetenschappen students are required to pass the test of the Refresher course with a score of at least 70%. If this is not the case, an extra course is required.

    For the other Bachelor’s programmes of the School of Social Sciences there are no exceptions.

  • SH

    There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Humanities.

  • LAW

    There are exceptions for the Faculty of Law.

    For the Bachelor's programmes Law (Rechtsgeleerdheid) and Notarial Law (Notarieel Recht) students are required to pass the Refresher course with a score of at least 70%. If this is not the case, an extra assignment is necessary.

  • SBE

    There are no exceptions for the School of Business and Economics.

There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Dentistry (ACTA).

There are no exceptions for Amsterdam University College (AUC).

There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Science.

There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences.

There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Religion and Theology.

For the Bachelor's programme Bestuurs- & Organisatiewetenschappen students are required to pass the test of the Refresher course with a score of at least 70%. If this is not the case, an extra course is required.

For the other Bachelor’s programmes of the School of Social Sciences there are no exceptions.

There are no exceptions for the Faculty of Humanities.

There are exceptions for the Faculty of Law.

For the Bachelor's programmes Law (Rechtsgeleerdheid) and Notarial Law (Notarieel Recht) students are required to pass the Refresher course with a score of at least 70%. If this is not the case, an extra assignment is necessary.

There are no exceptions for the School of Business and Economics.

Do you have any questions?

Please contact the Student Desk.

If you have questions about the tuition fee, Studielink or your personal dashboard on VU.nl, please contact the Student Desk: studentdesk@vu.nl, stating your student number.

Send a message via online chat (Mon – Fri: 10:30 – 12:30h and 14:00 – 16:00h).

Call +31 (0)20 59 85020 (Mon – Fri: 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00).

Are you currently a VU student? Ask your question via the question form (log in with your VUnetID)

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