English language requirements

If you would like to study at IHE Delft, there are fixed English-language requirements which you need to fulfil. The certificates and minimum scores accepted are given below. Test results must be dated within 24 months prior to your application. Please note that an English Proficiency Statement from your university, confirming that English was the language of instruction, does not replace the English language test that we request.

Applicants for the regular MSc in Water and Sustainable Development (68 EC) as well as applicants for the joint master programmes, are strongly advised to have English language levels equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or higher before the start of their study at IHE Delft. Although the minimum entry level of English is IELTS 6.0 applicants are expected to further improve their English language skills in the period between admission and enrolment. The minimum entry levels of English for the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development (120 EC) are higher.

IELTS (academic version)

• Overall: ≥6.0 (regular/joint MSc), ≥6.5 (research MSc)
• Writing: ≥6.0 (regular/joint MSc), ≥6.5 (research MSc)

A total score lower than 6.0 is not accepted, even if the CEFR level score is B2.

TOEIC

• Total Listening and Reading ≥865 (regular/joint MSc), ≥945 (research MSc)
• Total Speaking and Writing ≥335 (regular/joint MSc), ≥400 (research MSc)

Must have all three tests: (1) TOEIC Listening and Reading, (2) TOEIC Speaking Writing.

NB The Institutional Test is not accepted.

TOEFL

• iBT Internet-based: ≥80 overall and ≥17 for writing (regular/joint MSc), ≥90 overall and ≥20 for writing (research MSc)

• iBT Home Edition: ≥80 overall and ≥17 for writing(regular/joint MSc), ≥90 overall and ≥20 for writing (research MSc)*

  * The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted only in exceptional situations. We consider an exceptional situation when it is not possible for (prospective) international students to use the regular language tests because on-site language testing centers are closed or inaccessible due to unsafe situations in a country.

The Institutional TOEFL code number of IHE Delft is 8949. Always indicate this number when you take your TOEFL IBT test. This will enable IHE Delft to check your TOEFL results online.

NB The ITP and the IBT revised paper-delivered are not accepted.

Cambridge

• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)/C2 Proficiency: Grades A, B and C (regular/joint MSc), Grades A, B and C (research MSc)
• Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)/C1 Advanced: Grades A, B and C (regular/joint MSc), Grades A and B or ≥176 (research MSc)
• First Certificate in English (FCE)/B2 First: Grades A, B and C or ≥160 (regular/joint MSc), Grades A and B or ≥176 (research MSc)

Pearson

• PTE Academic: ≥ 51.6 overall and ≥62.2 for writing (regular/joint MSc), ≥58.5 overall and ≥74.1 for writing (research MSc)

If you are not from one of the countries mentioned above, you have to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. Test results must be dated within 24 months prior to your application.

Minimum required scores are:

• IELTS (academic version) overall band score of 7.0, with minimum sub-score of at least 6.5 for all sub-skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
• TOEFL internet-based overall band score of 100 with scores or at least 21 for all sectionsThe Institutional TOEFL code number of IHE Delft is 8949. Always indicate this number when you do your TOEFL IBT test. This will enable IHE Delft to check your TOEFL results online.

1) The ITP is not accepted

Self-test

A good starting point is the free online DIALANG test, a language diagnosis system based on the Common European Framework (CEF). 

Click on the logo, select 'Instructions in English' and press the 'forward' button to navigate through the test. For best results, follow all 5 stages, step by step. Start by choosing a test: select English and start with 'Writing'. You can go back and test other skills, such as listening, reading, etc. Next, do the short placement test, then take the self-assessment. Now you can take the language test you selected in step one.

Note: you must complete the test or you will not get a result.

Finally, check your level in the final 'feedback' step. You can use the result to see what level your English is at right now, and you will also receive advice about what needs improving. If you find your level to be lower than B2 (i.e. A1, A2 or B1), your level is below IHE Delft standard and you should take immediate steps to improve your English language skills.

Note: DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates.

Self-assess

Alternatively, for a quick idea of your English level, use the Common European Framework (CEF) self-assessment grid. See the CEF Global Scale document for an overview of the six language levels. Use the self-assessment grid to find out your level for understanding, speaking and writing in English. If you find your level to be lower than B2, take immediate steps to improve your English language skills.

CEF Self-Assessment Grid: Common Reference Levels - The Global Scale

For example, the LearnEnglish website of the British Council: learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/ has extremely helpful sections on grammar and vocabulary.  This website also has an 'IELTS' section with hours of practice materials for all sections of the IELTS exam.

Further IELTS practice and preparation can be found on the IELTS website itself: www.ielts.org. Click on ‘For Test Takers’. You can test yourself with the free 'Sample test questions’ and you can get a full description of the test format and questions.

If you are interested in taking the TOEFL test, or improving your score, there is a vast amount of free resources available online. The best place to start is www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare.

Another useful site is www.toeflgoanywhere.org. From here you can find advice and resources on how to prepare and practise for the TOEFL test.

The following MOOC on edX is very useful as a preparation for your TOEFL iBT, so very interesting for prospective students: TOEFL Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide

A free practice test is offered by TOEFL: TOEFL iBT Free Practice Test