Belgium is a popular study-abroad destination for international students. The country has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. However, the language of instruction varies by region, university, and program, so applicants should check the requirements for their chosen degree.
Fortunately, universities may accept several language qualifications. This guide explains some of the French, Dutch, and English proficiency tests that applicants may encounter when applying to study in Belgium.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Belgium
Whether you plan to study in Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, or the Brussels-Capital Region, it is important to understand the language requirements for your chosen program. Requirements are set by individual universities and programs, and applicants are not normally expected to demonstrate proficiency in every language discussed below.
Belgian Language Tests for International Students
The following French and Dutch qualifications may be relevant to international students applying to programs taught in those languages. Applicants should confirm which certificates their chosen university accepts.
1. DELF – Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française
The DELF is an internationally recognized French-language diploma that may be accepted as evidence of proficiency for programs taught in French. Whether it is required or accepted depends on the university and program.
It is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of National Education and administered internationally through France Éducation international. The examination assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The DELF covers four CEFR levels: DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1, and DELF B2. A1 and A2 represent basic-user levels, while B1 and B2 represent independent-user levels.
The required level varies by university and program. Some programs at UCLouvain require B2 French, while others require C1. At Université Libre de Bruxelles, certain programs require at least B2 French and may accept a DELF B2 certificate as evidence. Applicants should therefore consult the official page for their specific program rather than assuming that one institution-wide requirement applies.
2. DALF – Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française
DALF is an advanced French-language diploma that may be used when applying to a French-taught program with a high proficiency requirement. It is part of the DELF-DALF qualification system, but it is not a general admission requirement for all Belgian universities.
Unlike DELF, DALF covers two CEFR levels: DALF C1 and DALF C2. Both examinations assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking at an advanced level.
A C1 or C2 qualification demonstrates advanced French proficiency, but the minimum level required for admission is program-specific. For example, the general admissions information published by the University of Liège normally refers to B2 proficiency in the language of instruction when proof is required, rather than imposing DALF C1 or C2 as a university-wide standard.
3. NT2 – Nederlands als Tweede Taal
Nederlands als Tweede Taal means “Dutch as a second language.” The Dutch State Examination NT2 is primarily associated with study and employment in the Netherlands, so applicants to Belgian universities should not assume that it is automatically accepted.
The State Examination NT2 has two programs. Program I corresponds to CEFR level B1, while Program II corresponds to CEFR level B2.
Belgian universities establish their own lists of accepted Dutch-language certificates. Ghent University, for example, requires Dutch at level B2 for most bachelor’s programs taught in Dutch and C1 for certain language-focused programs. Applicants must also provide one of the forms of evidence accepted by the university, so they should verify whether their particular certificate qualifies.
English Language Tests for International Students
Applicants to English-taught programs may need to demonstrate English proficiency. The accepted tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and validity rules vary by university and program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is one of the English-language tests commonly accepted by Belgian universities. Applicants are usually asked to submit an Academic IELTS result rather than a General Training result, although they should always check the rules for their program.
To qualify for many English-taught programs, applicants must provide acceptable evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. There is no single minimum IELTS score for every Belgian university. KU Leuven’s general application guidance lists a minimum Academic IELTS score of 6.5, but some faculties and programs require 7.0 or higher. Hasselt University also lists an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 for several programs. Applicants should consult the exact admission page for their chosen degree.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL is another English-language test accepted by many Belgian universities. The TOEFL iBT evaluates the academic English skills used in university settings and assesses four areas:
- Reading: This section assesses the ability to understand and analyze academic texts.
- Writing: This section assesses the ability to communicate ideas clearly in written academic English.
- Listening: This section assesses comprehension of lectures and conversations in academic settings.
- Speaking: This section assesses the ability to respond orally to academic and campus-based tasks.
There is no universal TOEFL cutoff for universities in Belgium. Each institution and program sets its own standard. For example, UCLouvain’s Master in Economics lists a legacy TOEFL iBT score of at least 79 as equivalent to B2 English, while other programs at the same university may require higher scores. Applicants should also note that TOEFL introduced a new 1-to-6 score scale in 2026, and universities may publish both new-scale requirements and equivalent legacy scores during the transition.
3. DET – Duolingo English Test
The DET, or Duolingo English Test, is accepted by some Belgian institutions as an alternative to tests such as TOEFL and IELTS. However, it is not accepted by every university or program.
The DET assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking through an online adaptive format. Scores range from 10 to 160, with higher scores representing higher levels of English proficiency.
Each institution may establish its own minimum DET score. For example, Antwerp Management School currently lists an overall Duolingo English Test score of 110 for applicants who are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Some programs at Hasselt University accept the test with a minimum score of 120.
If you are planning to study in Belgium, begin by identifying the language of instruction for your chosen program. You may need to demonstrate Dutch, French, or English proficiency, but you will not normally need to take tests in all three languages. Always consult the university’s current admissions page to confirm the accepted certificates, minimum scores, exemptions, and document-validity rules.
We hope that this article on the language tests needed in Belgium for international students was informative. You can also find more information on European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Study in Belgium and Available Programs for International Students!
