Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country in Western Europe. It borders France to the south, Germany to the east, and Belgium to the west and north. The country has a highly developed economy and one of the world’s highest levels of GDP per capita. Its culture and languages also reflect close historical ties with its French- and German-speaking neighbors.
Luxembourgish is the national language, French is the legislative language, and Luxembourgish, French, and German are used in administrative and judicial matters. English is also widely used, particularly in international business and higher education. At the University of Luxembourg, many programs are bilingual, while some are trilingual or taught entirely in English.
Let’s explore the language requirements that international applicants may encounter when applying to universities in Luxembourg.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Luxembourg
Language requirements are set by each institution and program. Applicants may need to prove proficiency in English, French, German, or another language of instruction. Some programs accept standardized certificates, while others allow exemptions or conduct their own assessments.
Foreign Language Tests for International Students
Luxembourg does not impose a single local-language test for university admission. However, applicants to French- or German-taught programs may need to submit recognized proof of proficiency in the relevant language. Applicants should always check the admissions page for their specific program.
1. TestDaF
For non-native German speakers, the TestDaF is a standardized German proficiency examination designed mainly for prospective university students and researchers. It assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking at approximately CEFR levels B2 to C1. The TestDaF-Institut, part of the Society for Academic Study Preparation and Test Development, administers the examination. TestDaF is offered at more than 500 test centers in 100 countries and is recognized by all universities in Germany. Applicants in Luxembourg should confirm whether their chosen program accepts TestDaF and which result it requires.
2. Test de Connaissance du Français (TCF)
The Test de Connaissance du Français is administered by France Éducation international on behalf of the French Ministry of National Education. It assesses general French proficiency for academic, professional, or personal purposes. Applicants should verify which version of the TCF and which CEFR level, if any, their chosen Luxembourg program accepts.
English Language Tests for International Students
English-language requirements in Luxembourg are program-specific rather than national. For example, LUNEX requires English proficiency at CEFR level B2 for its bachelor’s and master’s programs, while the Luxembourg School of Business generally requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate at least B2 proficiency unless an exemption applies. Requirements at the University of Luxembourg vary by program.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is a widely accepted English proficiency test. Luxembourg institutions may accept IELTS Academic as evidence of English proficiency, but the required score depends on the institution and program.
IELTS evaluates reading, writing, speaking, and listening. There is no nationwide minimum IELTS score for admission to universities in Luxembourg. Official program pages show that required scores can vary, so applicants should check their chosen program rather than relying on a general minimum. IELTS results are generally treated as valid for two years, although each institution sets its own acceptance policy.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
The Test of English as a Foreign Language is administered by Educational Testing Service and assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing in academic contexts.
Students can register for the TOEFL iBT online. Scores are valid for two years, and test-center availability varies by location; applicants should review current TOEFL test dates and allow sufficient time for score reporting. Since January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT score reports have used a 1–6 scale. During a two-year transition period, reports also include a comparable overall score on the former 0–120 scale.
Luxembourg has no national minimum TOEFL score for university admission. For the Master in Management, the Luxembourg School of Business requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate at least CEFR level B2 unless an exemption applies, but its current admissions page does not publish a specific TOEFL cutoff.
3. Duolingo – Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency assessment that measures reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It can be taken from home and is used by many institutions worldwide, but applicants must confirm its acceptance with the specific Luxembourg institution and program to which they are applying.
The test process takes approximately one hour, standard results are available within two days, and results remain valid for two years. As of 2026, one test costs US$70. Because Luxembourg institutions do not follow a single national list of accepted English tests, applicants should not assume that the Duolingo English Test will be accepted without checking the program’s official admissions page.
For English-taught programs in Luxembourg, commonly listed forms of proof include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English qualifications, and other evidence approved by the institution. There is no national preference or single minimum score.
We hope this article on language tests needed in Luxembourg was helpful. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students!
