In an age when opportunities for international education are expanding, the Netherlands stands out as a popular European study destination. As an international student hoping to study in the Netherlands, you may need to prove your English proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is accepted by many Dutch universities, although minimum scores and accepted TOEFL formats vary by university and program. This article highlights seven Dutch universities that accept TOEFL scores.
Explore the academic landscape of the Netherlands and discover the opportunities available to international students who have achieved the required TOEFL score. Prepare for an enriching educational journey in a country that values diversity, innovation, and academic achievement.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Dutch Universities
Exact TOEFL requirements can vary by program, faculty, and intake year. Some universities also list different requirements for TOEFL iBT tests taken before and after the 2026 TOEFL scoring update. Always check the official program page before applying.
1. University of Amsterdam
TOEFL scores can help international students meet the English-language requirements at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The university lists different minimum scores depending on the program.
For UvA bachelor’s programs, the minimum TOEFL iBT score is generally 92 for non-selective English-taught programs and 100 for selective English-taught programs. Some master’s programs also list TOEFL iBT minimums of 92 or 100, depending on the faculty and program. Students should confirm the required score on the official page for their intended program.
2. Leiden University
Rooted in a tradition of academic rigor, Leiden University offers a wide range of programs for international students.
Leiden University commonly uses a TOEFL iBT score of 90 as the minimum for English proficiency, with higher requirements for some programs. For example, some master’s tracks require a TOEFL iBT score of 100. Applicants should check the relevant program description and the university’s current English-language requirements before applying.
3. Utrecht University
With a legacy founded in academic quality and a dedication to developing a diverse international community, Utrecht University encourages students to pursue their educational goals and make a lasting mark on the world.
For programs that require the EMI-ready level, Utrecht University lists a TOEFL iBT minimum overall score of 83. Some programs may require a higher English level, so students should review the English-language requirement for the specific bachelor’s or master’s program they plan to apply to.
4. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam uses English-language requirements to help ensure that students can fully participate in coursework, research projects, and the university’s international academic community.
TOEFL requirements at Erasmus University Rotterdam are program-specific. Some bachelor’s programs list a TOEFL iBT minimum overall score of 80, while Erasmus University College lists 100 with minimum subscores. At the master’s level, several programs list minimum TOEFL iBT scores between 90 and 100. Applicants should always check the official program page for the exact requirement.
5. Maastricht University
Maastricht University, located in the city of Maastricht, is a respected institution that promotes high standards of learning. Its faculty includes experienced academics and subject-matter experts who bring knowledge and practical experience to the classroom.
Some Maastricht University bachelor’s programs list a TOEFL iBT minimum score of 80. Many master’s programs require a higher score, such as a TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with a writing requirement or an overall score of 100. Students should confirm the requirement on the official admission page for their chosen program.
6. University of Groningen
The University of Groningen offers many programs that accept TOEFL scores as proof of English proficiency. Specific requirements vary by program.
Many University of Groningen bachelor’s and master’s programs list a TOEFL iBT minimum score of 90, although some bachelor’s programs list 80. Section-score requirements also vary, so applicants should check the official requirements for their intended program.
7. Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
As a leading technology-focused university, TU Delft recognizes English language proficiency as important for success in its academic programs.
TU Delft lists a TOEFL iBT minimum score of 90 for international bachelor’s admission. For many master’s-level and graduate admission pages, TU Delft lists a TOEFL iBT minimum overall score of 100, with minimum section-score requirements. Applicants should verify the current requirement for the program and degree level they plan to pursue.
FAQs: TOEFL Acceptance in the Netherlands
What Type of TOEFL Exam is Accepted in the Netherlands?
When it comes to proving your English language skills, the TOEFL iBT is the TOEFL exam most commonly listed on Dutch university admission pages. It assesses academic English skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
However, accepted TOEFL formats vary by institution. Some universities do not accept TOEFL MyBest scores, TOEFL ITP, TOEFL Essentials, the Home Edition, or other alternative formats, while others may allow certain versions under specific conditions. In addition, TOEFL iBT scoring changed in January 2026, so some universities now publish requirements using both the old 0–120 scale and the newer 1–6 scale. Always check the official admissions page of your chosen program before booking or submitting a test.
These universities in the Netherlands accept TOEFL scores for many programs, reflecting the country’s commitment to providing educational opportunities to students from around the world. From the University of Amsterdam to Delft University of Technology, each university has its own strengths, academic focus, and English-language requirements. With the right TOEFL score and a careful review of program-specific admission criteria, students can begin planning a strong application for study in the Netherlands.
We hope this article has helped you explore European university options. For more information about European universities and scholarship opportunities, check out our Study in the Netherlands and Available Programs for International Students pages.
