What CEFR Level Do You Need for Erasmus?

What is the Erasmus+ language requirement?

Erasmus+ requires students to demonstrate a minimum language level in the language of instruction at their host institution. This requirement applies to all participants, whether they study in English, German, French, or any other European language.

Verification happens before or shortly after arrival. Most students complete the EU's Online Linguistic Support (OLS) assessment, a free placement test built into the Erasmus+ programme, though many host universities also accept an existing language certificate submitted during the application stage.

The minimum level is almost always B1 or B2 on the CEFR levels scale. Where you land on that scale depends on the language of instruction and the faculty you are applying to.

CEFR levels required by language

Requirements vary by language and by host institution, but the table below reflects the levels most universities across the Erasmus+ network expect at the time of application.

Language of instruction	Typical required CEFR level	Notes
English	B2	Most common requirement across Europe; some technical faculties ask for C1
German	B1 to B2	B1 accepted at some partner universities; larger research universities often require B2
French	B1 to B2	B1 is common for general programmes; B2 required at many grandes écoles
Spanish	B1	Spanish universities frequently accept B1; some require B2 for postgraduate exchanges
Italian	B1	B1 is standard; a number of Italian host universities run parallel English-taught courses

English-taught programmes are the strictest on average. A B2 level in English is the baseline at roughly 70% of Erasmus+ host institutions that offer courses in English, based on data published in the Erasmus+ programme guide.

If you are unsure where your current ability sits, take a free language test before you start shortlisting host universities. That result gives you a realistic picture before you invest time in applications.

How to prove your level for Erasmus

Host universities typically accept three forms of evidence: a recent language certificate, a letter from your home university confirming your language competence, or a placement test completed through the EU's Online Linguistic Support platform.

A letter from your home institution is the lightest option, but it carries the least weight with selective host universities. A graded certificate from a recognised provider is stronger evidence and is accepted by the widest range of partners.

The OLS assessment is mandatory for most Erasmus+ grant holders and must be completed within 30 days of arrival. The OLS result does not affect your grant or your place. It is a monitoring tool, not a gatekeeping test. The document or certificate you submit at the application stage is what determines whether you meet the host institution's entry threshold.

Online certificate vs official exam for Erasmus

Many universities accept an online CEFR-aligned certificate at the application stage. Providers such as EF SET, Linguaskill, or Examinizer issue certificates that map results directly to CEFR bands, which is the format most Erasmus+ coordinators look for.

An official exam, such as IELTS, TOEFL, DELF, or Goethe-Zertifikat, is sometimes required only after acceptance, and in many cases it is not required at all. The distinction matters for cost and timing. Official exams can cost between 150 and 300 euros and have fixed sitting dates, while online certificates are available on demand and often free or low-cost.

If your target host university's website specifies only that you must demonstrate a CEFR level without naming a particular exam, an online certificate is almost always sufficient. If the requirement lists IELTS 6.0 or DELF B2 by name, you need that specific qualification. Always read the host institution's own admissions page, not just the bilateral agreement summary provided by your home university.

This is especially relevant if you are applying to programmes that use English as a gateway language. Our guide on English tests for university admission covers the main accepted formats in detail, including which certificate types are recognised at institutions across Europe.

For a closer look at what B2 competence actually involves and how it differs from adjacent levels, read our breakdown of what the B2 English level means in practical terms.

How to apply

Check the specific language requirement listed by your target host institution before you begin your application. Requirements vary by university and by faculty within the same university. An engineering department and a humanities department at the same institution can have different thresholds.

Follow these steps to avoid delays:

1. Identify your preferred host universities and locate each institution's Erasmus+ incoming students page.
2. Find the exact language requirement for your faculty or programme, not just the university's general language policy.
3. Compare that requirement against your current level. If you are uncertain, take a free language test now to get a CEFR-aligned result you can reference.
4. Obtain the required proof of level. Allow at least 4 weeks if you need to sit an official exam, since registration windows close in advance of sitting dates.
5. Submit your language certificate alongside your application to your home university's international office, who will forward it to the host institution.
6. Complete the OLS assessment within 30 days of arriving at your host institution, as required by your Erasmus+ grant conditions.

Application deadlines for Erasmus+ exchanges typically fall between October and February for the following academic year. Getting your language documentation in order at least 6 to 8 weeks before your home university's internal deadline removes one of the most common causes of incomplete applications.

If your current level falls below the requirement, spending 3 to 4 months on structured preparation before resitting an assessment is realistic for moving one sub-level, for example from B1 to B1+ or from B1+ to B2. A full level jump from B1 to B2 generally requires 6 months of consistent study.

FAQ

Does Erasmus require an official language exam?

Not always. Many host universities accept any CEFR-aligned certificate, including online tests, rather than a specific official exam. Check the admissions page of each host institution directly. If the requirement names a particular test such as IELTS or DELF, you need that qualification. If it states only a CEFR level, an online certificate from a recognised provider is usually sufficient.

What happens if my language level is below the requirement?

Your application can be rejected at the host institution stage, even after your home university nominates you. In practice, you have two options: choose a host university with a lower threshold, or spend time improving your level before applying. Moving from B1 to B2 realistically takes 6 months of structured study, so plan around your intended application cycle.

Does the required level differ depending on the subject I study?

Yes. Faculty-level requirements can differ from a university's general policy. Engineering, medicine, and law programmes tend to require B2 or above because the academic vocabulary is dense and specialised. Humanities and social science programmes at the same institution may accept B1. Always check the specific requirement for your faculty, not just the university's headline language policy.

How early should I get certified before the application deadline?

Aim to have your certificate in hand at least 6 weeks before your home university's internal Erasmus+ deadline. If you need an official exam, factor in registration windows of 3 to 6 weeks before the sitting date, plus 2 to 3 weeks for results. Online certificates can be obtained faster, sometimes within days, but allow time to retake if your first result is below the required level.

Can I use my school-leaving exam results as proof of language level?

Some home universities accept a strong school-leaving result, such as an A-level in the language or a high Matura grade, as evidence of B2 competence. Host institutions are less consistent on this point. A dedicated language certificate that explicitly states a CEFR level is more reliable and universally understood across Erasmus+ partner countries than a national school qualification.