What universities actually require
Requirements vary sharply by country and institution, so treat any single number as a general guide rather than a guarantee. B2 covers many undergraduate admissions to English-taught programs; C1 is common for master's programs and more selective universities.
EU vs UK/US requirements
| Region | Typical requirement | Online CEFR certificate accepted |
|---|---|---|
| EU (English-taught programs) | B2-C1 | Sometimes, program-dependent |
| UK universities | IELTS Academic 6.0-7.5 | No, named exam required |
| US universities | TOEFL iBT 80-100+ | No, named exam required |
| Erasmus+ exchange | B2 (English) | Often accepted, verify with host institution |
Always confirm with the specific program
Admissions requirements are set individually by each university and sometimes by each department within it. The table above is a general guide, not a substitute for checking the actual admissions page of the program you're applying to.
Use the free test to check readiness first
Before booking and paying for IELTS or TOEFL, take Examinizer's free test to get an honest read on your current level. If you're already well above the requirement, you can book the official exam with confidence. If you're below it, you know how much preparation time to budget before spending money on the official exam.
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Common questions
B2 is the common minimum for undergraduate programs taught in English, with many master's programs and more competitive universities requiring C1.
Some EU universities, particularly for less formal admission tracks or preliminary language checks, may accept a documented CEFR level from any credible source. Most universities, especially in the UK, US, and competitive programs elsewhere, require a specifically named exam like IELTS or TOEFL.
EU universities more frequently reference CEFR levels generally and sometimes accept flexible proof. UK and US universities typically require a named exam (IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT most commonly) as a formal admissions requirement.
Yes, this is one of the most useful applications. Taking the free test gives you an honest CEFR estimate before you commit time and money to booking an official exam.
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