Certification of English language skills

Some universities may accept your secondary school English qualifications (such as final exams or a certain number of English instruction hours) as proof of proficiency. However, acceptance depends on the specific university, study program, and its requirements.

Possible exemption for candidates from selected EU countries (the Netherlands): According to an official document, candidates who have passed their school-leaving exams (including English) and obtained a recognised diploma from one of the following countries may be exempt from the IELTS or TOEFL requirement at some Kastu partner universities in the Netherlands:

Belgium (Flanders), Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden.

Important: This is not a general rule for all Dutch universities. The exemption applies only to specific Kastu partner universities that recognise the diplomas and exams listed in the official document. Simply having completed secondary school in one of these countries does not automatically exempt you from the English language test – your diploma and exam results must match the requirements described in the document.

If your diploma is not included in the official list, or if your chosen university does not apply this exemption, you will need to provide IELTS, TOEFL, or another English proficiency test accepted by the university.

Check whether your diploma and exams qualify: Official list of exempted diplomas (PDF)

Some selected Danish universities may consider the number of English lessons completed during secondary school. The required number of hours and accepted documents depend on the university and the applicant’s country of education.

Always check the official university website. If you still have questions, ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.

You can take one of the following internationally recognised English language tests:

• IELTS Academic – one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests. Note: the Academic version is required!
• TOEFL – get a 5% discount with a Kastu code! More information here.
• Duolingo – taken online, from home. Accepted by selected universities.
• Cambridge English – accepted by selected universities. Always check which certificate and score are required.

Important: Whenever possible, choose the in-person (test centre) version of IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge. Online versions of these tests are currently not accepted by most universities.

If you hold or plan to obtain a Cambridge English certificate, check whether it is accepted by your chosen universities. If accepted, it usually needs to be CAE (C1 Advanced) – very few universities accept FCE.

• Cambridge English certificates do not expire. However, some universities may require a recent certificate, so always check the specific requirements.
• If you cannot find the relevant information on the university’s official website, ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.

IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or Duolingo test results must be submitted before the deadline set by your chosen university. Since deadlines vary depending on the university and study program, we recommend checking the official university website. If you need help, ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.

If your chosen universities require IELTS or TOEFL but you are not confident about achieving the required score, here is a recommended plan:

1. As a backup, include a university that accepts an alternative way of proving English proficiency (e.g., secondary school qualifications or Duolingo).
2. Consider taking Duolingo as a quicker alternative – it is accepted by selected universities.

This way, even if you do not achieve the required IELTS or TOEFL score, you still have the option of being accepted to a university that recognises a different English qualification.

If you hold or plan to obtain a Cambridge English certificate, check whether it is accepted by your chosen universities. If accepted, it usually needs to be CAE (C1 Advanced) – very few universities accept FCE.

• Cambridge English certificates do not expire. However, some universities may require a recent certificate or test result, so always check the specific requirements of your chosen university.
• If you cannot find the relevant information on the university’s official website, ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.

• Register for international tests well in advance, as preferred dates may fill up quickly.
• The waiting time for results depends on the test – plan ahead to ensure your results reach the universities on time.
• If the university allows the certificate to be submitted later, upload it to your Kastu application as soon as you receive it.

To feel comfortable with English and prepare well for the test, it helps to immerse yourself in the language daily. This does not have to mean textbook study – watching your favourite series or reading the news in English counts too. The key is consistency.

Podcasts are a great way to develop your listening skills. Hosts discuss current topics and have engaging conversations. Listening on your commute or during a walk helps build comprehension and expand vocabulary without even realising it. Here are some suggestions:

• English as a Second Language Podcast
• Podcasts in English
• British Council Podcasts

When a text appears on the test, the first thought is often: “so many unknown words!”. Relax – you do not need to know every word. It is enough to understand the overall meaning and main idea. Individual words can often be understood from context or simply ignored.

Strategy: First, scan the text quickly to understand what it is about. Then identify the main idea of each paragraph. Only then focus on specific parts related to the questions.

Try to apply grammar rules in practice rather than memorising them. For each rule, it helps to remember examples: sentences, phrases, individual words. By remembering one example, it becomes easier to understand how similar cases work. The more exercises you complete with different grammar rules, the better you will remember them.

The most common mistake test-takers make is worrying too much about the results. Focus on the preparation process and enjoy it – after all, you are preparing to study in English, and you are doing it for yourself. Turn it into something enjoyable!

Tip: Avoid studying the night before the test. Let your thoughts and knowledge settle. You will feel far more prepared after a good night’s sleep than after a sleepless night over books.

Not necessarily. English proficiency can be proven in different ways depending on the university. In some cases, secondary school English qualifications or a sufficient number of English instruction hours may be enough. Other universities require a certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another recognised test.

In many cases this is possible, but it depends on the deadlines and requirements of the chosen university. Once you receive your test result, upload it to your Kastu application.

Test results must be submitted before the deadline set by your chosen university. Since deadlines vary, check the official university website. If you need help, ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.

As a backup, include a university that accepts an alternative English qualification (e.g., secondary school qualifications or Duolingo). This way, even if you do not reach the required IELTS or TOEFL score, you still have the option of being accepted elsewhere. Need advice? Ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.

The waiting time varies depending on the test. Plan ahead to ensure your results reach the university before the deadline. Check specific timelines on the test provider’s website. Still have questions? Ask KastuGPT or reach us at kastu.eu/contacts.