Language proficiency

All bachelor and master students must have sufficient command of both written and spoken English in order to follow their studies at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague (KABK).

EU/EEA candidates

As an EU/EEA candidate, you do not need to provide an English language certificate. Your proficiency in English will be assessed during your interview (for a comparable level to the minimum standards required, please see table further below).

EU/EEA candidates whose proficiency in English is not up to standard cannot be admitted to the programme. In doubtful cases, you are advised to follow a language course.

Non-EU/EEA candidates

All non-EU/EEA candidates (regardless of the type of residence permit you possess) are required to provide proof of English language proficiency by uploading your official test score certificate during the application process. Below you can find a table explaining which tests are accepted and what minimum score is needed.

Please note: Your certificate must be valid at the start of the school year, 1 September 2024. Be aware that IELTS and TOEFL results expire after 2 years.
We only accept the tests mentioned below. Duolingo exam results are not accepted.

Minimum score language proficiency tests

You can demonstrate your command of English with your score on any of the following English language proficiency tests for admission to education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Source: Code of Conduct International Student in Higher Education

Exemptions:

  • Students with a valid passport from the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are exempted from submitting an English proficiency test.
  • Non-EU/EEA students who have a diploma from an English-taught secondary school or school for higher education in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are exempted from submitting an English proficiency test.
  • Students with an English-taught International Baccalaureate (https://www.ibo.org/) diploma achieved in any country are exempted from the English proficiency test.

Applications for study year 2025/2026:
Deadline for non-EU/EEA candidates to submit proof of English language proficiency: 1 July
2025