Language preparation

If you plan to go on exchange, it is essential to start well in advance with the language preparations. Students are strongly advised to start language preparations at least 1 year before they apply for an exchange.

The information about specific language requirements can be found on IESE .

Language requirements for outside of Europe

Almost all* partner universities outside of Europe require an official language test, you need to upload the result of your language test with your online application. For universities with English taught education only a valid TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge (CAE or CPE) test is accepted (no home based online results will be accepted from 2024/25!). The results are valid for only two years from the day of the test. IMPORTANT: they have to be valid at the moment of application for exchange and, later on, at the moment of application for the host university (also important for visa purposes)!

The partner universities require different exams and results for the language tests. Always check IESE for the type of test and the minimum result the university of your choice requires.

*THE EXCEPTION: the LLB and LLM students of our English-taught programmes do not have to provide an official language certificate while applying to the following destinations outside of Europe:

University of Rwanda, Rwanda

Strathmore University, Kenya

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia

For more information on the test requirement for universities in Argentina, Aruba and Mexico please contact the International Office.

If you have to take a new test, check the respective websites and make an appointment in time. We need the result of this test before the application deadline.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE IN POSSESSION OF THE CORRECT TEST/RESULT FOR YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY'S REGISTRATION AND VISA APPLICATION !!!

Language courses and tests

The University of Groningen offers language courses at all levels in many languages of the EU. Information is available at the Language Centre.

More information on the specific tests can be found on:

• TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, and is offered by ETS - Educational Testing Service
• IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System
• Cambridge English Language Assesment
• Language Centre Testing Unit

Language requirements inside of Europe at the moment of application and before departure for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy and Spain

• completed language proficiency course for the language(s) of instruction in question (minimum level B2);
• the certificate of language proficiency must be submitted with the application;
• before departure, a language certificate of a C1 level must be submited in MO (tests from the Language Centre are accepted).

N.B. Some of the partner universities in these countries offer enough courses in English, so that only a proof of English proficiency must be submited. Check IESE for more information about the language requirements of the specific universities.

Legal French

If you have a B2 level in French, our Institut Français is offering an intensive Legal French course to boost your confidence and broaden your vocabualry before studing law in French. More information about the dates, rates and content can be found here: Le français juridique.

Important note: completing this course will be counted as a proof of C1 level required before your departure.