IELTS requirements at European universities
Quick answer: Most European universities take IELTS Academic for English-taught programmes. In the official examples below, bachelor’s degrees usually ask for 6.0–6.5 and master’s degrees for 6.5–7.0, and some add a floor for every section (TU Delft master’s: 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each). IELTS Academic at the British Council in Baku costs 575 AZN.
What eight European universities ask for
| University | Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| TU Delft (Netherlands) | Master’s | 7.0, at least 6.5 per section | TOEFL iBT 100, 22 per section |
| TU Delft (Netherlands) | Bachelor’s | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 90 |
| Erasmus University (Netherlands) | Bachelor’s IBEB | 6.0, no section minimum | PTE 61 |
| University of Amsterdam | Master’s Econometrics | 6.5; speaking and writing 6.5, listening and reading 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 92, PTE 71 |
| University of Warsaw (Poland) | Bachelor’s Psychology | 6.5 (B2) | — |
| Charles University (Czech Republic) | Bachelor’s, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 85, PTE 66, Duolingo 110 |
| University of Vienna (Austria) | English-taught master’s (B2) | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 94 |
| KU Leuven (Belgium) | Master’s Actuarial & Financial Engineering | 7.0, at least 6.5 per section | TOEFL iBT 94, 20 per section |
Source: tudelft.nl, tudelft.nl, eur.nl, uva.nl, uw.edu.pl, cuni.cz, univie.ac.at, kuleuven.be — checked 11/2026.
Two patterns emerge. Master’s thresholds tend to sit half a band to a full band above bachelor’s ones (6.5 rising to 7.0 at TU Delft). And the section floor is frequently what decides things: someone with 7.0 overall but 6.0 in a single section falls short of the master’s requirement at both TU Delft and KU Leuven.
Other tests and TOEFL’s new scale
Most of these universities also take TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge; only Charles University lists Duolingo. For TOEFL iBT results issued after 21 January 2026, TU Delft, Amsterdam and KU Leuven publish separate minimums on the new 1–6 scale (TU Delft master’s: 5 overall, 4.5 per section). The IELTS scale has not changed and still runs from 0 to 9 in half-band steps. Background: TOEFL iBT’s new scale.
Sitting IELTS in Baku
At the British Council test centre in Baku, IELTS Academic costs 575 AZN and IELTS for UKVI 625 AZN (ielts.org). Computer-delivered results come in 1–5 days, IELTS Online results in 6–8 days (ielts.org). How to register: IELTS registration in Baku.
EU universities generally take standard Academic; UKVI matters only in certain UK visa cases (check the UK government’s official website).
Test format and how to prepare
| Section | Time | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | about 30 min | 4 parts, 40 questions |
| Reading | 60 min | 3 texts, 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 min | Task 1 (at least 150 words), Task 2 (at least 250 words) |
| Speaking | 11–14 min | 3 parts, face to face with an examiner |
Source: eddeacademy.az — checked 11/2026.
- Take the highest requirement on your shortlist, both overall and per section, as your target.
- Begin with a placement test and plan around the gap; our 8-week IELTS plan shows one way to do it.
- Give the weakest section its own time. Writing is the usual risk where section floors apply, because Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1.
- Sit the exam at least 1–2 months before the application deadline so a second attempt remains possible.
At EDDE Academy, IELTS groups have no more than four students, progress is measured with a monthly mock exam and the initial placement test is free.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do European bachelor’s programmes require?
In our official examples, between 6.0 (Erasmus IBEB) and 6.5 (TU Delft, Warsaw and Charles University).
And for a master’s?
Typically 6.5–7.0; the sample programmes at TU Delft and KU Leuven ask for 7.0 with no section under 6.5.
Will a university accept IELTS General Training?
Admission normally calls for IELTS Academic, so check which module the programme’s admission page names.
How long does an IELTS result stay valid?
Universities usually accept results from the last 2 years; the programme page gives the exact rule.
Plan it with us
EDDE Global combines IELTS preparation at EDDE Academy with help choosing universities that match your score. Book a free consultation.