Language certificates for free movers

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe, is the international standard for measuring language proficiency. It is used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide, not just in Europe.

The framework divides proficiency into six levels: A1 and A2 (Basic User), B1 and B2 (Independent User), C1 and C2 (Proficient User). Each major language certification maps to one or more of these levels, which is why a B2 in DELF and a B2 in IELTS represent comparable, though not identical, competences.

Most free mover partner universities require B2 or C1 as their minimum threshold. B2 represents the ability to understand complex academic texts, engage in detailed discussions on unfamiliar topics, and express ideas clearly without frequent errors. C1 represents near-fluency, appropriate for demanding academic environments and competitive programs. If a university specifies only “language proficiency” without a CEFR level, assume B2 as the practical minimum.

English is the teaching language at the majority of partner universities on our platform, and most of them require an English language certificate to enroll as a free mover. Please note that all the tests are considered valid for two years from the issuance date by our partner university. If your certificate is older than two years, most universities will not accept it and you will need to retest.

The following certificates are the most widely accepted, and we strongly suggest you to take one of these tests if you want to maximize your chances of admission as a free mover:

TOEFL iBT is the globally recognized standard. The typical minimum threshold is 4.0 out of 6. Competitive programs may require 90 or above. TOEFL scores are valid for two years.
Psssst… we have a discount code for you if you decide to take this test.

IELTS Academic is also globally accepted. The minimum score required by most partner institutions is 6.0 overall, with no individual band below 5.5. More competitive institutions in business, law, or English-speaking countries typically require 6.5 or above. Note that IELTS has two versions: Academic and General Training. Universities require the Academic version. IELTS scores are also valid for two years from the test date.

Cambridge English Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency). Its B2 First certification satisfies requirements at institutions requiring B2 level. C1 Advanced is accepted as evidence of C1 level and is widely recognized across European universities. These certificates are particularly common among European students.

Duolingo English Test is a newer option that has gained significant acceptance at universities worldwide since 2020. It is taken online and results arrive within 48 hours, making it faster and cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score accepted varies by institution, but a score of 105 to 115 typically corresponds to B2 level. Not all partner universities accept it; check the specific requirements for your target institution before taking this route.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is fully computer-based and widely accepted, particularly at Australian and UK institutions. Minimum scores around 58 to 65 generally correspond to B2 level. Results are typically available within five business days.

Home university certificate is also a valid alternative, whenever accepted. This could make you save money and stress since no other English language certificate is needed in this case. Please note that only a small minority (20-25% of our partner institutions) accept this kind of paper. How to get it? Just ask to your home university international office or registrar for an “English language proficiency certification” issued by them.

Current enrollment in a fully English-taught program at your home university is a further solid proof, and is more commonly accepted than the home university certificate mentioned above. Generally, it has a very high acceptance rate, similar to the established and well reputed English language certificates explained in this page. If you find yourself in this situation, your Academic Transcript is enough. Just provide it and that will count as your English language proficiency document.

French-taught programs are available through several partner universities, including institutions in France and French-speaking regions.

DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) covers levels A1 through B2 and is issued by the French Ministry of Education through the CIEP. DELF B2 is the standard minimum for university-level study in French. DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) covers C1 and C2 and is required by more demanding programs. Both DELF and DALF certificates do not expire.

TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is a timed proficiency test that produces a score corresponding to a CEFR level, similar to IELTS or TOEFL in structure. It is issued by the CIEP and widely accepted at French institutions. Results are valid for two years.

German: The Goethe Institut offers examinations at all CEFR levels, from A1 to C2, and its certificates are recognized globally. The TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is specifically designed for university admission in Germany and Austria: a TestDaF score of 4 in all four areas is the standard minimum for most German universities. DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is an exam administered directly by German universities and is accepted for admission to the specific institution that administers it, but not universally transferable. telc certificates are an additional option recognized at many European institutions. For free movers, Goethe Institut certificates or TestDaF are the most portable choices.

Spanish: DELE diplomas (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) are issued by the Instituto Cervantes and cover all CEFR levels. DELE B2 is the standard threshold for undergraduate-level programs in Spanish. DELE certificates do not expire. SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) is a more recent alternative developed by the Instituto Cervantes together with several Latin American universities, structured more like TOEFL with a score rather than a level, and valid for five years.

Portuguese: CAPLE tests (issued by the University of Lisbon) are the primary international Portuguese proficiency standard. The CPLE exam certifies B2 level and the DAPLE certifies C1. These are the most recognized certifications for students planning to study at Portuguese-speaking institutions.

Book early. Test dates for IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge examinations fill up in advance, particularly around common application periods (October to March). In some cities and countries, available test slots can be six to eight weeks away. If your application has a deadline, work backwards from that date and book your test immediately.

Check the specific requirement before choosing a test. Not every certificate is accepted at every institution. Duolingo English Test is not yet universally accepted. DSH is only valid at the institution that issued it. Before investing time and money in a test, confirm that your target university accepts it.

Exemption documentation takes time. If you are seeking an exemption based on your degree language, request the letter from your home university’s international office well in advance. These requests sometimes take two to three weeks to process, and a delayed letter can hold up your application.

English courses are available at approximately 95% of partner universities on our platform. Of those, around 75% require a formal English language certificate as part of the application. The remaining 25% either have an internal proficiency assessment, accept alternative proof such as a home university letter confirming English-medium instruction, or have no English-language prerequisite at all.

Roughly 35% of institutions offer courses in a second teaching language alongside English, covering French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. These are the only secondary languages available through wearefreemovers. Students targeting a bilingual institution can use this to their advantage: a French certificate opens additional course options at destinations where both English and French programs run in parallel.

Lastly, the remaining 5% of partner universities teach exclusively in their national language, meaning an English certificate alone is not sufficient.

The practical implication: an English certificate at B2 level or above is the single credential that unlocks the most destinations. If you are deciding which test to prioritize and have no certificate yet, start there since this is unlocking so many opportunities for you as a free mover (pssst… take advantage of our TOEFL iBT promo code). If you already have a valid English certificate and are considering a bilingual destination, a secondary language certificate in French, Spanish, German, or Portuguese can be a targeted choice for your purpose.