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English Language Requirements

All of UNESCO-IHE's educational programmes and courses are taught in English. Thus it is vital that students and participants have an adequate level of spoken and written English.

UNESCO-IHE does not require a language certificate from native English speakers coming from: Australia, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Cook Islands, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

If you would like to study at UNESCO-IHE, there are fixed English-language requirements which you need to fulfil. You must have a recognised English qualification aligned with CEFR level B2 to successfully apply. The main certificates and minimum scores accepted are given below. Please note that an English Proficiency Statement from the your University, confirming that English was the language of instruction, does not replace the English language test that we request. 

We strongly advise applicants to have English language levels equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or higher before the start of their study at UNESCO-IHE. Although the minimum entry level of English is only IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent), applicants are expected to further improve their English language skills in the period between admission and enrolment.

Please note that a statement of your university, confirming that English was the language of instruction, cannot replace the English language test that we request. 

The following are the minimum English test scores for admission:

IELTS

  • IELTS Academic Test: Band 6.0 overall, Band 6.5 is preferred

TOEFL

  • TOEFL internet based test iBT: 87 overall
  • TOEFL paper based test PBT: 502 overall, plus TWE 4.5.
  • The Institutional TOEFL-code number of UNESCO-IHE is: 8949

Note: PBT must include a TWE Test of Written English of score 4.5. The IPT is not accepted.

Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

  • Certificate of Proficiency in English CPE: Any (grade A/B/C)
  • Certificate of Advanced English CAE: 160/Level B2 (also grades A/B/C)
  • First Certificate in English FCE: 160/Grade C (also grades A/B)
  • Business English Certificate (Higher) BEC: 45/Level B2 (also grades A/B/C)
  • Business English Certificate (Vantage) BEC: 60/Grade C (also grades A/B)
  • Business Language Testing Service BULATS: 60 overall

TELC (The European Language Certificates)

  • telc English B2, C1, C2: Pass

Michigan (Cambridge Michigan)

  • Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English ECPE: Low Pass, Pass, Honors
  • Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English  ECCE: Pass, Honors
  • MELAB: B2

Further qualifications accepted:

Pitman ESOL: City & Guilds Pitman ESOL Advanced, Pass
City & Guilds Pitman ESOL Higher Intermediate, First Class Pass

Some ESOL qualifications administered by the following institutions:

  • UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate)
  • UODLE (Oxford University)
  • British Council
  • ARELS (Association of Recognised English Language Services)

Candidates whose English test results are not available shortly before the deadline of application for a certain fellowship, can already send in their application without the test result. They may receive a conditional admission letter. In this case final admission may be given later after receipt and approval of the English language test.

Assess your English language ability

All applicants are strongly advised to self-assess their English language ability to discover if it matches the high standards required for Master's level study in English.

Self-test

A good starting point is the free online DIALANG test, a language diagnosis system based on the Common European Framework (CEF). To access the test follow the link below. Click on the logo, select 'Instructions in English' and press the 'forward' button to navigate through the test. For best results, follow all 5 stages, step by step. Start by choosing a test: select English and start with 'Writing'. You can go back and test other skills, such as listening, reading, etc. Next, do the short placement test, then take the self-assessment. Now you can take the language test you selected in step one. Note: you must complete the test or you will not get a result. Finally, check your level in the final 'feedback' step. You can use the result to see what level your English is at right now, and you will also receive advice about what needs improving. If you find your level to be lower than B2 (ie A1, A2 or B1), your level is below UNESCO-IHE standard and you should take immediate steps to improve your English language skills. (Note: DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates.)

To access the test, go to http://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk

Self-assess

Alternatively, for a quick idea of your English level, use the Common European Framework (CEF) self-assessment grid. See the CEF Global Scale document for an overview of the six language levels. Use the self-assessment grid to find out your level for understanding, speaking and writing in English. Again, if you find your level to be lower than B2, take immediate steps to improve your English language skills.

CEF Self-Assessment Grid

Common Reference Levels - The Global Scale

Practice and improve

To practice your English before commencing study at UNESCO-IHE and to improve your overall ability, there are many high-quality resources available on the Internet.

The LearnEnglish website of the British Council: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/

The 'Grammar & Vocabulary' and 'Writing' sections are extremely helpful. In particular, for academic study, you are strongly recommended to explore the 'Writing for a Purpose' section. This consists of 50 hours of free, high-quality, research-based learning materials to help international students with academic writing. It includes audio and video materials along with interactive exercises. This website also has an 'IELTS' section where you can prepare for and practice the IELTS exam. There are hours of free practice materials for all sections of the test, and useful 'Tips for Success'.

Further IELTS practice and preparation can be found on the IELTS website: http://www.ielts.org

Click on 'Test Takers' then 'How do I prepare?'. You can test yourself with the free 'sample questions online' and you can get a full description of the test format and questions.

If you are interested in taking the TOEFL test, or improving your score, there is a vast amount of free resources available online. The best place to start is http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare where you can find the TOEFL Test Prep Planner - keep on track with an 8-week calendar, sample test questions, and test prep videos to mention a few. Another useful site is www.toeflgoanywhere.org. From here you can find advice on how to prepare and practice for the test, video tips from test takers, free resources and a toefl newsletter.