Language Requirements

Would you like to study at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague? You must have a sufficient command of the language in which your programme is taught. The language requirements depend on your study programme and nationality.

English

For almost all bachelor's and master's programmes at the Royal Conservatoire, you must have a sufficient command of English. Different language requirements apply to the bachelor's programmes Docent Muziek and Docent Muziek verkort. You can find these at the bottom of this page.

EU/EEA students

Are you a national of an EU/EEA country? You do not need to take an English language test before starting your studies. During the admission procedure, we will assess whether your English is sufficient. If your English does not meet the required level, you must take an English language course during your first year of study and obtain a certificate.

Non-EU/EEA students

Are you a national of a country outside the EU/EEA?¹ You must demonstrate that you have a sufficient command of English. This applies to bachelor's and master's programmes and the preparatory year.

You can demonstrate your English proficiency by taking a recognised English language test. Below, you can find which tests are accepted and the minimum scores required.

¹ Students with the nationality of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Suriname, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the United States of America, South Africa or Switzerland are exempt from the requirement to submit an English language test result.

When should you take your language test?

Book your language test as soon as you receive confirmation of your admission. Do not leave it until the last minute. Test centres may be fully booked in August. Booking early also gives you time to retake the test if you do not achieve the required score.

Your test results are valid for two years and must still be valid on 1 September of the academic year in which you start your studies.

Important information about your residence permit

Do you need an entry visa (MVV) and/or residence permit (VVR)? The Royal Conservatoire can only submit your application once we have received your language test results showing that you have achieved the required score.

Submit your test results as soon as possible after receiving confirmation of your admission.

Which English language tests are accepted?

The following English language tests are accepted:

• Cambridge English B2 First (FCE) / C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE). You must complete all components: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
• IELTS Academic
  • Note: IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are not accepted
• LanguageCert Academic
• Linguaskill and Linguaskill Business
• Pearson PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
  • Only results from a single test date are accepted. Combined scores from multiple test dates (MyBest Scores) are not accepted
  • TOEFL ITP and TOEFL home editions are not accepted
• TOEIC: You must complete both components: Listening and Reading, and Speaking and Writing.

Exceptions apply to online language tests. You can find more information further down this page.

What minimum score do you need?

The required score depends on the programme to which you have been admitted.

• Bachelor's or master's programme: a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or an equivalent score.
• Preparatory year: a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 or an equivalent score.

The table below shows the minimum required scores for all accepted language tests.

Minimum scores for tests taken at a test centre

* For TOEIC, you must achieve the minimum required score in both components.

*** New TOEFL grading scale 2026

TOEFL certificates issued in 2026 and 2027 show two overall scores:

• A score based on the old scale (0–120).
• A score based on the new scale (1–6).

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the University of the Arts The Hague will continue to base its admission requirements on the overall score from the old scale.

Online language tests: exceptional circumstances only

Normally, you must take your English language test at an accredited test centre.

Online language tests are only accepted in exceptional circumstances. An exception applies when you cannot take a regular language test because test centres are closed or inaccessible due to unsafe conditions in a country.

You may only take an online language test after consultation with and approval from the Student Administration Office.

In these exceptional circumstances, the following online language tests are accepted:

More information about national language requirements

The language requirements are based on national agreements for international students in Dutch higher education. For more information, please refer to Code of Conduct International Student Higher Education (article 5.2) (PDF) and Language Test Appendix to the Code of Conduct (PDF).

Dutch

Dutch language courses for international students

In addition to English, a basic knowledge of Dutch is important. The Royal Conservatoire therefore offers international students the opportunity to take a Dutch language course during their first year of study. Courses are offered in both the first and second semesters. Erasmus students are also welcome to participate.

Docent Muziek en Docent Muziek verkort

Would you like to study the bachelor's programme Docent Muziek of Docent Muziek verkort? You must have a sufficient command of Dutch at NT2 level. If you do not have Dutch nationality and completed your secondary education outside the Netherlands, you must submit the diploma for the Dutch as a Second Language State Examination (Staatsexamen Nt2), Program II.