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When you are applying for a study programme abroad you will most likely need an English-language certificate, proving that you have sufficient knowledge of it so that you can participate in classes and understand the materials. These days, countries all over the world are offering courses exclusively taught in English, making it easier for foreign students to enroll in degree programmes abroad.
Getting a certificate not only costs money; but it also takes a lot of time to prepare. So make that you start studying and preparing early, taking your English test with enough time to meet your deadlines.
You can also prepare for taking your English language certificate by attending an English language school in top cities in the UK or cities in the USA.
Below will go through some of the general and basic information about the English-language certificates that are widely accepted around the world. Make sure to see know these details thoroughly and have everything you need for your programme.
Language Levels
The Common European Framework (CEFR), divides learners into six different levels:
A Basic Speaker
- A1 Breakthrough or beginner
- A2 Waystage or elementary
B Independent Speaker
- B1 Threshold or intermediate
- B2 Vantage or upper intermediate
C Proficient Speaker
- C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced
- C2 Mastery or proficiency
For each level, there is a description of what the learner has to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing. Those descriptions apply to any language. Usually, the expected level for study programmes in most world countries is around B. However, certain universities or programmes (e.g. English literature) might require a higher level than that. That can be helpful if the university you are applying to does not have specific guidelines for your certificate.
English certificates
English is obviously the most popular language of instruction. Even in international oriented national programmes, a certificate might be needed to proof sufficient English skills for English-taught courses. The below-mentioned certificates are the most popular ones used in the academic field.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Cambridge English Examinations (CAE)