English language skills

As a PhD student, you use English when writing an article and presenting findings related to your research. Also, your PhD thesis is written and defended in English, with few exceptions. It is therefore important that you have profound English language skills.

You need a test of your English skills before you apply for admission unless you belong to one of the following categories:

  • You come from a country where English is the official language.
  • You come from an EU or EEA country.
  • You can document that you have completed a BSc or MSc education where English was the language of instruction (please enclose documentation with your application).
  • We only accept TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic test results.
  • Please enclose copies of the test results and certificates with your application.
  • Language tests older than two years are not accepted.

Minimum test score

Students must have a minimum score of 6.5 on IELTS Academic, or 83 on the TOEFL iBT test.

Get your test expenses refunded

Applicants who have paid for a TOFEL or IELTS test can get their expenses refunded if they are enrolled as PhD students at the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences afterwards. This only applies to tests taken in connection with an application for enrolment.

Please be aware that the Graduate School only reimburses the cost if the receipt is available in English.