English proficiency requirements for international exchange students

You have to document your English proficiency in order to qualify for exchange at OsloMet.

Knowledge of English is essential for all international students studying at OsloMet and students nominated on bilateral agreements who are not native speakers of English must document their proficiency in English.

  • Test for Erasmus students

    To document your proficiency as an Erasmus + student you must complete an online English test before departure. Your home institution will send you a link to the test. 

    The level of English competency required is defined in the agreement between OsloMet and your home institution, as well as in your Learning Agreement. If the test score is below the required level you might need to take an online course module to reach the necessary proficiency level. 

    No additional documentation is needed to prove your English proficiency.

    If you have any questions about the level of English required, the online test, or the online course module, please contact the Erasmus+ coordinator or the international office at your home institution.

  • Who are exempt from documenting English Proficiency?

    No proof of English proficiency is necessary for exchange students from the following countries: 

    • All Nordic countries
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • Great Britain
    • Ireland
    • New Zealand
    • Scotland
    • South Africa
    • USA

    The above list of exemptions is not exhaustive as it only includes English speaking-countries with which we have an active exchange agreement.  For more details on other countries that might be exempt, please refer to NOKUTs GSU-list (Higher Education Entrance Qualification for Persons with Foreign Education) (nokut.no)

  • Accepted documentation, tests and test scores for non-Erasmus students

    All other non-Erasmus students can document English proficiency with one of these internationally recognised tests:

    • TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 500 paper-based, 170 computer-based or 60 internet-based.
    • IELTS International English Language Testing System (academic) test with a minimum overall score of 5, with no sub-score less than 5. We also accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition.
    • University of Cambridge examinations: passed FCE, CAE of PCE.
    • APIEL with a minimum score of 3.

    You can also be exempt from taking a test if you have

    • Completed at least one-year studies at high school or in higher education in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand. The place of instruction must have been in one of these countries and the language of instruction must have been English.
    • You have taken studies or completed a university degree in English language and literature, where you have passed courses in English with a minimum scope of 60 ECTS or equivalent. 
    • Completed a master's degree where the language of instruction was English. 

    Other qualifications might also be considered

    Please ask your home university to contact us.

    Please note that the list above only applies to exchange students at the Bachelor’s level. If you apply for exchange on the Master’s level or for a full master's degree, check the admission requirements for our international master's degrees or the specific admission requirements on the individual page for your chosen course