Netherlands accredits the TOEFL iBT for Chinese students applying to Dutch universities - 03/09/2008

In another landmark recognition for the TOEFL^® iBT, Netherlands has recognised the test as a valid measurement of academic English proficiency. Starting 1 September 2008, Chinese students are allowed to use TOEFL iBT scores to apply for the Neso certificate as part of application procedures to study in the Netherlands.

Students in China who plan to study in the Netherlands are required to apply for the Neso certificate from Neso China for a Study Visa.  With this new move, students accepted by Dutch universities with TOEFL iBT scores can directly apply for the Neso certificate at Neso China as part of the visa application process, and are no longer required to take further English proficiency tests.

“The new TOEFL iBT uses leading technology to measure students’ communicative and academic English proficiency in all four language skills, and therefore meets the language requirements of Dutch universities to recruit qualified candidates,” says Mr. Jacques D. van Vliet, Director of Neso China. “Dutch Universities have been receiving increasing attention from Chinese students in the past several years.  We encourage Chinese students to take the TOEFL iBT when applying for study in the Netherlands.” 

The TOEFL^® test is currently the world’s most popular and widely accepted academic English assessment.  More than 6,000 institutions use it to measure the English-language proficiency of international student applicants.  More than 135 top educational institutions in the United Kingdom — including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and the London School of Economics — all accept TOEFL test scores for admission.

“We are excited to see that the TOEFL iBT alone can now help Chinese students study in the Netherlands.  The Dutch Higher Education’s further acceptance of the TOEFL iBT scores  underscores TOEFL’s worldwide recognition,” says Philip Tabbiner, Senior Vice President of ETS Global, K–12 Learning & Development and Business Development.