Requirements for international students in University of Stavanger

Other Master's programmes and Norwegian Language and Culture programme

Applicants from countries where an English test is required (check your country on the GSU-list) must pass one of the following tests:

· Test of English as a Foreign Language (ETS TOEFL®) with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 80 (Internet-based). The University of Stavanger institution code for forwarding TOEFL test reports is 8467. Please do not state any department code. If necessary, enter: International Office. Note that ETS scores are valid for two years after the test date. Therefore your test report must be valid on the date of applying electronically to the University of Stavanger. The University of Stavanger cannot accept any local institutional TOEFL test that is not recognised and administered by ETS TOEFL® or announced on ETS web page as a venue for TOEFL language test.

· International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic) with a minimum score of 6.0. Please note that UiS considers IELTS test results valid for two years after the test date. Therefore your test report must be valid on the date of applying electronically to the University of Stavanger.

· University of Cambridge exams: Certificate in Advanced English or Certificate of Proficiency in English

Exemptions:

· Applicants from Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, the USA and New Zealand do not have to submit TOEFL/IELTS test results. This is also the case for applicants who have completed at least one year of their university education in one of these countries.

· Exempted are also applicants from some African countries (please check your country on the Norwegian GSU-list - see link to the right) with a BA/BSc/BEng degree where the language of instruction has been English and those who have passed English as a subject at GCE A-level with grade C or better.

· Applicants from countries which are members of the EU/EEA and/or the Council of Europe/UNESCO-Cepes and who studied English as their first foreign language over a period of minimum 7 years at compulsory upper secondary school, are exempted from the English language test. The applicant must document this or provide proof of having taken a recognised examination/test (TOEFL/IELTS Academic).

· Applicants with a min. of one year work experience in an international company where English is an official working language might be exempted - however, this will be determined by the International Office. The applicants must submit an attestation from the employer which testifies proficiency in both written and spoken English. NB! Applicants have to attend an interview with the International Office in Stavanger in person to confirm their language skills. Exemptions will be granted ONLY at the discretion of the International Office (please contact us via [email protected] to arrange a meeting). This exemption reason is not valid for Norwegian Language and Culture applicants.

Please be aware that applicants from Asian countries (including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam) with a BA/ BSc/ BEng degree where the language of instruction has been Englishare not exempted from the English language requirements, except for candidates holding a BA degree in English Literature and Language/Linguistics.

English proficiency requirements for exchange students

In order to ultimize your academic success at our institution, it is required that all exchange students have a minimum B2-level of English. This level is self-assessed and you do not need to provide any documentation or submit an English test score, however, your home coordinator will need to confirm your proficiency at the time of nomination. For further reference and description of European language levels please check the self-assessment grid.

Published 23.01.2015