All students entering the EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies programme should have an excellent knowledge of English, preferably a minimum level of C1 according to the ‘Common European Framework’ (CEF).

More information on these levels can be obtained from the Council of Europe website.

The required competences for a C1 level can be described as follows: the student understands a wide range of demanding texts and recognises implicit meaning, can use language fluently and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes, and can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects.

Evidence may be provided by an internationally recognised certificate such as TOEFL 220 (computer based test) resp. 560 (paper based test), IELTS 7 or above (or Cambridge ESOL CAE grade C, CPE grade C, BEC Higher C). All students who are not native speakers will be required to take the College of Europe English test on entry.

Improving your English before coming to the College

Please contact the British Council or your current university for the various possibilities that are offered to improve your English. For example, there are courses of study recognised by the British Council which aim at preparing you for academic English.