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Mundus Masterplan

Document guide

English language certificate

Proof that your English meets the programme's minimum, usually a recent test score, sometimes waived for English-taught degrees or native speakers.

What it is

A result from a recognised English test (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, and others a programme lists), or an official statement that you qualify for an exemption.

Why programmes ask for it

Teaching is usually in English, and consortia must be confident you can follow courses and write a thesis from the first week.

Who issues it

The test provider. For exemptions based on an English-taught degree, your university issues a statement (IPCVai accepts an official university statement).

What it usually contains

Overall score, component (band) scores, test date, candidate details and a verification number.

How to prepare it

  1. List each programme's rules: accepted tests, overall minimum, band minimums, maximum age of the result, whether results must reach the programme by the application deadline or later, and exemptions. Overall IELTS minimums in our dataset range from 6.0 to 7.0; TOEFL iBT from about 79 to 95; some programmes state CEFR B2, B2.2 or C1.
  2. Check validity windows. Two years is common; MIR accepts results up to three years old; InterMaths up to four.
  3. Check timing. CLMCE and EDUMaH want results by the scholarship deadline; CYBERSURE set 18 January 2027; Europubhealth+ will not consider applications that do not meet the language criteria at submission.
  4. Check exemptions carefully. "Studied in English" may require the entire degree to be English-taught and a university statement saying so. Some exemptions depend on citizenship or the country of your degree.
  5. Book early. Leave time to retake once. Home-edition or online variants are not accepted everywhere; check the list.
  6. Send official results if the programme requires them from the provider.

Common mistakes

  • Taking a test variant the programme does not accept.
  • A result that expires before the deadline or before enrolment.
  • Assuming an exemption applies without the required university statement.
  • Meeting the overall score but missing a band minimum.

Quality-control checklist

  • Test type accepted by every programme you use it for.
  • Overall and band scores meet each minimum.
  • Result valid on each deadline (and on enrolment if required).
  • Exemption evidence official and explicit, where used.
  • Results sent by the provider where required.

Lead time (planning estimate)

Four to eight weeks from booking to results for most tests, more if test dates are scarce where you live. Plan for a possible retake: eight to twelve weeks in total.

Commonly useful or programme-dependent?

Commonly useful: almost every programme taught in English requires proof. Accepted tests, scores, validity and exemptions are programme-dependent.