- brussels[at]educationusa.org
Menu
When deciding which exam to register for, students should first and foremost review the application requirements of the colleges and universities to which they’re applying. Which English proficiency exam(s) do they accept? What minimum scores do they require? Does the institution grant test waivers (e.g., for students who attend English language schools or who speak English at home) and if so, under what conditions?
Students should then consider the content and structure of the exam and think about how much time, money, and effort they want to commit. Ultimately, students may decide that they are better suited to the structure of one exam over another, or that they want to first register for a shorter or less expensive exam.
The most popular English proficiency tests for students in Belgium are the TOEFL iBT, the IELTS Academic Test, and the Duolingo English Test. Keep reading to learn more about each of these exams and make the choice that’s right for you!
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and refers to a test of English proficiency administered by ETS. First launched in 1964, TOEFL is now offered in a paper-based version (TOEFL PBT) and a more popular internet-based version (TOEFL iBT). The TOEFL iBT Exam measures students’ reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in a computer-based exam that takes approximately four hours to complete. Although TOEFL is currently the most widely-accepted and well-known English proficiency exam in the USA, it’s still important to double check the requirements of the colleges and universities to which you are applying. (For example, some institutions may only accept TOEFL iBT!)
Belgian students who take the TOEFL exam like that it focuses on American English, unlike the IELTS exam which includes a variety of regional accents. Some students like that the speaking portion of the exam is done with a computer, rather than with an in-person invigilator. Students aren’t so fond of the fact that the exam takes a long time (over four hours) and cost a lot of money (usually over 200 euro).
Here are the most frequent questions that our office receives about this exam:
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System, and refers to a test of English proficiency administered by the British Council. First launched in 1980, the IELTS Exam measures students’ reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in a four part exam that takes just under three hours to complete. Students applying to study in the USA should opt for IELTS Academic, which measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment. It reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to begin training or studying. (The other option, IELTS General, is usually taken by people who intend to move to an English speaking country for work and who need to prove their proficiency for visa purposes.)
Belgian students who take the IELTS exam like the fact that it includes an emphasis on British English, which they learn in school, although they may find the inclusion of other regional accents to be confusing. Some students like that the speaking portion of the exam is done with an in-person invigilator, rather than with a computer. Although the IELTS exam is much shorter than the TOEFL iBT, students still think the exam takes a long time (over two and a half hours) and think that it cost a lot of money (usually over 200 euro).
Here are the most frequent questions that our office receives about this exam:
When it comes to English proficiency tests, the Duolingo English Test is a new kid on the block. Launched by the popular language learning app, this adaptive, computer-based test can be taken at home using just a computer and webcam and delivers results within 48 hours.
Belgian students who take the Duolingo English Test like that the test is affordable (under 50 euro). They also like how quick it is, both to register for and take the exam and to receive results. However, students often tell us that the exam isn’t yet accepted by all of the institutions to which they are applying.
Here are the most frequent questions that our office receives about this exam:
Boulevard de l’Empereur 4, Keizerslaan, 1000 Brussels
(by appointment only)
Sign up for our digital newsletter here!