Pearson announced on 7 November 2024 that PTE Academic has been recognised by the National Commission for the Code of Conduct Higher Education in the Netherlands. The recognition allows Dutch universities to accept PTE Academic as proof of English for international students applying to English-taught programmes.
Key facts
- Announced 7 November 2024
- Recognised by National Commission for the Code of Conduct Higher Education
- Use Admission to English-taught higher education in the Netherlands
- Minimum scores Set by each institution
Why the code of conduct matters
Dutch institutions that recruit international students sign up to a national code of conduct, which includes rules on the evidence of English they may accept. Recognition by the commission puts PTE Academic among the tests institutions can use under that code. The announcement does not give a formal start date or minimum scores.
What it does not cover
The recognition is about admission to higher education. Pearson’s announcement does not say anything about residence permits or visas, and it does not oblige any university to accept the test.
What this means
If you are applying to a Dutch university, check the programme’s own admissions page for the tests it accepts and the PTE score it asks for. Requirements can differ between programmes at the same university, and some may still list only older tests until their pages are updated. If PTE Academic is not listed, email the admissions office and ask before you book. Make sure you take PTE Academic at a test centre or check whether the university accepts the online version, and allow time for results to be sent before the application deadline. If you also need a residence permit, check the Dutch immigration rules separately, since admission and residence are different decisions.