Most universities and scholarship providers in 2026 require at least a CEFR B2 or C1 level for English proficiency. Exact requirements can vary by course or funding body, but B2 is the baseline for undergraduate entry, while C1 is often expected for graduate awards.
Every year, more institutions use the CEFR scale as a transparent way to compare international English test results. Before you apply, you can find my CEFR level online to confirm if you’re on track for these requirements.
Minimum CEFR Level for University Scholarships (with Equivalence Table)
For university scholarships in 2026, B2 remains the absolute minimum for most bachelor’s programs. Some disciplines—think medicine, law, linguistics—demand C1 due to their intensive reading and discussion. C2 is rarely required but signals superior academic ability, often attracting extra consideration and sometimes exclusive scholarship access. The CEFR system lines up with major international English exams, but validity periods can differ significantly.
Here’s how CEFR levels, typical exam scores, and certificate validity periods stack up when you’re choosing which test to submit:
| CEFR Level | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | International English Test (IET) | Certificate Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B2 | 5.5–6.5 | 72–94 | 59–75 | 60–74 | 2 years (most), unlimited (some) |
| C1 | 7.0–8.0 | 95–110 | 76–85 | 75–89 | 2 years (most), unlimited (some) |
| C2 | 8.5–9.0 | 111–120 | 86–90 | 90–100 | 2 years (most), unlimited (some) |
Think of B2 as the key to get through the university door; C1 earns you a stronger seat at the table. If you’re aiming for scholarships, aiming higher than the minimum always pays off.
- B2 is a standard minimum for undergraduate scholarships.
- C1 is expected for master’s and research-based scholarships.
- C2 is exceptional and rarely available—like running the final lap far ahead of the crowd.
- Certificate validity usually lasts two years, but always check your program’s policy.
How Universities in 2026 Verify CEFR English Proficiency
Universities in 2026 only accept officially recognized English certificates. The list includes IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE), International English Test (IET), and sometimes Duolingo English Test. Submitting an outdated or unverifiable certificate is like bringing Monopoly money to a real bank—it simply won’t work. Universities now use secure online portals where you upload certificates directly. Some require you to send results from the testing provider. Random checks and digital validation systems are now common; examiners often verify scores automatically against provider databases.
Most universities are clear: unofficial printouts, screenshots, or expired results mean instant rejection. Universities are even adopting new AI-based anti-fraud measures, including digital watermarks and blockchain validation. For scholarships, be aware that providers often have an extra verification step, sometimes directly contacting your test provider for authenticity.
Students interested in maximizing their scholarship ROI should learn more by reading the detailed analysis at How English Certificates Impact University Scholarship ROI in 2026.
Recognition and Acceptance of CEFR Certificates by Scholarship Providers
Major scholarship bodies—Chevening, Fulbright, Erasmus+, DAAD, and most national government awards—accept CEFR-aligned test scores. Their policy documents typically specify B2 as a threshold, but graduates and STEM applicants are often pushed to C1 for full consideration. The recent trend? Less focus on which test you take, more focus on whether your score maps to the required CEFR level, and if your results can be digitally verified.
Many providers have updated their requirements for 2026, demanding all tests be completed within two years prior to application unless you’re submitting a “no-expiry” certificate. Scholarships for highly-competitive fields—like International Relations or Public Health—may now require C1 across all bands, not just for an average.
- Chevening: Accepts B2 minimum, recommends C1 for competitive applicants.
- Fulbright: C1 required for master’s/PhD, B2 for undergraduates.
- Erasmus+: Follows EU-wide B2/C1 split by program level.
- DAAD: CEFR mapping required; B2 for bachelor’s, C1 for master’s, strict on certificate expiry.
- Bilateral/Ministry Awards: Follow national policy, usually in line with the above.
Staying updated on acceptance policies is like tracking software updates: a small change could affect your whole application season. Always double-check the exact requirements listed by your funder before sending your documents. It’s the surest way to avoid last-minute surprises.
Double-check your certificate’s validity before submitting your application. If your English test is about to expire, book a new exam date immediately—many scholarships won’t accept documents older than two years. Always upload PDFs from the official provider, never screenshots or scans, to speed up digital verification and avoid delays.
FAQ
What CEFR level do I need for most university scholarships in 2026?
B2 is the standard minimum, but aiming for C1 puts you in a safer position for competitive programs.
Are all English test certificates valid for university scholarships?
No, only officially recognized and up-to-date certificates are accepted. Check validity—most expire after two years.
How do I prove my English level if I’ve lived in an English-speaking country?
Some programs accept proof of study or work in English, but most still ask for a recent, official test score as evidence.
Can I use the same English certificate for both university and scholarship applications?
Yes, if it meets both sets of requirements and is within the expiry window. Details always matter—read the fine print.
My English test expires soon. What should I do?
Book a new test as soon as possible, so you don’t get caught out during application review. Gaps can’t be fixed later.
