English language requirements
All applicants are required to prove their English language skills in this application in one of the ways listed on this web page.
Required English language proficiency is to be demonstrated in one of the ways listed below. This is mandatory and an application can not be submitted without this.
Accepted language certificates and minimum requirements
- Cambridge ESOL’s tests External link B2 First (First Certificate in English) Cambridge Advanced:
- minimum score 170
- include your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret number when sending your results to Arcada
- Pearson Test of English External link Academic or Academic online:
- minimum score 51
- results are accepted only when sent through the online PTE account
- valid for two years
- IELTS or IELTS online External link; academic:
- minimum overall band score 6.0
- valid for two years
- TOEFL External link Internet-based or Home Edition test:
- minimum score 79
- test result must arrive directly from the Educational Testing Service
- Arcada's TOEFL code 5724
- valid for two years
The language certificate must be valid during the application period and is a mandatory attachment when submitting the application. The language certificate must be verifiable in the database by 25th March 2025.
Arcada strives to accept electronic copies of language certificates submitted directly from the testing organisation. Please request your score report to be submitted to Arcada UAS when you register for the Cambridge, Pearson or TOEFL tests. Also IELTS test takers can request the result to be sent to Arcada directly but as results can be verified online, a paper copy of test result is accepted.
Other ways to prove English language proficiency
- Finnish matriculation examination, grade C in the advanced syllabus test in the English language. If you have completed the Finnish matriculation examination before 1990 you must submit a certificate of language proficiency in case your matriculation score does not meet the requirements.
- IB Education External link: International Baccalaureate diploma or certitifate completed at an IB school. An IB diploma and certificate that is completed during spring/summer 2025 is accepted as proof of English skills.
- An upper secondary level certificate or a bachelor’s or master’s degree completed in English in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa, excluding online degrees and offshore campuses. A minimum 60% of the of the degree must have been completed on location in one of the before mentioned countries.
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree completed in English in an EU/EEA country, excluding online degrees and offshore campuses. A minimum of 60% of the degree must have been completed on location in one of the EU/EEA countries.