Language test

Going to study abroad means that you will have to have a good level of English or some other language you are going to be studying in. It is usually required that you will have to be at least independent user in order to able to understand lectures, write school works, speak up in classes or make presentations. Normally B2 level is required for undergraduate (BA) level and C1 for postgraduate (MA) level according to the CEFR .

Dream Foundation organises English language tests during the application period. The language test is compiled to give you and our partner institutions valuable information about your language skills. The test consists of four equally important parts:

  • Listening – applicant is expected to be able to understand the meaning of a range of spoken material (dialogues, monologues, lectures, radio shows, etc.).
  • Grammar - connected short texts or separate sentences checking the applicant’s overall command of grammar and vocabulary.
  • Essay – applicant is expected to express different viewpoints, opinions, advantages and disadvantages, draw conclusions or suggest solutions (200-300 words).
  • Oral/Speaking - interview with different parts: an introduction, a monologue where the candidate speaks on a familiar topic followed by a discussion and thematically linked questions. Applicant is expected to be able to respond to questions and to interact in conversational English as well as present short logical monologues on general topics.

The written part of the test will last about 2 hours and consists of grammar, listening and writing (essay). The oral part will take place after the written part and last for 10-15 minutes.

You do not have to take the Dream Foundation language test if you already have received a sufficient grade in language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. If you have taken the TOEFL or IELTS, then you need to scan the original certificate and add it to your online application form.

English language test times

We recommend registering for the language test after you have completed your application. After submitting the application form, you will be given a choice of language test times. This ensures that you will not get two separate invoices from us.

If you want to re-take the language test or want to register for the test before completing the application, please go to the calendar to find a suitable time (requires logging in).

What does it cost?

As some applicants do not need to take the Dream Foundation language test, it is priced separately from the application fee.Please see below if you should take the Dream Foundation language test.

Our goal is to provide a more affordable alternative to TOEFL or IELTS. See the language test fees for more information.

Whom is the test meant for?

Most Dream Foundation partner institutions in Denmark accept TESA language test as proof of English proficiency. 

The following institutions accept Dream Foundation's language test:

  • Business Academy Aarhus
  • University College of Northern Denmark (UCN)
  • VIA University College
  • VIA Design
  • Dania Academy of Higher Education
  • Lillebaelt Academy of Professional Higher Education
  • Zealand Institute of Business and Technology (ZIBAT)

NON-EU students

For students from NON-EU countries, normally only TOEFL and IELTS are accepted by Institutions.

Important! The institutions may require you to attend additional English language tests or organize additional language testing on your arrival to the university. You will generally be informed about such additional requirements along with your your conditional offer from the university.

How to prepare for the English language test?

If you haven’t been using your English for a while it might be a good idea to refresh your memory. Here are some tips to help you.

  • Speaking – if you are not used to speaking in English, it can be hard to start doing it only when you come to the test. Talk to somebody who speaks good English and discuss different topics.
  • Listening - listening to TV or radio shows in English can be very useful in order to hear different people speak and express themselves.
  • Grammar rules - prepositions, active and passive voice, irregular verbs, perfect and progressive verb forms, etc. Try to do grammar exercises to remind yourself of different rules and exceptions.
  • Writing – writing an essay means you have to express your opinion, different viewpoints, draw conclusions or suggest solutions. Try to write on a topic you find interesting and see how long it takes or how easy it is to express yourself in English. Please do not forget that essay has a specific structure. Reading different articles and other people's stories can also be helpful to get inspiration.
  • Overall - good sleep and enough rest before coming to the test are also important. And during the test, make sure you pay attention to the tasks you are asked to do.

If you feel that your English level is not that good we advise you to take some additional English lessons to improve your language level and to be ready for going to study abroad.

Keeping all this in mind will hopefully give you a good result!