Requirements

Background knowledge in Law and English requirements

Basic law knowledge

Students must have finished at least two years of law studies when they arrive in Groningen.

Basic knowledge of European law and international law

For specialized courses in European law (e.g. European External Relations Law, Internal Market Law): basic knowledge of European law is required. Students who have not had a basic course in European law at their home university, must either take the course Law of the European union in Groningen or watch/work through the recorded lectures of European Law which are available on the Student Portal (listed under their courses).

For specialized courses in the field of International law (e.g. International Health Law, International Human Rights Law): the course Public International Law (or an equivalent course at the home university) is required. Students can also watch/work through the recorded lectures of Public International Law which are available on the Student Portal (listed under their courses).

For more information, please check the schedule of courses.

Study load (ECTS)

Incoming exchange students are expected to undertake the standard full-time study load for a semester, which is 30 ECTS and for a full year is 60 ECTS.

Students must enroll in courses in all teaching blocks and must balance the study load between blocks.

Required level of English

The minimum requirement for incoming exchange students is English level B2 for bachelor level courses, and English level C1 for master level courses. Exchange students who do not have at least B2 English level cannot be accepted.

Students are expected to have a command of the English language suitable for the level of study, and the Law Faculty/International Office reserves the right to deny admission into courses if the English language level of the student might impede progress for other students.

A level of English similar to B2 is the very minimum requirement if students want to successfully follow (bachelor) law courses and pass exams. With B2 level, students can take more general (and larger) Bachelor level law classes.

For master courses the Faculty at all times requires students to have a C1 proficiency level. Also courses which are smaller and need more active participation or discussion absolutely require C1 level.

Native speakers are exempt from this requirement.

English proficiency

• Minimum required level of English is B2.
• With B2 students can only take bachelor level courses.
• For Ba/Ma and Ma courses at least English level C1 is required.

Confirmation of English proficiency – Erasmus students

The Law Faculty Groningen does not require an official English language test for students participating in an Erasmus+ (KA103) exchange with their home university. Instead, students simply need to upload a letter from their exchange coordinator confirming their English proficiency level:

• Bachelor courses: Minimum B2 level

• Master courses: Minimum C1 level

This letter should be provided by your home institution or coordinator.

Alternatively, Erasmus+ students may also upload a valid language test to their application. Please refer to the list of accepted tests and requirements below.

Official language test – students from bilateral exchange partners

The Law Faculty Groningen does require an official English language test of students who come to Groningen as part of a bilateral agreement with their home university; unless they are native speakers or are doing an entirely English-taught study programme at home. For the latter, confirmation from the home university is required.

For questions or additional information please email: exchangelaw rug.nl

Official language test - Exchange students from the ICM programme KA107

Exchange students coming to Groningen as part of the International Credit Mobility KA107 scheme must prove their English proficiency level to be at CEFR* C1. This proof may be submitted in the form of one of the accepted official language tests.

*CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Accepted Official language tests:

• (International) TOEFL;

• (Academic) IELTS Academic (British Council’s English Language Test);
• LanguageCert Academic;
• Pearson PTE Academic;
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English);
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English).

Note: The official language test must remain valid and not exceed a two-year period.