Language requirements

You can study in English at many of our partner universities but, for study at some institutions, competence in the native language will be needed.

I had an amazing time in the city - I found it very easy to make friends with other Erasmus students and even some Italian students and I do think that my comprehension of Italian is much improved. 

Modern Languages student Went on exchange to the University of Verona, Italy

Studying in a foreign language

If you'll be studying in a language other than English, bear in mind that you'll need to be able to follow lectures, write essays, and take exams in the language of instruction.  Studying your subject, presenting and producing work at 3rd year level in a foreign language is no mean feat! 

You'll be required to pass the courses you take while abroad in order to obtain credit for your year or semester abroad so it's important that your language level is sufficient to enable you to achieve this. Language difficulties cannot normally be used as a reason to apply for special circumstances.

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

For this reason, all applicants who will be studying in a language that is not their native language must evidence a recent qualification demonstrating a minimum of level B2 (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). 

Even if you do not plan to take a full course load in your non-native language, we still require that you meet the minimum B2 level. 

Find out more below about language requirements and opportunities for students going on exchange:

It is your responsibility to check the language of instruction for your intended host institution and ensure you meet any linguistic requirements before accepting an exchange place.

Please refer to the Exchange Destinations Guide and/or Partner Guidance Notes on our Where Can I Go? pages to find out the language of teaching for each exchange at our partner institutions.

Where Can I Go?

You can ONLY take courses taught in a foreign language if you have been pre-approved by the University of Edinburgh as having B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Learn more about the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)


Normally we need a certificate from a language course you have completed, stating you have reached B2 level in the relevant language, in accordance with the CEFR for Languages.  

The B2 language level requirement is part of the eligibility criteria for taking up your exchange place, so you will need to provide evidence of this by the April before your exchange begins.  It is therefore not possible for students to complete a language course over the summer, with the intention of achieving B2 level prior to departure.

Students studying the relevant language as a formal, named part of their degree at the University of Edinburgh are assumed to have B2 level, and are exempt from providing evidence. However if you're taking a language as an outside course/elective, you will be required to provide evidence of your language level.

Please note that B2 level is higher than A level/Higher/Advanced Higher, so these qualifications are not accepted as evidence of meeting B2 level.  In this instance, you will normally be required to take an additional language level assessment.

If you are a native speaker of the language of instruction at your proposed host institution, please contact the SWAY team directly to confirm whether you are exempt from assessment.

Contact the SWAY team


If you will be studying in another language and cannot provide evidence of your language level, you will be required to take a language level assessment, usually in or by the April preceding your exchange. The Study and Work Away (SWAY) team will contact you if you are required to take a language assessment. 

If your language skills need to be assessed, please note that there is a cost attached and you will be required to cover the assessment fees.

Language assessments for French, Italian and German are carried out through the Centre for Open Learning (COL). COL will contact you directly to arrange a date and time for your assessment. The cost of the test with COL is £100, to be paid once you have confirmed the date of your test.

At that point, COL will be able to provide more details about the format of the assessment. It will most ​​​​​likely include speaking and reading components but may not be limited to these. SWAY cannot provide any further guidance or information about the content of the assessment.

COL are not able to facilitate language assessments outside of this time, so please ensure you're available to take the assessment in the spring before your exchange year.

Language assessments for Spanish are carried out through SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española).  SIELE provides an internationally recognised Spanish proficiency exam that certifies language skills from A1 to C1 levels according to the CEFR framework. Unlike other certifications, the SIELE exam is entirely digital, offering flexibility and quick results. 

Students wishing to take the exam need to book and register directly through the SIELE organisation's official website. Please note that you will be required to cover the assessment fees. For more information regarding costs and dates available, please check the link below:

Book a SIELE language assessment

Students who do not achieve B2 level at the time of the assessment will not be able to proceed with their exchange.


Taking a language as an extra subject in your first and/or second year(s) at Edinburgh is recommended to ensure you're equipped, linguistically, for time abroad. 

Even if you'll be studying in English, knowing at least a few words and phrases in the local language can really help with small things like getting the bus or doing the food shop. The more you learn, the easier it will be to get around and integrate.

There are other opportunities for improving your language skills whilst at the University of Edinburgh:


Your host institution may offer subsidised or free language courses, either during term time or as an intensive course before the start of your exchange.  These can also be a good way to meet potential flatmates and settle in before the start of your exchange.   

Many hosts also offer a buddy programme to help you meet local students and get a chance to practise your language skills.  Information about any courses on offer should be available on your host institution's website.

Local student societies are also a great way to meet like-minded students and get you speaking. Many universities will also have societies and student organisations to support exchange students.


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