What TOEIC® Score Do You Need for Erasmus? The Complete Guide

If you are studying business or engineering, you already know that the TOEIC® is more than just a formality. It is often a pass/fail criterion for approving your international exchange semester. Some schools set minimum score thresholds at 785, others go up to 850, or even 900 for the most sought-after destinations.

In this guide, we tell you exactly which score to aim for based on your school and destination, how to achieve it quickly, and what pitfalls to avoid so you don't jeopardize your Erasmus project.

Why is the TOEIC® Mandatory for Erasmus?

The Erasmus+ program allows European students to study at a partner university abroad. To ensure you can follow courses taught in English and integrate socially, host universities require proof of your language proficiency.

The TOEIC® Listening and Reading test has become the standard in top French schools for three reasons:

• International Recognition: Accepted by over 14,000 organizations in 160 countries
• Standardized Format: Allows for objective comparison of candidates' levels
• 2-Year Validity: Your score remains valid throughout your studies

Unlike other certifications (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge), the TOEIC® is often already integrated into the curriculum of business and engineering schools, which simplifies administrative procedures.

TOEIC® Scores Required by Top French Schools

Even before looking at the requirements of the host universities, you must first meet the minimum score set by your school in France. Here are the typical thresholds to get authorization to go on Erasmus:

Top 10 Business Schools

Top 10 Engineering Schools

TOEIC® Requirements Based on Erasmus Destinations

Once your school’s score requirement is cleared, you need to check the specific requirements of the host university. English-speaking destinations and programs taught 100% in English are naturally more demanding.

English-Speaking Destinations (UK, Ireland)

British and Irish universities generally impose the highest scores:

• Russell Group Universities (UK): 850-900 minimum score
• Trinity College Dublin: 850 minimum score
• University College Dublin: 815 minimum score
• Business/Engineering Programs: often 900+ for top institutions

Tip: If your score is just below the threshold, some universities accept a supplementary test (English Skype interview) to compensate.

Nordic Destinations (Sweden, Denmark, Norway)

Scandinavian countries have an excellent level of English and expect the same from international students:

• KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden): 850 recommended score
• DTU Technical University of Denmark (Copenhagen): 815 minimum score
• NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim): 785 minimum score
• Master's Programs: often 850+ required

Courses are 100% in English at these universities, which is why a solid score is crucial.

Southern Europe Destinations (Spain, Italy, Portugal)

Mediterranean universities are generally more flexible on scores:

• IE Business School (Madrid): 785 score
• Università Bocconi (Milan): 785 score
• Nova School of Business and Economics (Lisbon): 750 score
• Local programs with English courses: 750-785 score

Good to know: In these countries, many courses are offered in the local language AND English, which broadens your options if your TOEIC® score is average.

Central Europe Destinations (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium)

These destinations combine academic quality with linguistic accessibility:

• Technical University of Munich : 815 score
• TU Delft (Netherlands): 785 score
• KU Leuven (Belgium): 785 score
• Engineering/Business Programs: 800+ recommended

The Netherlands is particularly attractive: 95% of Master's programs are in English, with reasonable requirements (750-785 score).

How to Achieve the Required TOEIC® Score for Erasmus?

Now you know your target score. So, how do you reach it in the 3-6 months before the Erasmus application deadline?

Step 1: Assess Your Current Level

Before diving headfirst into preparation, take a full mock test (2 hours, under real conditions) to determine your starting point:

• Under 650 score: intensive preparation needed (3-6 months)
• 650-750 score: targeted preparation (2-3 months)
• 750-850 score: strategic refinement (1-2 months)
• Over 850 score: maintenance + optimization

Common mistake: Many students overestimate their level. A realistic mock test allows you to plan your training precisely.

Step 2: Identify Your Weaknesses

The TOEIC® tests 7 key skills:

Listening (495 points max):

• Understanding short conversations (Part 2)
• Understanding dialogues (Part 3)
• Understanding monologues (Part 4)

Reading (495 points max):

• Grammar and vocabulary (Part 5)
• Fill-in-the-blanks texts (Part 6)
• Understanding long documents (Part 7)

Analyze your mock test results:

• Under 60% success in a Part = priority weakness
• 60-80% success = targeted improvement
• Over 80% = maintenance and speed strategy

Step 3: Prepare Strategically

To gain 50-100 points quickly:

Focus on Parts 5 and 2 (quickest to improve)

• Part 5: 20-30 grammar questions → memorize the 50 key rules
• Part 2: 25 short questions/answers → train your ear 15 min/day

Learn TOEIC® business vocabulary

• 500 keywords cover 80% of the questions
• Focus on: finance, HR, logistics, marketing, IT
• Use flashcards with spaced repetition

Practice under real conditions

• 2-3 full mock tests before the official exam
• Strict timing (Listening 45 min, Reading 75 min)
• Detailed analysis of every mistake

To go from 750 to 850+ points:

Improve your reading speed

• Part 7 = 54 questions in 55 minutes → 1 min/question max
• Skimming technique: first identify key information (dates, numbers, names)
• Avoid reading everything word-for-word

Refine your listening comprehension

• Listen to business podcasts in English (BBC Business, HBR IdeaCast)
• Get used to varied accents (US, UK, Australian, Canadian)
• Note unknown vocabulary and review it

Work on consistency

• 30 min/day is more effective than 3 hours on the weekend
• Alternate Listening in the morning (fresh brain) and Reading in the evening

Step 4: Plan Your Exam Registration

Optimal timeline for Erasmus:

• 6-4 months before the deadline: mock test + start preparation
• 3 months before: register for a first TOEIC® session
• 2 months before: take the official TOEIC® exam
• 1 month before: second chance if the score is insufficient

Strategic advice: Register for 2 sessions spaced one month apart. If you achieve your score in the first one, you cancel the second. If you fail, you have a second chance without stress.

The TOEIC® costs about €130-€150 per attempt. It's an investment, but it’s much cheaper than a jeopardized Erasmus opportunity.

Mistakes to Avoid to Not Fail Your TOEIC®

Mistake 1: Underestimating Preparation Time

“I speak English fluently, I don't need to prepare.” Wrong. The TOEIC® is a standardized exam with recurring traps. Even with a good level, 2-3 weeks of preparation are necessary to understand the format and optimize your score.

Mistake 2: Registering Too Late

TOEIC® sessions are often fully booked 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak periods (January-March, September-October). Register as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Mistake 3: Neglecting the Reading Section

Many French students have a better Listening level than Reading (thanks to original language series/movies). However, Part 7 accounts for 54 out of 100 questions in Reading. If you neglect it, you will max out at 400 points in Reading = 850 points maximum overall.

Mistake 4: Poor Time Management

30% of candidates do not finish the Reading section. Result: they leave 10-20 questions unanswered and lose 50-100 points. Practice with a timer to keep the pace.

Mistake 5: Waiting Until the Last Minute

The Erasmus application deadline is usually in February-March. If you take your TOEIC® in January and your score is insufficient, you won't have time to retake the exam. Start your preparation in September-October to have a buffer.

Alternatives to the TOEIC® for Erasmus

Some schools and universities accept other English proficiency certifications instead of the TOEIC®. Be sure to check the equivalencies before committing:

Advantages of the TOEIC® compared to others:

• Cheaper: €130 vs €200-€250 for TOEFL/IELTS
• Faster: 2 hours vs 3-4 hours for TOEFL/IELTS
• Available year-round: 1-2 sessions/week in major cities
• Already used by your school: avoids equivalence procedures

Disadvantage: The TOEIC® tests neither speaking nor writing skills, unlike the TOEFL and IELTS. Some universities (especially in the UK) therefore prefer those tests.

Further Reading:

• 🔗 How to interpret your TOEIC® score?

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