Certification of English is a key requirement for admission to many Master’s programmes, both in Greek and foreign universities. Since English is the global language of education and science, proof of sufficient English proficiency is essential for a student to cope with the demands of a postgraduate degree. There are several certificates accepted by universities, the most well‑known including IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English (C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency), Michigan ECPE and LRN.
This article explains which English certificates are accepted by Greek and foreign universities for Master’s programmes, their main differences, and to what extent they are accepted in each case.
English Certifications
The most common English certifications required for admission to postgraduate programmes are:
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS is one of the most popular English tests worldwide and is considered highly reliable for assessing language ability. It is widely used by universities across the world, especially in the UK, Europe, Australia and Canada, and is also accepted by many American universities.
The test covers four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Scores range from 0 to 9, and most Master’s programmes require a minimum of around 6.5 to 7.5. In Greek universities, IELTS is widely accepted for entry to postgraduate programmes.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is another very popular exam, particularly in the United States. Many universities in the USA and Canada prefer TOEFL as their main proof of English proficiency, though it is also accepted at institutions in Europe, Australia and other regions.
The test assesses the four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Scores range from 0 to 120, and most Master’s programmes require a score between 80 and 100 (often 90+ for more competitive courses). TOEFL is also accepted by most Greek universities.
3. Cambridge English (C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency)
The Cambridge English certificates, formerly known as CAE (C1 Advanced) and CPE (C2 Proficiency), are among the most established English exams in Europe and are recognised by many organisations and universities worldwide. They focus on in‑depth knowledge of English, especially at C1 and C2 levels, which are often required for postgraduate admission.
The exams cover four skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. C1 Advanced is suitable for students wanting to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, while C2 Proficiency is the highest level and is recognised as evidence of near‑native command of English.
Greek universities accept Cambridge certificates for admission to Master’s programmes, and they are widely recognised across Europe and in many other countries.
4. Michigan ECPE (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English)
The ECPE, issued by Michigan, represents C2 level on the CEFR. It is widely recognised in Greece and accepted by most Greek universities for entry to postgraduate programmes, and is also recognised by ASEP for public‑sector recruitment.
The test covers the four main skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. International acceptance is more limited than IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge, but it is recognised by some universities in the USA and a number of European institutions.
5. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
PTE Academic is another recognised exam that is gaining ground internationally, provided by Pearson. It is especially popular in countries such as Australia and the UK and is accepted by many universities worldwide, including in the USA. It assesses Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
Scores range from 10 to 90, and many universities set minimum requirements around 58–65 for postgraduate level. In Greece, PTE Academic is less widespread than IELTS or TOEFL, but its recognition is increasing.
6. LRN (Learning Resource Network)
LRN is a comparatively newer certification that has started to be recognised in various countries and by a number of universities. Although it does not yet have the same global reach as IELTS or TOEFL, it is recognised by ASEP and by Greek universities for admission to Master’s programmes.
LRN offers certificates at C1 and C2 levels, covering the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. International recognition is still developing, but it has been accepted by several European and other institutions.
Comparison of English Certifications
In summary, choosing the right English certification depends on the university and programme you are applying to. Each exam has its own structure and level of acceptance in Greece and abroad. The table below summarises the main points:
| Certification | Test Structure | Score Scale | Acceptance in Greece | Acceptance Abroad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 0–9 | Very high | Very high worldwide |
| TOEFL | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | 0–120 | Very high | Very high, especially USA/Canada |
| Cambridge C1/C2 | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Grades (A, B, C) / Cambridge scale | Excellent | Excellent in Europe, widely accepted globally |
| Michigan ECPE | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Pass at C2 level | High | Limited but recognised in some institutions |
| PTE Academic | Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening | 10–90 | Good, growing | Growing (Australia, UK, many universities) |
| LRN C1/C2 | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | CEFR levels (C1, C2) | Good, recognised by ASEP | Limited but increasing |
Conclusions
The choice of English certification for postgraduate studies depends on the university requirements and the level of recognition of each exam. IELTS and TOEFL are the most widely accepted worldwide and offer the greatest flexibility for international applications. Cambridge and Michigan ECPE certificates are also highly valuable, especially for study in Europe and for long‑term proof of proficiency, while LRN is a reliable option for those who plan to study and work in Greece and need recognition by ASEP.
For study abroad, IELTS or TOEFL is usually recommended, as they provide the broadest international recognition. If your goal is mainly Greece, most universities also accept LRN and ECPE, giving you a wide range of options to prove your English‑language skills
