Transfer of International English Language Test Results to HSE

The following information does not apply to students of ICEF programmes, the International Bachelor’s Programme in World Politics, the Data Science and Business Analytics and the Management and Digital Innovation Bachelor’s programmes, who already have their own special programme of English language study, as well as part-time students.

As per HSE University’s rules, all Bachelor’s and Specialist degree students must take both an internal and independent English language examination. In addition, students may select an optional English language course beyond their normal course load and study English for two years.

However, if you have an international certificate, confirming your proficiency in English, you may transfer its score towards both the optional course and the test.

Eligible certificates with periods of their validity

• ССТ Lingvotest Academic / Business (no time limit) NEW

• TOEFL iBT/PBT (valid for two years);
• IELTS Аcademic (valid for two years);
• C1 Business Higher (no time limit);
• Business Vantage (no time limit);
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) (no time limit);
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) (no time limit).

Important aspects of transferring certificate scores

1. The certificate should be eligible for test results transfer at HSE University (e.g., a First Certificate in English would not be subject for test results transfer);
2. The certificate’s mean score should not be below “Good” according to HSE University’s conversion scale and applicable international certificates;
3. When transferring certificate scores towards courses in Year 1 and 2 taught as part of the optional module “English Language”, a certificate should be valid when the respective course assessment is held (during the examination periods for Modules 2 and 4 in Year 1, and Module 3 in Year 2, respectively);
4. When transferring certificate scores towards the internal English Language Test, the certificate should be valid at the moment when the test is held;
5. When transferring certificate scores towards the independent English Language Test, the certificate shall be valid at the moment when a request is filed for test results transfer. Should a student present his/her certificate less than 15 working days before the start of the examination period for Module 3 in Year 3 and fail to appear at the independent test, he/she shall be considered as having an academic failure;
6. Certificates, which are valid when retakes for an internal and independent English language test take place, may count towards the results for either of said retakes, respectively;
7. A positive score on the independent test may be upgraded by presenting an international certificate before April 30 in the graduating year of study.  

When can language certificate scores be transferred towards the results of

Optional courses: 1) before the examination; 2) after the examination, if an unsatisfactory grade was received on the examination (as a retake);

Internal test: 1) before the test; 2) after the test, if an unsatisfactory grade was received on the test (as a retake);

Independent test: 1) before the test; 2) after the test, if an unsatisfactory grade was received on the test; 3) after the test and for the purpose of upgrading a positive score, but no later than April 30 of the graduating year.

How can I apply for a certificate score transfer?

You can make an application via the e-service provided by the Student Service Centre, by attaching a language certificate scan.

Please note that an e-application shall suffice for verification of a majority of certificates and subsequent certificate scores transfer. In other instances, originals must be submitted.  

Relevant documents

• Concept for Instilling English-based Communication Skills in Bachelor’s and Specialist Degree Students at HSE University
• Conversion Scale for International English Language Test Results to a 10-point Grading Scale Applied at HSE University (annex to linked document)
• Regulations for Interim and Ongoing Assessments of Students at HSE University

If you have further questions

e-mail us at: studcentre@hse.ru