At a glance

  • Main tests accepted: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge
  • Typical minimum: TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7.0+
  • Most scores valid for 2 years
  • Waivers available – check each school’s policy

 

Reputable business schools want you to succeed in their graduate programme, so nearly all of them require a good score on an English language proficiency test as part of the admission requirements for international students. Although it is not the most common language in the world, most international MBA programmes in Europe, Australia, and the Americas are taught in English.

If you have difficulty speaking, writing, reading, or understanding spoken English, it is all too easy to fall behind in an intense academic environment like that of an MBA programme. To keep that from happening, business schools regularly require a minimum score on an MBA English language test for international students – such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, the Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge qualifications.

Who needs to take an English language test for MBA admission


In most cases, international students from countries in which English is not an official language will be required to achieve a high score on a language proficiency test. There are exceptions depending on a particular school’s policies.

Most schools offer a language test waiver for candidates who can demonstrate sufficient English proficiency through their academic or professional background. The most common qualifying criteria are:

  • completing an undergraduate or graduate degree taught entirely in English;
  • having studied in a country where English is the primary language of instruction;
  • having several years of professional experience working in English.

Conditions vary by school – some grant exemptions automatically, while others require a formal waiver request. Always check the admissions page of each school on your list, as criteria are rarely identical across institutions.

If you think your academic or professional record demonstrates a high level of English proficiency, contact the admissions offices at the schools you are considering to see if your particular situation qualifies for a waiver.

Some argue that a high score on the GMAT or GRE should be sufficient proof of English proficiency since both tests are administered in English. However, the GMAT and GRE are aptitude tests conducted in English – they are not designed to test mastery of the English language itself, which is why a separate proficiency test is required.

Also read: How to Score High in English Tests for Your MBA Application

TOEFL, IELTS, and other accepted language tests for MBA


There are several English language proficiency tests accepted as part of the admission process to MBA programmes. Before you take one, check with the business schools on your list to see which tests they accept. 

TOEFL and IELTS

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are standardised tests designed specifically to test reading, speaking, listening, and writing in English. They are by far the most widely accepted language proficiency tests at business schools worldwide.

Most MBA programmes will require one or the other, so you will likely be able to choose. Both tests are now delivered on computer. TOEFL has been computer-based for many years. IELTS completed its transition to fully computer-delivered testing in mid-2026 – from 27 June 2026, all IELTS tests worldwide are administered on screen, with a “Writing on Paper” option available in selected markets for those who prefer to handwrite their essay responses. The Speaking section of IELTS remains face-to-face with a human examiner.

Both TOEFL and IELTS also offer at-home online versions – the TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Online – which are permanently available and accepted at the vast majority of MBA programmes.

PTE Academic

Pearson’s PTE Academic is another widely accepted option, particularly at business schools in the UK, Australia, and Europe. It is fully computer-delivered, including the speaking section, and results are typically available within 24-48 hours – the fastest of the major tests.

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test has become an increasingly popular option among MBA candidates. It can be taken entirely online from home, costs significantly less than TOEFL or IELTS, and results are available within 48 hours. Scored on a scale of 10-160, it is now accepted at a growing number of MBA programmes worldwide, including at leading schools such as Harvard, NYU, MIT, and Wharton. Most top programmes require a score of 120 or above.

Cambridge Tests

Cambridge Assessment offers testing and certificates that reveal a student’s English proficiency level. These are sometimes accepted in lieu of a TOEFL or IELTS score, depending on the school. IESE Business School (Spain), for example, accepts the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English at a minimum level of B.

Score validity

One practical detail many candidates overlook: most major English proficiency test scores – TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, and Duolingo – are valid for two years from the test date. After that, they expire and cannot be submitted to universities. If you took a test more than two years ago, you will need to retake it before applying.

Cambridge English qualifications are an exception – they do not expire and remain valid indefinitely. However, many business schools will only accept Cambridge results taken within the last two years, so it is worth checking each school’s policy.

What English test scores do business schools require?


Score requirements vary by school, but here are the general benchmarks for the most widely accepted tests at top MBA programmes:

Test

Typical minimum score

TOEFL iBT

100+

IELTS

7.0 overall band

PTE Academic

65-68

Duolingo English Test

120+

 

Most schools state their requirements explicitly. Bentley University (US), for example, requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100 or an IELTS score of 7.0 for graduate admission, according to its current admissions page.

Also read: MBA Application Deadlines 2026-2027: Your Complete Global Guide

Other MBA admission requirements


An English language proficiency test is certainly not the only requirement for admission to an MBA programme. It is just one part of your overall admissions package, which typically includes an application, personal essays, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a sufficient GMAT or GRE score.

Sitting a language test matters quite a lot because of the actual preparation that goes into it – ensuring you have the level of language skills that will enable you to succeed during your studies and networking in a business school environment.

Also read: Why a High GMAT Score Doesn’t Guarantee Admission

 

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a TOEFL or IELTS for MBA admission?

Most likely yes – if English is not your first language and you did not study in English, you will need an accepted proficiency test score. TOEFL and IELTS are the most widely accepted, but many schools now also take PTE Academic and Duolingo.

Can I get a waiver for the English language test?

Many schools waive the requirement for candidates who completed their degree in English or have significant work experience in an English-speaking environment. Criteria vary, so contact the admissions office directly to find out whether you qualify.

How long are English test scores valid for MBA applications?

TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, and Duolingo scores are valid for two years. Cambridge qualifications don’t expire, but most schools still prefer results taken within the last two years.

Originally published: 28 April 2017

Updated: 1 October 2026