Business schools offer some of the most desired qualifications for international students worldwide.
Typically, courses taught in English, in some of the most prestigious business schools around the world, require international students to provide proof of English language proficiency in order to see the applicant’s understanding of the language. Many top business schools in the UK, as well as world-class business schools in Germany, have specific requirements when it comes to overall IELTS scores including those in each section like listening, reading, writing and speaking.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the IELTS certificate is recognized by education and training providers worldwide. More specifically, over 10,000 institutions recognize this certificate as proof of English language proficiency. A wide range of universities in non-English speaking countries require applicants to provide an IELTS score where courses are taught in English.
There are two types of IELTS tests to choose from, the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training. Most people will take the IELTS Academic test to help them with their international study application since numerous educational institutions often list the test as a prerequisite for admission. Before taking the test, however, it is essential to check the specific entry requirements of the institution to leave no space for error.
Here are the IELTS requirements for business schools in the most popular study destinations worldwide:
IELTS Requirements in the US
Business schools in the US are hotspots for students wishing to pursue a career in business-related fields of study. Like all highly-qualified and sought-after universities, business schools in the US have their range of requirements, which also include IELTS scores.
Top Business Schools in the US
| Business School | Overall IELTS Score | Section Requirements |
| Stanford University | 7.0 | Depends on the programme |
| Harvard University | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Yale University | 7.0 | Depends on the programme |
| Columbia University | 7.0 | Depends on the programme |
Note: The numbers show minimum required scores. Scores may vary in different programmes.
IELTS Requirements in the UK
The UK is highly regarded for its excellence in higher education and the unmatched expertise of business-related professionals. International, and domestic students, graduate each year from UK business schools and enter the job market with the necessary confidence to tackle any issue that might arise. To gain admission to UK business schools, IELTS is oftentimes a necessity.
Top Business Schools in the UK
| Business School | Overall IELTS Score | Section Requirements |
| London Business School | 7.0 | Depends on the programme |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 7.0 | S: 6.0; W:6.0; L:6.5; R:6.5 |
| University of Warwick Business School | 7.0 | 6.0 |
| Imperial College London | 6.5 | 5.5 |
Note: The numbers show minimum required scores. Scores may vary in different programmes.
IELTS Requirements in Australia
The land down under attracts its fair share of future businessmen and women on a yearly basis to its excellent business institutions. Eager young minds from all over the world head towards Australia each annually, to gain their business qualifications and earn professional skills from experienced academics.
Top Business Schools in Australia
| Business School | Overall IELTS Score | Section Requirements |
| Melbourne Business School | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| The University of Sidney Business School | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Monash Business School | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| UQ Business School | 6.5 | 6.0 |
Note: The numbers show minimum required scores. Scores may vary in different programmes.
IELTS Requirements in Germany
This western European country attracts thousands of students to its business schools every year. Germany, among popular study destinations, is not merely regarded for its affordable education but Germany business schools also manage to transmit the essential theoretical and practical business skills to students undertaking business-related studies, but not only.
Top Business Schools in Germany
| Business School | Overall IELTS Score | Section Requirements |
| Berlin School of Business and Innovation | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| GISMA Business School | 6.5 | Depends on the programme |
| WHU Vallendar | 7.0 | Depends on the programme |
| Frankfurt School | 7.0 | Depends on the programme |
Note: The numbers show minimum required scores. Scores may vary in different programmes.
IELTS Requirements in Canada
Canadian universities and business schools provide students with world-class education focusing on the development of transferable skills including critical thinking, teamwork, and communication, among others. University qualifications in Canada are recognized worldwide and entering the job market with the skills learned at business schools here provides a boost to careers in the field of business.
Top Business Schools in Canada
| Business School | Overall IELTS Score | Section Requirements |
| Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| Smith School of Business, Queen’s University | 7.5 | Depends on the programme |
| McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| HEC Montréal | 7.5 | Depends on the programme |
Note: The numbers show minimum required scores. Scores may vary in different programmes.
The majority of business schools require students to provide an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all parts, which include four sections (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). However, this is not the case with every school, since each institution sets its requirements based on the quality of students they are looking for (in different study programmes).
This article provides an overview of IELTS requirements in some of the top business schools in major (international) student destinations. For more detailed information (or if a specific school is not listed in this article), please contact the respective institution or check their official website. IELTS scores are accepted by a wide range of business schools worldwide.
Article written by Mastersdegree.net
