Why English Test Choice Matters for MBA Applicants
Gaining admission to top business schools has never been easy, especially for international students. In addition to all the required steps required in order to apply, they also have to pass an English test for MBA with flying colors. When you choose an English test for MBA applications, making an informed decision can improve your admissions chances by playing to your strengths and minimizing the risk of needing costly retakes. The strategic choice of test format, timing, and preparation can be the difference between meeting minimum requirements and truly demonstrating your English capabilities to admissions committees.
Business schools want MBA aspirants to have a strong command of the language for a good reason. Most programs are based on immersive learning that encourage public speaking, group discussions, and active class participation. To succeed, students must be able to express their ideas.
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Check out: How to Self-Prepare for English Tests
Understand the Main English Tests Accepted by MBA Programs
Business schools typically accept several standardized English proficiency tests, each with distinct formats, scoring systems, and delivery methods. Understanding the key differences between TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Cambridge certificates, and newer options like Duolingo can help you select the test that best matches your learning style and maximizes your performance potential. The following MBA English proficiency test comparison shows the key differences between accepted tests:
|
Test |
Duration |
Delivery |
Speaking Section |
Validity |
|
TOEFL iBT |
3 hours |
Computer-based (internet) |
Computer-recorded responses to prompts and integrated tasks |
2 years |
|
IELTS |
2 hours 45 minutes |
Paper-based or Computer-based |
Face-to-face interview with examiner (11-14 minutes) |
2 years |
|
PTE Academic |
2-3 hours |
Computer-based |
Computer-recorded responses, AI scoring |
2 years |
|
Cambridge (FCE/CAE/CPE) |
3.5-4 hours |
Paper-based or Computer-based |
Face-to-face interview with examiner and another candidate |
Lifetime |
|
Duolingo |
1 hour |
Computer-based (at home) |
Computer-recorded responses to prompts |
2 years |
How Long Are Test Results Valid?
Since most English tests for MBA, including TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo are valid for two years, it is essential to time your test taking date with your business school application well. Sitting one of these exams too early would mean the score might expire before you decide to apply. On the other hand, leaving it for the last moment might put too much unneeded stress and time pressure on an already packed admissions timeline.
Regarding the Cambridge test, known for its lifetime validity, make sure to check if it is accepted by your shortlisted institutions at all. Top MBA programs want to be sure that your English skills are fresh and well-practiced, which is why they might demand more recent scores.
Which English Tests Are Accepted by Top MBA Programs?
The acceptance of English proficiency tests sometimes varies across business schools. For example, some institutions can be more flexible than others in their requirements. While most schools accept the major tests like TOEFL and IELTS, it’s important to verify the specific requirements and minimum scores on each school’s official website as policies and accepted tests can change from year to year.
Stanford University: Stanford Graduate School of Business (US)
Stanford’s full-time MBA program accepts TOEFL for MBA applicants, along with IELTS and PTE. Applicants who have an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university that provided instruction entirely in English are exempt from these exams.
Score requirements
The minimum TOEFL score for MBA admission at Stanford is 100 (on a scale of 0 to 120 points), for IELTS it is 7.0 overall (on a scale of 0 to 9), and for PTE it is 68 (on a scale of 10 to 90). However, successful applicants typically score much higher than that. The average TOEFL iBT score for the Class of 2026 is 113.
INSEAD (France)
INSEAD requires all kinds of English-language proficiency tests, but the school’s language policy is a bit unusual and requires some clarification. The detailed INSEAD language policy is available here.
If English is your native language, you have to demonstrate at least practical knowledge of a second language before the start of the program.
If English is not your native language, your native language will fulfil the entry language requirement, so you don’t need to take a test. However, you may need to submit proof of your English-language skills.
Score requirements
The recommended minimum score for TOEFL iBT is 105 and for PTE Academic it’s 72. ] For IELTS Academic, the recommended minimum score is 7.5.
University of Pennsylvania: The Wharton School (US)
At Wharton, TOEFL iBT, PTE, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test are required for non-native English speakers with limited exposure to English. International applicants who earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an institution at which English is the language of instruction may receive a waiver.
In addition to an English proficiency score, the school pays careful attention to a student’s GRE and GMAT (verbal percentile and AWA score), written and spoken English, recommender observations, and exposure to language.
Score requirements
Wharton does not provide a minimum score requirement, but points out that the average TOEFL iBT score for those students in the Class of 2022 who were required to take it was 115.
Harvard Business School (HBS) (US)
HBS accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test from candidates who received their Bachelor's degree and any graduate degrees from a university or universities where English is not the sole language of instruction. Applicants who have a Bachelor's degree from a university where English is not the sole language of instruction but received a Master's or Ph.D. degree from a program fully taught in English are also strongly advised, though not required, to submit English test scores.
Score requirements
HBS discourages any candidate with a TOEFL score lower than 109, an IELTS score lower than 7.5, a PTE score lower than 75, or a Duolingo score lower than 145 from applying.
MIT: Sloan School of Management (US)
English language proficiency tests are not required to apply to MIT’s MBA program. Instead, the school measures English ability during personal interviews and also uses the verbal sections of the GMAT or GRE.
University of St. Gallen (Switzerland)
The university recognizes certificates equivalent to at least a C1 level on the European Framework for Foreign Languages (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE, BEC Higher). International applicants need to take an English test unless they can demonstrate that they have considerable experience living, working, or studying in an English-language environment. Applicants holding at least a Bachelor's degree taught entirely in English may receive a waiver.
The MBA program itself does not require knowledge of German, but applicants are encouraged to at least learn the basics of the language to improve their integration and increase their chances of securing a job in the German-speaking region.
Score requirements
The score from the English exam you choose to take should correspond to at least a C1 level on the European Framework for Foreign Languages. This means that if you pick TOEFL iBT, your score has to be at least 95.
Factors to Help You Choose the Right Test
While there’s no single best English test for MBA applications, the right choice depends on your strengths and target schools’ requirements. Consider these key factors:
- Test timing and deadlines – Ensure your test date aligns with MBA application deadlines, allowing buffer time for potential retakes
- Format comfort – Some candidates excel in face-to-face speaking assessments (IELTS), while others prefer computer-recorded responses (TOEFL, PTE)
- Test availability – Evaluate booking ease in your country, as some tests may have limited slots or testing centers
- Preparation resources – Research available practice materials and prep courses, as quality varies significantly between tests
- Retake policies – Examine mandatory waiting periods between attempts, which can impact your application timeline if you need to improve your score
- English type focus – Assess whether the test emphasizes academic English (TOEFL, IELTS Academic) versus general English usage, matching your strengths and target school requirements
A high level of proficiency in English will not only enable you to participate fully in the collaborative learning process. It will also benefit your personal and professional life outside business school. Look at it as a long-term investment with life-long returns. Starting your English test preparation early and double-checking business school requirements is the right way to get off to a good start with your MBA application. And remember – there is no one right test. The right test is the one that fits your strengths and matches the criteria of your shortlisted schools.
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