English Proficiency Tests for MBA Applications: What You Need to Know

For applicants who didn’t study in English during university, the English proficiency test can quietly become one of the biggest bottlenecks in the MBA application. Although not all schools require it, a significant amount of schools still do so it's important to start thinking about them early on.

While MBA programs in the U.S. and Europe are conducted entirely in English, the test is not just about academic reading ability. It also ensures students can actively participate in class discussions, contribute in team settings, and operate in a highly communication-driven environment.

For applicants who need to take one, understanding the differences between the available tests is important—especially given recent changes such as TOEFL iBT's scoring scale and newer options like Duolingo (DET) and PTE.

Let’s break down the options.

English Proficiency Test Options

TOEFL

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accepted English proficiency test and tends to be the most commonly taken option overall.

The test content is in American English and is available in both paper-based (TOEFL PBT) and internet-based (TOEFL iBT) formats.

The TOEFL iBT is significantly more common, with over 97% of test takers choosing the online version. It consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

Previously, each section was scored out of 30, for a total score of 120, with most top MBA programs typically expecting around 100+.

However, since January 21, 2026, TOEFL has introduced a new scoring system: a band scale from 1 to 6, with half-point increments, averaged across the four sections. The updated version is also shorter and more adaptive, with a duration of approximately 1.5 hours compared to the previous ~2 hours.

Because this change is recent, minimum score expectations are still evolving. At the moment, many programs appear to be informally clustering around a “5” level benchmark, though it is still unclear how this compares directly to the previous 100/120 scale in terms of difficulty.

The TOEFL PBT is still available in limited locations but is only offered where TOEFL iBT is not accessible and is gradually being phased out. It includes three mandatory sections (Reading, Listening, Structure/Expression) and an optional written essay, with a score range of 310–677. In practice, it is unlikely to be relevant for most MBA applicants today.

IELTS Academic

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the second most widely accepted English proficiency test and is commonly used across both U.S. and European MBA programs.

A key distinction is that IELTS is delivered in a British English format, which can be an advantage for applicants who are more familiar with that style of spelling, phrasing, and usage.

The test is computer-based (or paper-based in some locations) and includes four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It uses a band scoring system from 1 to 9, with most top MBA programs typically requiring around a 7.0 or higher.

The total test duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the speaking section may be conducted either in person or via video call, depending on the test center, with the option to schedule it on a separate day within a 7-day window.

PTE Academic

PTE (Pearson Test of English) is one of the newer English proficiency tests and is fully computer-based.

It combines Speaking & Writing into one section, alongside Listening and Reading, for a total of three sections.

The test is approximately 2 hours long and is scored on a scale from 10 to 90. Most MBA programs that accept PTE typically look for scores above ~65, though requirements vary by school.

PTE is accepted by many MBA programs, but it is still less universally recognized compared to TOEFL and IELTS.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

Since DET is one of the newer tests ((with a strong brand beyond just test taking), it is commonly referred to as the Duolingo English Test. It is also the most flexible and cost-effective option among the available tests, costing significantly less than other tests (around ~$70 USD vs. ~$150+ for most alternatives).

The test is adaptive and evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking through a mix of integrated question types that test literacy, comprehension, production, and conversation skills. In addition to the test itself, it includes a video interview and writing sample.

Scores range from 10 to 160, with many MBA programs typically looking for scores around 120–130+.

DET is gaining popularity quickly due to its accessibility and speed of results. However, it is still less universally accepted than TOEFL or IELTS, so applicants should always check school-specific requirements before committing.

How to Choose the Right Test

The first step is always to confirm which tests your target MBA programs accept, as this immediately narrows your options.

From there, the decision typically comes down to a few key factors:

• Timing and availability (test center access and application deadlines matter more than most applicants expect)

• Format fit (computer-based vs. speaking format vs. adaptive testing)

• English system familiarity (American vs. British English)

• Personal strengths (writing speed, spoken fluency, academic English familiarity, etc.)

In practice, I’ve seen applicants start with one test, only to realize later that another format fits them significantly better—sometimes after investing weeks of preparation. This is why I always recommend not just choosing quickly, but actually spending time exploring the structure of each test before committing. Even a small amount of upfront comparison can save weeks of misaligned preparation.

Final Thought

The English proficiency test is not just a formality—it is part of the broader signal MBA programs use to assess readiness for a highly interactive, English-heavy academic environment.

Choosing the right test and prepping early can meaningfully reduce friction in your application timeline and prevent avoidable delays.

At the same time, when it comes to the English Proficiency Test, don't underrate the value of starting "passive studying" early on — such as listening and reading English content daily, and writing, speaking, and thinking in English consistently, Because this is what gradually builds your English fluency, and ultimately schools just want to feel confident you have the English language skills to thrive on campus.

If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: this guide should be a starting point—not the final decision. The right choice depends on how the test aligns with your strengths, timeline, and target programs.

If you’re deciding which English test to take—or more broadly how to structure your MBA application strategy across tests, timelines, and school requirements—I offer 30-minute consultation calls to help you build a clear, personalized plan based on your goals and constraints. Click here to schedule your free call.