Exam score requirements lookup
Typical 2026 patterns, not official numbers — the university's admissions page is always the final authority
Pick your destination and ambition tier, and see the GRE, IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo scores programs typically ask for — so you know your target number before you book a test date.
| IELTS Academic | — |
| TOEFL iBT | — |
| GRE | — |
| Duolingo English Test | — |
The full reference (typical mid-tier requirements)
| Destination | IELTS | TOEFL | GRE | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 6.5 | 80–95 | 300–315 where required; many programs optional | 110–120 (widely accepted) |
| UK | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | ~90 (accepted for admission at most universities) | Not required | Accepted at some universities — verify each |
| Germany | 6.5 | 80–90 | Mostly not required (a few TU9 programs recommend) | Patchy acceptance — verify each |
| Canada | 6.5 (often 6.0 per band) | 86–93 | Rarely (some CS/engineering) | Growing acceptance — verify each |
| Australia | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 79–94 | Not required | Accepted at many universities — verify each |
| Ireland | 6.5 | 88–90 | Not required | Accepted at several universities — verify each |
New to these exams? Start with the exam guides — GRE, IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo formats, costs and prep plans — and the which-tests-do-I-need guide.
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Start a free AI mock interviewFrequently asked questions
What IELTS score do I need for a masters abroad?
The most common masters requirement worldwide is 6.5 overall (often with no module below 6.0). Competitive UK and US programs typically ask 7.0. Germany commonly asks 6.5. Every university sets its own number — use this lookup for the typical band, then verify the exact requirement (including per-module minimums) on the program page.
Is GRE needed outside the USA?
Rarely. The UK, Australia and Ireland essentially never ask; Germany mostly doesn't (a few TU9 programs recommend it); Canada asks occasionally for CS/engineering. Even in the US a large share of programs are GRE-optional since 2020 — check each department.
Are these requirements official?
No — they are the typical patterns across universities in each tier, compiled to help you plan. The only official number is the one on your target university's admissions page, which can change any cycle. Always verify there before booking tests.
What if my score is slightly below the requirement?
English-test requirements are usually hard floors enforced by admissions systems and visa rules — half a band short means retake (IELTS One Skill Retake makes single-module misses cheap to fix). GRE requirements are softer: strong CGPA, projects or experience can offset a slightly low score where the GRE is "recommended" rather than required.