USA · CHAPTER 5
Tests forUS admission.
Most US master's programmes ask for TOEFL iBT 80–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.0; Duolingo is widely accepted. GRE or GMAT may be optional, required or recommended. Undergraduate admissions are often test-optional for the SAT, but strong scores still help.
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Typical ranges
| Test | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80–100 (top programmes 100+) |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5–7.0 |
| Duolingo | 110–125 |
| GRE | Optional to competitive (310–325 for top STEM) |
| GMAT | MBA: 600–700+ depending on school |
| SAT | Often test-optional; 1300+ competitive |
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Typical scores
| Test | Common master's minimum | Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80–90 | 100+ |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 7.0+ |
| Duolingo English Test | 105–115 | 120+ |
| GRE (if required) | Quant 160+ for STEM | Quant 165+, Verbal 155+ |
| GMAT (MBA) | Varies by school | Top programmes: very high |
Waivers
Some universities waive TOEFL or IELTS for students whose bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English, sometimes with a medium-of-instruction certificate. A TA position usually needs a higher spoken English score.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Most US universities accept both. TOEFL is the most widely accepted; IELTS is fine if you also apply to the UK, Canada or Australia.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
USA GUIDE
Admission requirements
Transcripts, GRE/GMAT, SAT, TOEFL/IELTS, SOP, LORs and deadlines for US bachelor's and master's admission from India for Fall 2027.
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Which English or language test to take from India: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, DELF, TCF and Goethe compared by country acceptance, validity, fees and booking.
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Month-by-month study abroad plan from India for a September 2027 start: tests, applications, scholarships, loans, visa, flights and a document checklist.
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