Boston, Massachusetts, US
Boston University: English test requirements
Undergraduate scores are worded as the level at which applicants are most competitive, apart from IELTS 7 which the page says meets the requirement for every programme. Graduate English rules are set by each school or programme; only the Questrom full-time MBA page was found and recorded.
Checked on 31 Oct 2026 against the university's own pages. Universities change their requirements, and some courses ask for more. Always confirm on the university's page before you book a test or apply.
IELTS
UG 7.0
MBA 6.5
TOEFL iBT
UG 90
MBA 4.5 / 90
PTE Academic
UG Not on the list
MBA Set by course
Duolingo English Test
UG 125-135
MBA 120
Undergraduate
TOEFL and Duolingo are given as the scores of the most competitive applicants, not a hard minimum. Section scores are reviewed for consistency. Applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo as the main evidence; a waiver request can be made by the application deadline.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0recommended | AcceptedPage says an overall 7 or higher satisfies the requirement for all programmes but does not state a lower cut-off; component scores are reviewed for consistency. IELTS Indicator and One Skill Retake not accepted. | |
| TOEFL iBT (centre or Home Edition) | 5.0 or higher (new 1-6 scale, from 21 Jan 2026) / 90-100 (0-120)recommended | 20 in each section (old scale) | AcceptedPage describes these as the scores of the most competitive students. TOEFL Essentials and ITP Plus not accepted. |
| PTE Academic | – | Not on the listNot named on the page. | |
| Duolingo English Test | 125-135recommended | AcceptedPage says the most competitive students score at least 125-135. Total and all subscores are required. |
“A total/overall score of 7 or higher will satisfy BU’s English Language proficiency requirement for all programs.”
International applicants: English proficiency and standardized tests
Full-time MBA (Questrom School of Business)
All figures are recommendations or typical scores, not hard minimums. Applicants with two years of degree study taught solely in English, or two years of full-time post-degree work in the US, qualify for an automatic waiver.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 in each bandrecommended | AcceptedPage says competitive applicants typically score at least 6.5 on each band. | |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 (new 1-6 scale) / 90 (0-120)recommended | AcceptedPage recommends a minimum total of 90, or 4.5 for tests on the new scale. | |
| PTE Academic | Not published by the university | AcceptedNamed as an accepted test, but the page says updated standards are still being developed and gives no score. | |
| Duolingo English Test | 120recommended | Accepted |
“We are currently accepting Duolingo scores in addition to TOEFL and IELTS.”
Questrom full-time MBA admissions
Admissions tests
SAT / ACT · First-year applicants (fall 2027 and fall 2028 entry, i.e. the 2026-27 and 2027-28 cycles)
Optional
Test-optional for first-year applicants through fall 2028 and spring 2029, across all undergraduate schools and scholarships. The choice cannot be changed after submitting. International students must still submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo.
“Boston University is test optional for first-year applicants applying for admission through fall 2028 and spring 2029.”
GMAT / GRE · Full-time MBA (Questrom)
Required
The page does not use the word required: it accepts either GMAT or GRE and describes a waiver request for applicants who meet listed qualifications. Treated as required unless a waiver is granted at the committee's discretion to applicants who meet listed qualifications. Waiver requests are considered for the fall 2027 entry term.
“GMAT/GRE waiver requests are only considered for application to the Fall 2027 entry term for the Full-Time MBA program.”
The page says these are not accepted
- IELTS Indicator
- IELTS One Skill Retake
- TOEFL Essentials
- TOEFL ITP Plus
“Not on the list” means the test does not appear on the university page we checked. It does not mean the test is refused: the course page or the admissions office may still accept it, so ask them.
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Fable Tests is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Boston University or any test owner. University names are used only to identify them. Test names are trademarks of their owners.