New York, New York, US
New York University: English test requirements
NYU sets no minimum English scores for undergraduates but publishes the scores competitive applicants usually reach (for example IELTS 7.5 and Duolingo 135), and it is test-optional for the SAT and ACT through the 2027-2028 cycle. The Graduate School of Arts and Science sets no minimums but recommends IELTS 7, TOEFL 100 (or 5 on the new scale) and Duolingo 130; the Stern MBA sets no minimum, and other NYU graduate schools set their own rules.
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.
Applicants from India
For the Stern full-time MBA, applicants who completed a university degree in India do not need to submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. The page says: “Please note that students who completed a university degree in India are not required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.”
IELTS
UG 7.5
PG 7
MBA Set by course
TOEFL iBT
UG 100
PG 100
MBA Set by course
PTE Academic
UG 70
PG Not on the list
MBA Not on the list
Duolingo English Test
UG 135
PG 130
MBA Set by course
Undergraduate
A test is generally required if English is not the applicant's first language and any of the last three completed years included non-English coursework, English support classes or a bilingual curriculum. NYU has no minimum score; the figures below are what competitive applicants usually receive. Tests must be taken within the last two years, and NYU does not waive the requirement on the basis of SAT, ACT, AP, IGCSE, A-level, IB or national exams.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.5 and above (competitive, not a minimum)recommended | AcceptedIELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted. | |
| TOEFL iBT (in person or Home Edition) | 5 or above (tests on or after 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 100 and above (tests on or before 20 Jan 2026, 0-120); competitive, not a minimumrecommended | new scale: 5 or above in the overall score and subscores | AcceptedMyBest scores are not accepted. TOEFL code 2562. |
| PTE Academic | 70 and above (competitive, not a minimum)recommended | Accepted | |
| Duolingo English Test | 135 and above (competitive, not a minimum)recommended | Accepted | |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 191 and above on the Cambridge English Scale (competitive, not a minimum)recommended | Accepted |
“We don’t have minimum score requirements, but competitive applicants will receive:”
Undergraduate admissions: English language testing
Graduate (Graduate School of Arts and Science)
The Graduate School of Arts and Science asks for official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores unless the applicant is a native English speaker, a US citizen or permanent resident, or holds a bachelor's or master's degree taught in English. GSAS sets no minimum score for any test, but its FAQ recommends the scores below; applicants with lower scores may still apply, and some departments list their own minimums. Other NYU graduate schools publish their own requirements, which were not surveyed.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 (recommended, not a minimum)recommended | AcceptedOverall band of at least 7 recommended. | |
| TOEFL iBT | 5 (new scoring from January 2026, 1-6 scale) / 100 (original scoring, 0-120); recommended, not a minimumrecommended | AcceptedSchool code 2596. | |
| PTE Academic | – | Not on the listThe page names TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo only. | |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 (recommended, not a minimum)recommended | Accepted |
“Applicants with lower scores may still apply.”
Graduate School of Arts and Science: test scores (English language proficiency)
Stern full-time MBA
Stern accepts TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test as proof of English if the applicant's native language is not English and their degree was not taught in English. The page sets no minimum score. Scores are valid for two years, and MyBest TOEFL is not considered. Applicants who completed a university degree in India do not need to submit an English test score.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Not published by the university | AcceptedNo minimum score stated. | |
| TOEFL | Not published by the university | AcceptedNo minimum score stated. MyBest scores are not considered. | |
| PTE Academic | – | Not on the listThe page names TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo only. | |
| Duolingo English Test | Not published by the university | AcceptedNo minimum score stated. |
“There is no minimum test score to apply.”
NYU Stern full-time MBA: standardized tests
Admissions tests
SAT / ACT · First-year applicants
Optional
NYU stays test-optional through the 2027-2028 application cycle. Applicants who choose to submit testing pick one form only: SAT, ACT, AP exams, the IB Diploma, A-levels or other international examinations. Unofficial scores can be self-reported; official scores are needed on enrolment.
“NYU will continue to remain test-optional through the 2027-2028 application cycle.”
GMAT / GRE · Stern full-time MBA
Required
A standardized test is required: GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment, and LSAT, MCAT or DAT are also accepted. A waiver can be requested by applicants who show academic readiness in other ways, and some NYU graduates with a high GPA are not required to submit a score. Stern sets no minimum score.
“A valid standardized test score is required for all MBA applicants to the Full-time MBA and Luxury & Retail MBA programs.”
Other tests the university lists
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (undergraduate)
The page says these are not accepted
- TOEFL MyBest scores
- IELTS One Skill Retake (undergraduate)
- SAT, ACT, AP, IGCSE, A-level and IB results as an English waiver (undergraduate)
“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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