Top MBA Programs with IELTS Waiver in 2025
Introduction
Did you know MIT doesn't require IELTS in their application process?
Yes, you read it right.
With all the admission applications, test scores, and visa proceedings, it gets exhausting. With the huge investment in English proficiency tests, its preparation sometimes feels unnecessary if you have studied in an English medium or the language of conduct was English for your degree institutions. Guess what? Now you can waive off your IELTS! In this blog, we have prepared a masterlist for Top MBA Programs with IELTS waivers in 2025
Why are Universities giving IELTS waivers?
To make the MBA easy and accessible to all, many universities are waiving off IELTS requirement in their MBA applications. They have realized that the IELTS test is not needed and is redundant, especially if the student has appeared for competitive tests like GMAT/GRE or if his/her undergrad degree was in English.
Who can get an IELTS waiver?
We have developed a list of points about who can get an IELTS or TOEFL waiver at top B-schools.
- Strong Undergraduate Background: If your undergraduate degree was completed at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction, some programs may consider this sufficient evidence of your English skills.
- GRE/GMAT Score: A strong score on the GMAT or GRE, which often includes sections testing verbal reasoning and writing skills, can sometimes demonstrate English proficiency, especially if the test was taken in English.
List of universities that are giving IELTS waivers this 2025
Now that you are well-acquainted with the possible reasons for IELTS requirements and how you can waive one, we have curated a list of top MBA programs that are offering IELTS waivers this 2024!
University |
IELTS Waiver Requirement |
|---|---|
| MIT Sloan School of Management | IELTS is not needed. English language ability is assessed during interviews. |
| HEC Paris | Applicants who studied a university degree(s) of a minimum of two years in English may apply for an exemption. |
| Columbia Business School | International students are not required to submit a language test such as the TOEFL. Your verbal score on the GRE or the GMAT is sufficient. Your interview will also be conducted in English. |
| INSEAD | If you possess a full university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) where all courses were taught exclusively in English, we will accept your degree as proof of your fluency in English. Your transcripts should indicate that the curriculum was entirely taught in English. |
| ESCP | If you possess a full university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) where all courses were taught exclusively in English, we will accept your degree as proof of your fluency in English. Your transcripts should indicate that the curriculum was entirely taught in English. |
| Georgetown University | Applicants who have obtained a four-year or advanced degree from a university where the only primary medium of instruction was English get an IELTS/TOEFL waiver. |
| Simon Business School | Attended 3 or more academic years (at least 6 semesters/9 quarters/9 trimesters, not including summers) of post-secondary education taught solely in English and received a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a college or university where English was the language of instruction. |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | If your college or university taught all classes exclusively in English for either your undergraduate or graduate degree, then you are not required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | Applicants who earned a baccalaureate or advanced degree at an institution in which the medium of instruction was English, or who have had considerable exposure to the language, may waive the test. A waiver request may be submitted as part of your application. |
| Northwestern University | Earning an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English. If not indicated on the transcript, documentation regarding English instruction should be included with your application. |
| Chicago Booth | The program requires a high level of English proficiency, but you won’t necessarily have to take the TOEFL. We’ll make that decision based on your completed application and in-person interview. |
| NYU | If your undergraduate or graduate degree was taught in English, you'll be exempted. |
| Yale School of Management | No, the TOEFL, PTE Academic, or IELTS exam is not required for international applicants. |
| Oxford Said Business School | You may be eligible for a waiver of the English language test requirement if you have completed a degree-level course taught entirely in English within the past two years, or if you have worked for at least two years in an English-speaking country in a role that required daily use of English in a technical context. The waiver is subject to the discretion of the Admissions Committee. Refer to the website for more information. |
| IESE | There is no test requirement for candidates who have completed their university degree in English or who have lived at least two consecutive years in an English-speaking country. |
| SKEMA Business School | Previous educational qualifications and if the medium of education is English. |
| SDA Bocconi | IELTS is exempted for those who took a degree in English. |
| Michigan Ross | International applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English are exempt from the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS requirement. You may also submit alternative evidence of your English proficiency - see Application Requirements. |
| Copenhagen Business School | You study or studied a bachelor or graduate program entirely taught in English and you hold one of the following: a bachelor's degree certificate showing fully taught in English or an ongoing bachelor or graduate degree certificate. |
| UNSW Sydney | Proof of prior English study may qualify for an English Waiver, but this is evaluated individually, and the Admissions team may still require an English Language test. Each waiver request is assessed on a case-by-case basis. |
Did you know that ESCP Business School offers IELTS waivers to deserving candidates? Check out if you should join ESCP in 2025.
All in all, waiving the IELTS requirement can help the applicant to focus on other important aspects of their application. That’s not it, Did you know that a lot of universities, especially in the US, now provide a GMAT waiver as well? Our GMAT waiver template is available here for free.
INSEAD MBA Review
Conclusion
Most programs clearly state their English language proficiency requirements on their admissions page. By understanding the reasons for the IELTS waiver and researching individual program requirements, you can easily figure out if you are required to write IELTS or TOEFL.
We at EdYOU thrive at searching for the best universities for you based on your profile. Are you gearing up to launch your career in MBA this 2025? Book a session with our founder and let us help you with scholarship winning admit!
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