Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
AUS English scores by level
From the AUS bachelor's application requirements, master's application requirements and graduate studies page. Only overall scores are given.
| Route | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (full admission) | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 4.5 (previously 80), TOEFL ITP 550 |
| Bachelor's transfer applicants | 6.5 | As above, or EmSAT Achieve English 1550 |
| Master's (full admission) | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 4.5 (previously 80), ITP 550, EmSAT 1550 |
| Master's (conditional, most programmes) | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 4.0 (previously 71), ITP 530, EmSAT 1400 |
| MBA and MA TESOL | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80, ITP 550, EmSAT 1550 (no lower conditional level) |
Tests AUS does not accept
The bachelor's page says only TOEFL and IELTS are accepted, and names IELTS Indicator, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and Linguaskill as tests it does not accept. The master's page lists the same three as no longer acceptable. PTE and Duolingo are not on either page, so do not plan on them.
TOEFL and IELTS score reports are valid for two calendar years. Graduates of an AUS bachelor's are exempt from the English test for master's study. The graduate studies page adds that some programmes may set higher scores.
Free test: are you at AUS's score yet?
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Conditional admission and how to check
Every admitted bachelor's applicant must show an approved English test to be fully admitted. At master's level, applicants at the conditional scores above may be admitted conditionally, but the MBA and MA TESOL only grant conditional admission at their full scores, and conditionally admitted students cannot apply for a graduate assistantship until they meet the conditions.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your AUS programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the American University of Sharjah (AUS) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does AUS need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 for both bachelor's and master's admission.
Does the American University of Sharjah accept Duolingo or PTE?+
No. For bachelor's entry AUS says only TOEFL and IELTS are accepted, and neither Duolingo nor PTE appears on its master's page.
Can I get into an AUS master's with IELTS 6.0?+
Possibly, as a conditional admit for most programmes. The MBA and MA TESOL need IELTS 6.5 even for conditional admission.
Does AUS accept IELTS Indicator or TOEFL Home Edition?+
No. Both are on AUS's list of tests it does not accept, along with Linguaskill.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the UAE accepting IELTS 6.5
- IELTS for UAE universities
- University of Sharjah IELTS requirement
- American University in Dubai IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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