Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
APU English scores by programme
From APU's English requirements page for international students:
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation and certificates | 4.0 | PTE 36, MUET Band 3 |
| Diplomas: Hotel, Events, Psychology | 4.0 | PTE 36, MUET Band 3 |
| Diplomas: ICT, Accounting, Design & Media | 4.5 | PTE 43, MUET Band 3 |
| Diplomas: Business, Business IT, Mechatronics, International Studies | 5.0 | PTE 47, MUET Band 3.5 |
| Most degrees: IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Accounting, Architecture | 5.0 | PTE 47, MUET Band 3.5 |
| Degrees: Business Management, IBM, HRM, Psychology, Game Development, Animation | 5.5 | PTE 51, MUET Band 4 |
| BSc Banking & Finance, BSc Financial Technology | 6.0 | PTE 59, MUET Band 4 |
| MSc Actuarial Science, MPhil Engineering | 5.0 | PTE 47, MUET Band 3.5 |
| MSc IT, Cyber Security, AI, Data Science; Master of Accounting | 5.5 | PTE 51, MUET Band 4 |
| MBA, Project Management, Technology Management, Digital Marketing | 6.0 | PTE 59, MUET Band 4 |
| Master of Finance; PhD in Finance | 6.5 | PTE 63, MUET Band 4.5 |
| PhD in Computing, Technology, Management; DBA | 6.0 | PTE 59, MUET Band 4 |
TOEFL and exemptions
APU lists TOEFL iBT on the new 1 to 6 scale: 1.5 for foundation, 2.5 for most degrees, 3.5 for the 5.5-band degrees, 4 for the 6.0 band and 4.5 for the 6.5 band. Duolingo is not mentioned on the page.
Students from English-speaking countries, and those with qualifications taught in English such as IGCSE, A-Levels, IB or an American High School Diploma, are exempt. An exemption request must include supporting documents.
Free test: are you at APU's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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If your score is short: the conditional visa route
Under Ministry of Higher Education rules, an international student without the required score can apply for a student visa on a conditional basis, join APU's English Language Certification programme on arrival, and then sit IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or MUET. You must reach the required level within a maximum of 12 months or you cannot continue to the main programme and must return home.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your APU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) 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 score do I need for APU Malaysia?+
Most bachelor's degrees need IELTS 5.0. Business and creative degrees need 5.5, and Banking and Finance or FinTech need 6.0.
What IELTS does APU ask for the MBA?+
IELTS 6.0, PTE 59 or MUET Band 4. The Master of Finance needs IELTS 6.5.
Can I study at APU without IELTS?+
Yes, if you are from an English-speaking country or hold an English-taught qualification such as IGCSE, A-Levels or IB, with supporting documents. Otherwise you can take APU's English certification route on a conditional visa.
Does APU accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE 47 matches IELTS 5.0, PTE 51 matches 5.5 and PTE 59 matches 6.0.
Keep reading
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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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