Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Ateneo graduate English requirements
From Ateneo's graduate admission requirements for international applicants (form dated December 2023) and the Graduate School of Business admissions FAQ:
| Applicant | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Degree from a CHED-recognised Philippine university, or from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Singapore, Ireland or Malaysia | No English proof needed |
| Degree from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Fiji and other listed countries | Exempt with a certificate of English as medium of instruction |
| Everyone else (graduate programmes) | IELTS Academic 6.5; TOEFL iBT 80 or PBT 550; Cambridge 176 |
| Graduate School of Business, non-English-speaking country | IELTS Band 7 or higher |
Test rules
TOEFL and IELTS scores cannot be older than two years. Only IELTS Academic is named, and Duolingo and PTE are not listed. Graduate applicants can submit GRE results from the last three years instead of taking Ateneo's Graduate Entrance Test.
Free test: are you at Ateneo de Manila University'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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Other documents
The checklist also asks for authenticated transcripts and diplomas, a personal essay and three recommendations. Authentication is done by the Philippine Foreign Service Post in your home country. Graduate School of Business applicants also need a visa valid for study, such as the 9(f) student visa.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Ateneo programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Ateneo de Manila University 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 Ateneo de Manila need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 for graduate programmes, and IELTS Band 7 for the Graduate School of Business.
Do Indian students need IELTS for Ateneo?+
India is on Ateneo's exemption list, so a certificate that your degree was taught in English can replace the test.
What TOEFL does Ateneo accept?+
TOEFL iBT 80 or PBT 550, no older than two years.
Can I use GRE at Ateneo?+
Yes. GRE results from the last three years can replace the Ateneo Graduate Entrance Test.
Keep reading
Related
- De La Salle University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the Philippines
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- 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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