Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
AUBH English scores
From AUBH's international student admissions page and postgraduate admissions page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's: Business & Management, Media & Design | 6.0 | TOEFL 69, Duolingo 105 |
| Bachelor's: Engineering & Computing | 6.0 | TOEFL 69, Duolingo 105 |
| Master's | 6.0 | TOEFL 69, Duolingo 105, Linguaskill 169 |
| Doctor of Business Administration | 6.5, Writing 6.0 | Or equivalent |
Exemptions and other entry rules
For master's study you are exempt if you are a citizen of a country where English is the first language, such as the UK, USA or Canada, if you completed your bachelor's in an English-speaking country, or if your university's awarding body is from an English-speaking country. DBA applicants are exempt if they are such a citizen or hold a master's from one of those countries.
Bachelor's applicants need a high school GPA of 2.3 (75%) or equivalent and may need to pass an AUBH interview. Engineering and Computing also need a science subject and a mathematics subject. Students from outside Bahrain must have their certificates authenticated as Bahrain's Higher Education Council requires.
Free test: are you at AUBH'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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How to check
Master's applicants with a GPA of C+ need at least one year of relevant work experience, and some may be asked to take non-credit foundation courses in their first semester.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your AUBH programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the American University of Bahrain (AUBH) 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 AUBH need?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 for bachelor's and master's programmes, and 6.5 with Writing 6.0 for the DBA.
Does the American University of Bahrain accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 105 is listed as equivalent to IELTS 6.0 for bachelor's and master's entry.
Does AUBH accept TOEFL?+
Yes, TOEFL 69 for bachelor's and master's programmes.
Who is exempt from IELTS at AUBH for a master's?+
Citizens of countries where English is the first language, graduates of a bachelor's in an English-speaking country, or graduates whose university awarding body is from one.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Bahrain
- University of Bahrain IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- IELTS band score calculator
- 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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