Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
CBS English requirements by route
From CBS's bachelor admission requirements and MBA admission requirements pages. The bachelor page lists International Business (B.Sc.), Business Psychology (B.Sc.) and Finance and Management (B.Sc.) as the English-taught degrees. Neither page states how long a certificate stays valid.
| Route | IELTS | Other proof on the page |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught bachelor's (B.Sc.) | 6.5 | TOEFL 83, Cambridge B2 or C1 depending on the programme |
| English-taught MBA | 6.5 overall | TOEFL 83, Cambridge B2 or C1 depending on the programme |
| Prep4University (Studienkolleg) | 6.0 overall | TOEFL iBT 72 |
| 3+1 programme (partner universities) | No score stated | The page says a high level of English is essential |
Alternatives to a test
For the bachelor's, the page says previous education in English or a degree completed in English may be accepted, and that CBS can offer an internal language test if you are unsure. It does not describe the format, cost or scoring of that test.
For Prep4University, the page says an official confirmation from your school may be accepted if English was the language of instruction there. Only documents in English or German are reviewed.
The 3+1 programme page describes a double-degree option: students from selected partner universities spend their final year at CBS and earn a second bachelor's in International Business or in Finance and Management. It names no test or score.
Free test: are you at CBS International Business School'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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MBA experience and how to check
The MBA page also asks for at least one year of professional experience, says some MBA programmes require more, and says applicants with extensive experience in a relevant field may qualify under specific conditions. It states no waiver for English proof, so ask CBS if you hold an English-taught degree.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CBS programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where CBS International Business School 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 does CBS International Business School need?+
IELTS 6.5 for English-taught bachelor's degrees and the English-taught MBA. Prep4University asks IELTS 6.0 overall.
Is this the same as Copenhagen Business School?+
No. This guide covers CBS International Business School, the private university in Germany. Copenhagen Business School has its own guide.
Does CBS accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?+
Yes. The bachelor's and MBA pages list TOEFL 83, and Prep4University lists TOEFL iBT 72.
Can I use an English-taught degree instead of IELTS at CBS?+
For the bachelor's, the page says previous education in English or a degree completed in English may be accepted. The MBA page states no waiver.
How much work experience does the CBS MBA need?+
At least one year of professional experience, and some MBA programmes require more.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Germany accepting IELTS 6.5
- Munich Business School IELTS requirement
- Copenhagen Business School IELTS requirement
- Frankfurt School of Finance & Management IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 5669 guides
Guide updated on 4 November 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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