Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Curtin Malaysia English requirements by level
From Curtin Malaysia's English language entry requirements table:
| Level | IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 5.5 (no band below 5.0) | 42 (all skills 42) | 51 |
| Diploma | 5.0 (no band below 5.0) | 36 | 37 |
| Undergraduate: Business, Engineering, Science | 6.0 (no band below 6.0) | 50 (R50 L50 S54 W51) | 67 (R16 L16 S19 W19) |
| Undergraduate: Humanities, Health Sciences | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 58 | 81 |
| Postgraduate coursework: Engineering, Science | 6.0 (no band below 6.0) | 50 | 67 |
| Postgraduate coursework: Business, Humanities, Health | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 58 | 81 |
| Research degree: Humanities | 6.5 (R7.0 L6.5 S6.0 W7.0) | 58 (R59 L55 S54 W69) | 89 |
Other accepted tests
The same table accepts IELTS for UKVI Academic, PTE Academic UKVI, the new TOEFL 1 to 6 scale (4.0 for business, engineering and science degrees, 4.5 for humanities and health), MUET, LanguageCert Academic, the Michigan English Test and Linguaskill or C1 Advanced. Linguaskill is accepted only when booked through Curtin. IELTS Indicator is listed only for foundation and diploma entry.
School results also count: GCE O Level, GCSE or IGCSE English at grade C meets the undergraduate requirement. Duolingo is not on the table.
Free test: are you at Curtin University Malaysia'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 you fall short
All Curtin courses are taught in English. Applicants below the minimum can ask Curtin's international student recruitment team about English Bridging. A foundation-with-academic-English route takes IELTS 5.0 with no band below 4.5.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Curtin Malaysia programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Curtin University Malaysia 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 Curtin Malaysia need for engineering?+
IELTS 6.0 with no band below 6.0, or PTE Academic 50.
What IELTS does Curtin Malaysia need for nursing or psychology?+
Humanities and health sciences degrees ask IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, or PTE 58.
Does Curtin Malaysia accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on Curtin Malaysia's English requirements table.
What IELTS do I need for the Curtin Malaysia foundation?+
IELTS 5.5 with no band below 5.0, or PTE 42.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Malaysia accepting IELTS 6.0
- Curtin University (Perth) IELTS requirement
- Swinburne Sarawak IELTS requirement
- IELTS for Malaysia
- 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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