Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
DLSU graduate English requirements
From DLSU's graduate admissions page for international applicants and its GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS page:
| Point | Rule |
|---|---|
| Test results | TOEFL, IELTS or Oxford ELLT required from international applicants |
| Exemption from DLSU English exam | IELTS 6.0 overall and 6.0 in all areas; TOEFL iBT 85, CBT 220 or PBT 550 |
| Not required | Holders of a bachelor's degree from De La Salle University Manila |
| MInfoSec alternative | University certificate that the bachelor's degree was taught in English |
| Admission test exemption | GMAT 400 (business and economics) or GRE 400 in each of Verbal and Quantitative |
Submitting your scores
DLSU says applicants claiming an exemption must present proof of valid results with their documents. Results submitted after the admission exam has been taken are not recognised, so send your IELTS report with the application. Duolingo and PTE are not listed.
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Other graduate documents
International graduate applicants also submit two recommendation letters and a personal statement, and some programmes ask for extra material such as a thesis video for physics and data science. These pages cover graduate study; check undergraduate rules with DLSU's admissions office.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your DLSU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila 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 DLSU need?+
International graduate applicants must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Oxford ELLT; IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in all bands exempts you from DLSU's English exam.
What TOEFL score does DLSU accept?+
TOEFL iBT 85, CBT 220 or PBT 550 for the exemption.
Does DLSU accept Oxford ELLT?+
Yes. The international applicant page lists TOEFL, IELTS or Oxford ELLT.
Do I need IELTS for DLSU if I have a DLSU degree?+
No. Holders of a DLSU Manila bachelor's degree are excepted.
Keep reading
Related
- Ateneo de Manila University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the Philippines
- IELTS band score calculator
- 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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