Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Doshisha English scores by programme
From the ILA admission requirements, the ILA Application Guide 2027 for April or September 2027 entry, and the Global MBA requirements.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| ILA B.A. (first-year and third-year transfer) | 6.5 overall | TOEFL iBT 85 (tests before 20 Jan 2026) or 4.5 (after 21 Jan 2026); Duolingo 120; ACT English 22; Digital SAT EBRW 560 |
| Global MBA | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 86 (before 21 Jan 2026) or 4.5; TOEIC L&R 760; Cambridge FCE (Pass) |
Which test versions count, and exemptions
For the ILA, IELTS on Computer and IELTS for UKVI (Academic) are accepted. IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake are not. TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted and only Test Date Scores count, not MyBest. Superscores are not accepted. PTE Academic is not on the ILA list.
Native speakers of English and applicants with 12 or more years of education in English are exempt for the ILA. For the Global MBA, native speakers and holders of a bachelor's or master's degree taught in English are exempt, and IELTS General Training, IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted.
Free test: are you at Doshisha 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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Score dates and how to check
ILA test scores must be no more than two years old at the application deadline, and Doshisha verifies them with the testing centre before the deadline. Global MBA scores must be dated on or after 1 November 2024.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one in the current Doshisha application guide for your programme, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Doshisha 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 Doshisha ILA need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall. The ILA pages state no minimum for each band.
What IELTS does the Doshisha Global MBA need?+
IELTS Academic 6.0, or TOEFL iBT 86 (4.5 on the new scale), TOEIC 760 or Cambridge FCE.
Does Doshisha accept IELTS Online?+
No. Both the ILA and the Global MBA exclude IELTS Online. The ILA also excludes IELTS One Skill Retake.
Does Doshisha accept Duolingo?+
The ILA accepts Duolingo 120 or above. Duolingo is not on the Global MBA list.
Do I need IELTS if I studied in English?+
Not for the ILA if you have 12 or more years of education in English. For the Global MBA, a degree taught in English exempts you.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Japan accepting IELTS 6.0
- IELTS for Japan
- Ritsumeikan University IELTS requirement
- Kyoto University IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 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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