University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for ESSEC Business School?

ESSEC accepts the Duolingo English Test for some programmes only. The Global MBA asks for a minimum of 135. The Global BBA lists Duolingo only for Rabat campus applications, at 120 for the English track and 105 for the French track. The Master in Management page read today does not list Duolingo among its accepted English tests.
  • Guide updated · 3 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 3 November 2026

ESSEC Duolingo minimums

From the Global MBA admissions page, the Global BBA page and the Master in Management page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Global MBA135English test valid for 2 years
Global BBA, English track120Only for Rabat campus applications
Global BBA, French track (Rabat)105Only for Rabat campus applications; a French test is also needed
Master in ManagementNot listedTOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge B2 First only

How ESSEC treats Duolingo results

The Global MBA page says the English test has a validity of two years. The Global BBA table says English tests must not be older than two years at the application deadline of the round you apply in, and that online versions are accepted. Neither page gives Duolingo subscores or a Duolingo sending method; the institution codes ESSEC lists are for GMAT, GRE and TOEFL.

For comparison, the Global MBA page sets IELTS at 7, and the Global BBA page sets IELTS Academic at 6.5 for the English track and 6.0 for the French track.

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If your Duolingo score is short

For the Global MBA, the test is not required if you are a native English speaker, took your university degree in English, have spent the last three years in an English-speaking environment or country, or have lived at least three years in an English-speaking country. For the Global BBA English track, the test is not required if the last two years of your curriculum were taught entirely in English.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your ESSEC programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

Does ESSEC accept the Duolingo English Test?+

For the Global MBA, and for the Global BBA only on Rabat campus applications. The Master in Management page does not list it.

What Duolingo score does the ESSEC Global MBA need?+

A minimum of 135.

What Duolingo score does the ESSEC Global BBA need?+

120 for the English track and 105 for the French track, for Rabat campus applications only.

How old can my Duolingo score be for ESSEC?+

The MBA page gives English tests two years of validity; the BBA table says no older than two years at the application deadline.

What is the IELTS equivalent at ESSEC?+

IELTS 7 for the Global MBA, and 6.5 (English track) or 6.0 (French track) for the Global BBA.

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Guide updated on 3 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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