Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Glion English scores
From Glion's admission requirements page.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's in International Hospitality Business; Bachelor's in Luxury Business (Switzerland) | 5.5, at least 5.0 in every component | TOEFL 4.0 with at least 3.5 in every component; Cambridge First grade C |
| Bachelor's in International Hospitality Business, London | IELTS UKVI 5.5, at least 5.5 in every component (non-UK passport holders) | As above for others |
| Master's in International Hospitality Business; Master's in Luxury Experience and Brand Management | 6.0, at least 5.5 in every component | TOEFL 4.5 with at least 4.0 in every component; Cambridge First grade A; Cambridge Advanced grade C |
| Master's in Real Estate, Finance and Hotel Development (London) | IELTS UKVI 6.0, at least 5.5 (non-UK and non-Irish passport holders) | As above for others |
| Executive Master of Advanced Studies programmes | 6.0 overall | TOEFL 4.5; or a bespoke Glion English test |
Who needs a test
You need a certificate if English is not your first language, unless you spent your last two years studying at a school (for bachelor's) or institution (for master's) where English is the main language of instruction. Glion accepts IELTS only from an official IELTS test centre. PTE and Duolingo are not on its lists.
Free test: are you at Glion Institute of Higher Education's score yet?
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Validity and the English pathway
All English certificates must be issued in the 12 months before the programme starts, which is shorter than the two years many universities allow. If your score is short, Glion offers a Pathway to English Proficiency.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Glion programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Glion Institute of Higher Education 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 Glion need for a bachelor's?+
IELTS 5.5 overall with at least 5.0 in every component; IELTS UKVI 5.5 with 5.5 in every component for non-UK passport holders in London.
What IELTS does Glion need for a master's?+
IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in every component.
How old can my IELTS be for Glion?+
No more than 12 months old at the start of the programme.
Does Glion accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on Glion's published list, which names IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Switzerland
- EHL IELTS requirement
- César Ritz Colleges IELTS requirement
- 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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