Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
HBKU English scores by college
From HBKU's college admission pages for Science and Engineering, Health and Life Sciences, Islamic Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law and Public Policy, and its undergraduate admissions page.
| College | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Science and Engineering (master's and PhD) | 6.5 | 79 |
| Health and Life Sciences | 6.5 | 79 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | 6.5 (no more than two years old) | 79 |
| Islamic Studies (English-taught programmes) | 6.5 | 79 |
| Law (all degree programmes) | 6.5 | 79 |
| Public Policy | 6.5 | 79 |
| Undergraduate | Mandatory, minimum not printed | Mandatory |
Sending scores and exemptions
HBKU's TOEFL institution code is 4981. IELTS has no code: ask your test centre to send the Test Report Form to Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and upload a copy with the online application. Each college page points to admissions.hbku.edu.qa for the exemption process, where one is available.
Some PhD programmes in Science and Engineering also require the GRE or GMAT. PTE and Duolingo are not mentioned on the college pages.
Free test: are you at HBKU'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.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Undergraduate timing and how to check
HBKU's undergraduate application is open from 1 October to 1 March for the following Fall semester only. IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory, while SAT and ACT are test-optional.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your HBKU programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) 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 HBKU need?+
IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79 for graduate programmes across HBKU's colleges, unless you are exempt.
Does HBKU need IELTS for undergraduates?+
Yes. HBKU says IELTS or TOEFL is mandatory for undergraduate applicants, while SAT and ACT are optional.
How do I send IELTS to HBKU?+
Ask your IELTS centre to send the Test Report Form to Hamad Bin Khalifa University; no code is needed. Also upload a copy with your application.
What is HBKU's TOEFL code?+
4981.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Qatar
- Qatar University IELTS requirement
- KAUST 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.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy