Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
HSLU English levels by master's
From HSLU's pages for IT, Digitalization and Sustainability, International Financial Management, International Tourism Management and Real Estate.
| Programme | English level | Named tests |
|---|---|---|
| MSc IT, Digitalization and Sustainability | C1 | IELTS Academic 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 96 recommended |
| MSc International Financial Management | C1 | Cambridge ESOL or equivalent, or English mother tongue |
| MSc Business Administration, International Tourism Management | C1 | C1 certificate (may be waived in documented cases) |
| MSc Real Estate | C1 | Not named |
Who needs no certificate
For the IT master's, native speakers educated in the UK, Ireland, Canada, the US, Australia or New Zealand need no certificate. HSLU explains that it recommends IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 96 because those certificates are often needed by host institutions.
The Tourism page says the C1 certificate can be waived in documented cases. PTE and Duolingo are not named on these pages.
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Deadlines
The IT master's needs your English evidence by the end of July at the latest and also asks for a GPA of 5.0 (Swiss) or 3.3 out of 4.0. The Real Estate master's lists an application deadline of 30 April.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your HSLU programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) 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 HSLU need?+
HSLU asks for C1 English for its English-taught master's. The IT master's recommends IELTS Academic 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 96.
Does HSLU accept an English-medium degree from India?+
The IT master's waives the certificate only for native speakers educated in the UK, Ireland, Canada, the US, Australia or New Zealand.
When is the English deadline for the HSLU IT master's?+
By the end of July at the latest.
Does HSLU accept PTE or Duolingo?+
Neither is named on the master's pages read for this guide.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Switzerland
- ZHAW IELTS requirement
- FHNW IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 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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