Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SMC minimum scores
From the SMC page on documents for submission. International medical graduates must show evidence of English proficiency if their basic medical degree came from a medical school where the medium of instruction was not English. The conditional registration page lists meeting SMC's English requirements as one of the eligibility conditions in that case.
IELTS, TOEFL and OET results must be obtained in a single sitting, and SMC accepts a result only within two years of the test date.
| Test | Minimum required by SMC |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | At least 7 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking |
| TOEFL iBT (taken before 21 January 2026) | At least 25 in each section and at least 100 overall |
| TOEFL iBT (taken on or after 21 January 2026) | At least 5.0 in each section and at least 5.0 overall |
| OET | At least Grade B in each of the four sub-tests |
Who does not need a test
If your basic medical degree was taught in English, the SMC page does not ask you for a test result. The document lists for full, conditional and temporary registration all say 'evidence of proficiency in English language (if applicable)'.
Doctors applying for temporary registration as Clinical Observers for a training attachment do not need to submit English test results, but they may not take primary responsibility for patients or prescribe treatment.
Only the TOEFL internet-based test is accepted; SMC does not list other TOEFL formats. It also does not mention PTE, Duolingo or IELTS One Skill Retake, so do not assume they count.
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Before you apply
Because SMC wants all four IELTS scores at 7 or above in one sitting, a 7 overall with a 6.5 in writing does not meet the requirement. Every skill has to reach 7, so practise all four under timed conditions before you book.
Your result also needs to be valid when SMC assesses it: plan the test so that it is less than two years old when you submit your registration documents.
Regulators change these rules, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current scores on the SMC page before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score does the Singapore Medical Council need?+
IELTS Academic with at least 7 in each of the four skills, from one sitting, taken within the last two years.
Do all foreign doctors need IELTS for Singapore?+
No. SMC asks for an English test only when your basic medical degree was not taught in English.
Does SMC accept OET?+
Yes. OET is accepted with at least Grade B in each of the four sub-tests.
What TOEFL score does SMC need?+
For tests before 21 January 2026, 25 in each section and 100 overall. For tests from 21 January 2026, 5.0 in each section and 5.0 overall. Only TOEFL iBT is accepted.
Can I combine scores from two IELTS tests for SMC?+
No. SMC says results must be obtained in a single sitting.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for doctors in the UK
- IELTS for doctors in Australia
- IELTS for Singapore
- Free IELTS Academic mock test
- 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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