Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
IIUM postgraduate English scores
From the Centre for Postgraduate Studies English language requirements. IIUM also accepts its own English Placement Test (EPT) and MUET.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Arts-based, taught in English | 6.0 | 79 |
| Science and technology, taught in English | 5.0 | 60 |
| Islamic Revealed Knowledge, in English | 6.0 | 80 |
| MA Teaching English for Specific Purposes | 6.5 | 95 |
| Master of Education (TESL); English studies (international) | 7.0 | 100 |
| Taught in Arabic | 3.0 | 30 |
Exemptions and validity
You may be exempted if you took a regular programme taught in English or completed your programme in English, or if CELPAD and the postgraduate centre accept your work experience as proof. An international student with a degree from a Malaysian university is still subject to the requirement.
IIUM's postgraduate FAQ says an IELTS or other CEFR-linked score older than five years is not valid. PTE and Duolingo are not on IIUM's list.
Free test: are you at IIUM's score yet?
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Conditional offers and intakes
If you meet the academic requirements but have no IELTS or TOEFL, IIUM can issue a conditional offer, but you must meet the English requirement before you register. If your score falls short, you can sit the CELPAD English Placement Test. Postgraduate applications are open all year, with September, February and June intakes.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your IIUM programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 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 IIUM need for a master's?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 for arts-based programmes and 5.0 for science and technology programmes taught in English.
Does IIUM accept an English-medium degree instead of IELTS?+
Yes. Applicants who studied a regular programme taught in English may be exempted.
How old can my IELTS be for IIUM?+
No more than five years, according to IIUM's postgraduate FAQ.
Can I get an IIUM offer without IELTS?+
Yes, a conditional offer, but you must meet the English requirement before you can register.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Malaysia accepting IELTS 7.0
- IELTS for Malaysia
- Universiti Malaya IELTS requirement
- UNITEN IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 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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