Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
JKU English levels and scores
From JKU's English language proficiency page. Note that the per-skill minimum equals the overall score, which is stricter than most universities.
| Level | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| B2 (e.g. Statistics and Data Science, Economic and Business Analytics) | 6.5, at least 6.5 in each skill | TOEFL iBT 88 (22 per skill) or 4.5 from Jan 2026; PTE 70 in each skill; FCE grade B or CAE grade C |
| C1 (e.g. Global Business) | 7.0, at least 7.0 in each skill | TOEFL iBT 100 (25 per skill) or 5 from Jan 2026; PTE 80 in each skill; CAE grade B, CPE grade C |
Which programmes need B2 or C1
The Statistics and Data Science and Economic and Business Analytics master's list English at B2. The Economic and Business Analytics page adds that from fall 2026 applicants whose degree is not from the EU or EEA need a GMAT score of 600 or above. The Global Business master's asks for C1.
Completed studies in English of at least four semesters also count, but only from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, the UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Duolingo is not on JKU's list.
Free test: are you at JKU'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.
Certificate age and how to check
Your language certificate must not be older than two years when you apply and, if possible, should be digitally verifiable. School-leaving certificates, degrees and the University Preparation Programme exam are exempt from the two-year rule.
Because JKU applies the minimum to every skill, a 7.0 overall with a 6.0 in Writing does not meet B2. If one skill is short, a one skill retake may be the quickest fix.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your JKU programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) 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 JKU Linz need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 6.5 in each skill for B2 programmes, and 7.0 in each skill for C1 programmes.
Does JKU accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 70 in each of the four skills for B2, or 80 in each skill for C1.
Does JKU accept Duolingo?+
No. Duolingo is not on JKU's list of accepted English proofs.
Which JKU master's need C1 English?+
Global Business is one. Statistics and Data Science and Economic and Business Analytics need B2.
How old can my IELTS be for JKU?+
No older than two years at the time of application.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Austria
- University of Innsbruck IELTS requirement
- WU Vienna IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- 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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