Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Keio PEARL English test rules
From the PEARL admissions FAQ:
| Point | Rule |
|---|---|
| Who must submit | All applicants, including native English speakers |
| Accepted tests | TOEFL iBT and/or IELTS |
| Minimum score | No cut-off |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | Not accepted |
| Superscoring | Not accepted; no combining sections from different tests |
| Early score reports | Accepted and matched to your application |
What no cut-off means
Keio reads the score as part of a holistic assessment of your academic English. There is no published band that guarantees or rules out admission, so a higher score still strengthens your file.
Because there is no exemption for native speakers, plan to sit IELTS or TOEFL iBT whatever your schooling background.
Free test: are you at Keio University'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.
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Before you apply
The FAQ refers to the PEARL Application Guidebook for eligibility and full details, including which test formats and test dates are valid. Read the guidebook for your intake before booking.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Keio programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Keio University 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 score do I need for Keio PEARL?+
There is no cut-off score. Keio uses your TOEFL iBT or IELTS result as part of its assessment of your academic English.
Do native English speakers need IELTS for Keio PEARL?+
Yes. All applicants, including native English speakers, must submit TOEFL iBT and/or IELTS.
Does Keio accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
No. One Skill Retake and superscored results are not accepted.
Can I send my IELTS to Keio before applying?+
Yes. Scores sent before the application period are matched to your application once you submit it.
Keep reading
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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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