Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
METU's recognised English exams
From METU's equivalence table for English language exams, which covers undergraduate and graduate students. IELTS does not appear on it.
| Purpose | METU EPE | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic (after 12.11.2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate: exemption from the preparatory school | 60 | 75 | 65 |
| Graduate programmes (minimum for admission) | 65 | 79 | 70 |
| Foreign Language Education and SUNY programmes: prep exemption | 65 | 79 | 70 |
Test conditions
Scores on the table are valid for two years. If TOEFL iBT or PTE is taken in Türkiye, it must be held in buildings belonging to state universities to be recognised. For TOEFL iBT reports issued after 21 January 2026, METU uses the old 120-point score, which still appears on the report.
PTE scores from before 12 November 2024 use an older scale on the same table (55 for undergraduate prep exemption, 62 for graduate admission). METU notes that graduate programmes may set their own English requirement.
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What this means for IELTS holders
An IELTS score is not on METU's list, so it should not be relied on for prep-school exemption or graduate admission. Students who do not meet an approved score can take the METU English Proficiency Exam (EPE) or join the Department of Basic English preparatory programme.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your METU programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Middle East Technical University (METU) 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
Does METU accept IELTS?+
IELTS is not on METU's equivalence table of recognised English exams, which lists the METU EPE, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic.
What TOEFL does METU need?+
TOEFL iBT 75 to skip the undergraduate preparatory school, and 79 for graduate programmes.
Does METU accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 65 for undergraduate prep exemption and 70 for graduate admission, for tests taken after 12 November 2024.
Can I take TOEFL anywhere in Türkiye for METU?+
Only in buildings belonging to state universities; tests held elsewhere in Türkiye are not recognised.
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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