Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
IELTS by MBS programme
From the MBS pages for the Bachelor International Business, full-time MBA, Pre-Master, Pre-Bachelor and DBA. The Bachelor runs as an English Track (100% English) and a Bilingual Track (70% German, 30% English); the page says the Bilingual Track also needs very good German.
| Programme | IELTS | Other proof on the page |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor International Business (B.A.) | 6.5, Academic | TOEFL iBT 85, Duolingo 115, PTE Academic 56, Cambridge B2 First grade B, ELS Advanced 112 |
| Full-time MBA | 6.5, Academic (IELTS Online accepted) | TOEFL iBT 85 (22 writing, 20 in other bands), Duolingo 115, PTE Academic 56, Cambridge 173 or grade B, ELS 112 |
| Pre-Master (3 months, online, May to August) | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 85, ELS 112 |
| Pre-Bachelor (4 months, September to December) | Not set; B2 English is enough to apply | Proof can follow by the start of studies |
| Doctor of Business Administration | 7.0, Academic | Not stated |
Validity and waivers
Both the Bachelor and MBA pages say a test result is accepted only if achieved within the last two years. If you cannot get your result before applying, MBS asks you to tell it your planned test date. The DBA page adds that results can be submitted up to four weeks before the programme starts, but not after studies begin.
The Bachelor page allows the test to be waived if you completed your schooling in English, for example a US High School Diploma or IB Diploma. The MBA page waives it if you completed your first degree in English, or if English has been the official business language in your current position and company for at least two years, confirmed by your employer.
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PTE, other tests and what else the MBA needs
The Bachelor and MBA pages both list PTE Academic overall 56 and Duolingo overall 115. The MBA page also needs a recognised degree in any subject and at least two years of relevant work experience after your first degree, and it lists no GMAT or GRE.
If your English falls short, the Pre-Master is a three-month online programme for graduates of any field and itself asks for TOEFL iBT 85, IELTS 6.5 or ELS 112, so it is not a route in for a lower score. If you also use your test for a visa, the Bachelor page says to check the embassy's requirements first.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your MBS programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Munich Business School 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 Munich Business School need for the bachelor's?+
IELTS 6.5 on the Academic module for the Bachelor International Business, English Track and Bilingual Track alike. The test can be waived if you completed your schooling in English.
What IELTS does the MBS MBA need?+
IELTS or IELTS Online at a minimum of 6.5 on the Academic module, from the last two years. You also need a recognised degree and two years of relevant work experience.
Does MBS accept PTE Academic and Duolingo?+
Yes. The Bachelor and MBA pages list PTE Academic overall 56 and Duolingo English Test overall 115 (the MBA page says 115 or higher).
How long is an IELTS result valid for MBS?+
Two years. MBS accepts results only if achieved within the last two years.
What IELTS does the MBS DBA need?+
IELTS 7.0 on the Academic module, from the last two years, submitted at least four weeks before the programme starts.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Germany accepting IELTS 6.5
- CBS International Business School IELTS requirement
- EBS University IELTS requirement
- Frankfurt School of Finance & Management IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- All 5669 guides
Guide updated on 4 November 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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