Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
NCKU English levels by programme
From NCKU's international admission page, its Admission Prospectus for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 and its English proficiency test comparison chart. On the chart, B1 is IELTS 4+, B2 is 5.5+ and C1 is 6.5+.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| English-taught programmes (baseline) | CEFR B1 (IELTS 4+) | Tests on NCKU's chart at B1 |
| Industrial and Information Management (bachelor's, master's, PhD) | 5.5, no score below 5.0 | TOEFL iBT 72; TOEIC 785; GEPT High-Intermediate |
| Semiconductor Packaging and Testing, Key Materials, Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing (master's, PhD) | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 72 / ITP 543; TOEIC 785; Cambridge First; GEPT High-Intermediate |
| Integrated Circuit Design and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (master's, PhD) | 6.5, every section at least 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 94; TOEIC 940; GEPT Advanced |
| IMBA (master's, PhD) | CEFR B2 (IELTS 5.5+) | No English-medium degree exemption |
| School of Medicine (bachelor's) | CEFR B1 (IELTS 4+) | Plus Chinese TOCFL A2 |
Accepted tests and exemptions
NCKU's chart covers BEST, Cambridge, GEPT, IELTS, Linguaskill, TOEFL iBT and ITP, and TOEIC. Duolingo, EF SET, British Council EnglishScore and language-school certificates are not accepted. PTE Academic is not on the chart.
You may be exempt if you hold the nationality of a country where English is an official language, a previous degree from an English-speaking country, or a previous degree taught fully in English (with an institution certificate). Departments may refuse exemptions, and the IMBA does not accept an English-medium degree.
Free test: are you at NCKU'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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Test dates and how to check
Most programmes ask for a test within the last 2 years. For Industrial and Information Management, B2 is required for graduate entry but only favourable for review at bachelor's level.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one in the current NCKU application guide for your programme, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) 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 NCKU need?+
CEFR B1 or above for English-taught programmes, which NCKU's chart sets at IELTS 4. Some programmes ask IELTS 5.5 or 6.5.
Does NCKU accept Duolingo?+
No. NCKU lists Duolingo among the tests it does not accept.
Can an English-medium degree replace IELTS at NCKU?+
Usually, with an institution certificate, but departments may refuse exemptions and the IMBA does not accept one.
What is the highest IELTS NCKU asks for?+
Among the programmes in the prospectus, IC Design and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology asks IELTS 6.5 with every section at least 6.0.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Taiwan
- National Taiwan University IELTS requirement
- National Sun Yat-sen University IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- 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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