Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SIM English requirements by awarding university
From SIM's programme pages, linked in each row:
| Programme (awarding university) | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts, Communication (University at Buffalo) | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 70 or 4.0 (MyBest accepted); PTE 50; SAT ERWS 500; ACT 18; IB English A grade 5 |
| BSc Management and Digital Innovation (University of London) | 6.0, at least 5.5 in each part | TOEFL iBT 87 (R21 W21 S19 L19); O Level English C6; IB English grade 4 |
| Master of Computing, Data Analytics (Wollongong)) | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | IELTS Indicator not accepted |
Score age and exemptions
For the Buffalo degrees, only scores from tests taken within two years before enrolment count. The University of London page accepts test results awarded within the past three years. Singapore citizens and permanent residents with ten years of English-medium schooling in Singapore and O Level English C6 are exempt on the Buffalo pages; international students are not covered by that exemption.
Duolingo is not listed on the pages read. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place, and SIM assesses all qualifications submitted.
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Pre-sessional English
For the Wollongong master's, applicants below the IELTS level must complete and pass SIM's Pre-Sessional English Course before starting. SIM says international applicants for that master's have the same entry requirements as local applicants.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SIM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) 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 SIM need for a bachelor's degree?+
IELTS 6.0 for University at Buffalo degrees, and IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each part for University of London degrees.
Does SIM accept PTE?+
The University at Buffalo programmes at SIM accept PTE Academic 50.
What IELTS does a SIM master's need?+
The Wollongong Master of Computing (Data Analytics) asks IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
Does SIM accept IELTS Indicator?+
Not for the Wollongong master's, whose page says IELTS Indicator is not accepted.
Keep reading
Related
- PSB Academy IELTS requirement
- University of London IELTS requirement
- University at Buffalo IELTS requirement
- IELTS for Singapore
- All 2279 guides
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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