Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
USM postgraduate English minimums
From USM's general postgraduate entry requirements, which say the minimum can vary by programme, plus two programme pages:
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| General postgraduate minimum | Band 5 | TOEFL iBT 40; TOEFL Essentials 7.5; PTE 47; Cambridge or Linguaskill 154; CIEP 107; MUET 3.5 |
| PhD, School of Chemical Engineering | Band 5 | TOEFL iBT 40; PTE 47; Cambridge 154; MUET 3.5 |
| Postgraduate, School of Languages, Literacies and Translation | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 80 (PBT 550, CBT 213) |
Who can skip the test
USM says an exemption can be considered if English is your mother tongue or national language, or if your bachelor's or master's degree was taught in English, with a statement as proof. That is the usual route for applicants from India, Pakistan, Nigeria or Bangladesh with an English-medium degree, but the decision is USM's.
The pages read do not list Duolingo. Applicants with a CGPA of 3.67 out of 4.00 can apply for USM's fast track from a bachelor's to a PhD, subject to interview.
Free test: are you at USM's score yet?
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Before you apply
USM's Institute of Postgraduate Studies is in Penang, and the general entry page tells candidates to check the requirement for each programme. These pages cover postgraduate study only; check undergraduate rules with USM's admissions office.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your USM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 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 is the minimum IELTS for USM postgraduate study?+
IELTS Band 5, or TOEFL iBT 40, PTE 47 or MUET Band 3.5, though some programmes ask more.
Which USM programmes need IELTS 6.0?+
The School of Languages, Literacies and Translation asks IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 for its postgraduate programmes.
Can I get an IELTS waiver at USM?+
An exemption can be considered if English is your mother tongue or national language, or if your degree was taught in English and you submit proof.
Does USM accept PTE?+
Yes. The general postgraduate requirement lists PTE 47.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Malaysia accepting IELTS 5.5
- Universiti Malaya IELTS requirement
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia IELTS requirement
- IELTS for Malaysia
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- 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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