Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Ways to be exempt from the Preparatory Program
From the University of Bahrain's undergraduate FAQs.
| Route | Requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 or above, or the TOEFL equivalent, submitted to the English Language Center before studies start |
| Secondary school average | At least 90% overall, or at least 90% across all English courses |
| Private school IB, A-Level or AP systems | Exempt |
| O-Level, AS-Level or A-Level English | Grade C or above (reviewed by the English Language Center) |
| IB English | 3 of 7 at Higher Level or 4 of 7 at Standard Level |
| AP English | 3 of 5 |
If you are not exempt
Students with a general secondary average between 70% and 89.99% may sit the Preparatory Program exemption exam run by the English Language Center; the date and time are sent by SMS. Students who are not exempt take the Preparatory Program before their degree courses.
The FAQs do not give a TOEFL figure, only "its TOEFL equivalent", and do not mention PTE or Duolingo. Exemptions based on O-Level, AS-Level, IB or AP grades are reviewed by the English Language Center and approved by the Registration and Academic Advising Department.
Free test: are you at the University of Bahrain'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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How to check
The University of Bahrain's rules are written mainly for applicants from Bahraini secondary schools. If you studied elsewhere, confirm with admissions how your certificate is treated.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Bahrain programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Bahrain 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 do I need for the University of Bahrain?+
IELTS 5.5 or above exempts you from the English Preparatory Program, if you submit it to the English Language Center before starting.
Can I skip the University of Bahrain Preparatory Program without IELTS?+
Yes, with a 90% secondary average, 90% across your English courses, IB/A-Level/AP schooling, or set grades in O-Level, AS-Level, A-Level, IB or AP English.
What if my average is between 70% and 90%?+
You may sit the English Language Center's Preparatory Program exemption exam.
Does the University of Bahrain accept Duolingo?+
Its FAQs mention only IELTS and the TOEFL equivalent.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Bahrain
- AUBH IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- How long is IELTS valid?
- 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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