Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Bern master's programmes that ask for an English test
From Bern's master's checklist for applicants with an international degree, linked from its international admission page. Use institution code 3169 when you book the test.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests and test age |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence in Medicine | 7.0 | TOEFL iBT 95 or 5, CAE grade C; 2 years |
| English (major or minor) | 7.0 | TOEFL iBT 100 or 5; test no older than 6 months |
| Sociology and Communication | 7.0 | TOEFL iBT 95 or 5, CAE; 2 years |
| Space Sciences and Astronomy | 7.0 | TOEFL iBT 95 or 5, CAE; 2 years |
| Political, Legal and Economic Philosophy | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 92 or 4.5, Cambridge First; 36 months |
| Chemistry and Molecular Sciences | 5.0 | TOEFL iBT 72 or 4; 2 years |
Exemptions are by country
Bern exempts you from the English test only if you completed your studies with English as the language of instruction within a community where English is the main spoken language. Its list includes the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several Caribbean territories; South Africa and Zimbabwe are assessed individually. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nigeria are not on the list, so plan on a test where your programme asks for one.
Several business and economics master's ask for a GMAT or GRE instead, and Law, Psychology, Political Science and Public Management and Policy need German at C1.
Free test: are you at the University of Bern'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.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Deadlines and fees
Applications with an international degree are due by 31 May for the autumn semester and 31 December for the spring semester. Late applications are not possible if you need a Swiss visa. The application fee is CHF 155 (CHF 255 for a late application) and is non-refundable.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Bern programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Bern 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 the University of Bern need?+
It depends on the master's: 7.0 for AI in Medicine, English, Sociology and Communication and Space Sciences, 6.5 for PLEP and 5.0 for Chemistry and Molecular Sciences.
Does Bern accept an English-medium degree from India?+
Not as an exemption. Bern waives the test only for studies in countries where English is the main spoken language, such as the UK, US or Australia.
How old can my IELTS be for Bern?+
Usually two years, but the MA in English accepts tests no older than six months and PLEP accepts up to 36 months.
Does Bern accept PTE or Duolingo?+
Neither appears in Bern's master's checklist, which lists IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge.
When is the Bern application deadline?+
31 May for the autumn semester and 31 December for the spring semester.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Switzerland
- University of Zurich IELTS requirement
- ETH Zurich IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy