What IELTS score do you need for the University of Helsinki?

Helsinki's bachelor's English page sets IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all sections, TOEFL iBT 92 with 22 in writing for tests before 21 January 2026 or 4.5 with 4 in all sections from that date, PTE Academic 68 with writing 61, and the same Cambridge and YKI levels as for master's.

Bachelor's applicants can also use the Finnish matriculation examination, IB, EB or Reifeprüfung grades in English, upper secondary education in English in the Nordic countries, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, a university degree in English from listed countries, or SAT (550 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) or ACT (43 in English and Reading).

Master's applicants need no test with upper secondary education in English in the Nordic countries, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, or with a university degree taught and assessed entirely in English in the EU/EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, or a listed country such as Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, Singapore or South Africa. Online or offshore study counts if the degree-awarding main institution is in an accepted country.

IELTS, TOEFL and PTE scores are valid for two years and must stay valid until the deadline for supplementing your application; Helsinki asks that a score expiring right after that deadline be valid for at least two weeks after you submit it. Cambridge tests count only if taken after 2005.

The University of Helsinki's English pages we read do not set a separate English score for the student residence permit or visa. Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Helsinki programme page and in your admission decision, so check it there before you book a test.