Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
HEC Lausanne master's English levels
From HEC Lausanne's master's admissions page. The scores are given as guidelines for C1.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Master in Economics (MScE) | 7.0 (C1 guideline) | TOEFL iBT 100, CBT 250, PBT 600; Cambridge CAE grade B, CPE grade C; TOEIC 850 |
| Master in Finance (MScF) | 7.0 (C1 guideline) | As above |
| Master in Management (MScM) | 7.0 (C1 guideline) | As above |
| Master in Information Systems (MScIS) | English B2 strongly recommended | French B1 also needed |
Who the C1 rule applies to
The C1 guideline applies to applicants whose native language is not English or whose bachelor's was not completed in English, so a bachelor's taught in English is treated differently. PTE and Duolingo are not on the list.
The Master in Information Systems is partly in French and asks for French at B1 (DALF or Alliance française) as well as recommending English B2.
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Admissions office and prerequisites
The University of Lausanne's Admissions and Enrolment Office handles admission and degree recognition for HEC master's. From 2026–27 the Master in Finance also needs a grade of at least 4.00/6.00 in 12 ECTS of economics, 12 of mathematics, 9 of statistics and 3 of programming in the first two years of the bachelor's.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your HEC Lausanne programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where University of Lausanne (UNIL), HEC Lausanne 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 Lausanne need?+
For HEC Lausanne's Master in Economics, Finance and Management, C1 English, which it equates as a guideline with Academic IELTS 7.0.
What TOEFL does HEC Lausanne need?+
TOEFL iBT 100 as the C1 guideline.
Do I need IELTS for HEC Lausanne with an English-taught bachelor's?+
The C1 guideline is for applicants whose native language is not English or whose bachelor's was not completed in English.
Does HEC Lausanne accept PTE?+
PTE is not on HEC Lausanne's list, which names TOEFL, Academic IELTS, Cambridge CAE and CPE, and TOEIC.
Keep reading
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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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