Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
University of Oulu English scores
From Oulu's master's language requirements and bachelor's language requirements.
| Test | Bachelor's (autumn 2027) | Master's |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (incl. Online, UKVI) | 6.0, 5.5 in each section | 6.5, 6.0 in each section |
| TOEFL iBT (from 21 Jan 2026) | 4.0, 3.5 in each section | 4.5, 4.0 in each section |
| TOEFL iBT (before 21 Jan 2026) | 78 | 92 |
| PTE Academic | 62, Writing 61 | 68, Writing 61 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency | Grade C / C1 level | Grade C / C1 level |
Degree taught in English
A bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree completed entirely in English counts if it was completed in the EU/EEA or one of the listed countries, which include India, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the Philippines and Singapore. Pakistan and Bangladesh are not on the list. If the language is not shown on your documents, you need an official statement from the awarding institution. Online degrees and offshore campuses do not count.
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted. IELTS and TOEFL results are valid for two years from the test date, and your result must be valid for at least one day of the application period. Duolingo is not accepted.
Free test: are you at the University of Oulu'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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January 2027 bachelor's intake
For bachelor's studies starting in January 2027 the page asks for IELTS 6.0 overall and PTE Academic 54, without section minimums. Only final results are accepted, not screenshots or preliminary results.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Oulu programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Oulu 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 Oulu need for a master's?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.
Do Indian students need IELTS for Oulu?+
Not if they completed a bachelor's degree taught entirely in English in India, which is on Oulu's list of accepted countries.
Does Oulu accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 68 with Writing 61 for master's; 62 with Writing 61 for bachelor's starting autumn 2027.
Does the University of Oulu accept Duolingo?+
No. Oulu accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, and YKI.
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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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