Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
WHU English minimums
From WHU's application pages for the Master in Management, Master in International Business and BSc in International Business Administration.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Master in Management | 7.5 | TOEFL iBT 100 (or 5.5 new format) |
| Master in International Business | 7.5 | TOEFL iBT 100 (or 5.5 new format) |
| BSc International Business Administration | 7 | TOEFL iBT 95 (or 5), ITP 597, Cambridge C1 Advanced grade C |
Waivers and accepted formats
For the MSc programmes, the test is not required if your undergraduate or secondary education was completed entirely in English; upload proof such as an IB diploma or a medium of instruction certificate. Scores are valid for two years and online formats are accepted. For the BSc, graduating from an English-taught school may exempt you; English as a subject is not enough.
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Conditional offers and deadlines
You can apply to the MSc without an English score and receive a conditional offer. The MSc application period runs from 15 September 2026 to 31 May 2027, which is also the final deadline for the English score; early-bird tuition discounts apply to complete applications by 30 November 2026 and 31 January 2027. The BSc deadline is 15 May 2027, with the English test taken by the end of April. MSc applicants also need a GMAT, GRE or GTEBS score.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your WHU programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management 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 WHU need?+
IELTS Academic 7.5 for the Master in Management and Master in International Business, and 7 for the BSc.
Does WHU accept Duolingo?+
No. WHU says it does not accept alternative tests such as the Duolingo English Test or TOEIC.
Can I apply to WHU without IELTS?+
Yes. You can receive a conditional MSc offer and submit the score by 31 May 2027.
Does WHU accept a medium of instruction certificate?+
For the MSc, yes, if your undergraduate or secondary education was entirely in English.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Germany accepting IELTS 7.0
- IELTS for Germany
- ESMT Berlin IELTS requirement
- Frankfurt School IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- 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.
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