Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
XMUM English requirements by programme
From XMUM's own course pages, linked in each row:
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 5.0 | TOEFL iBT 40; PTE 47; MUET Band 3.5; Cambridge 154 |
| Master in Semiconductor Technology | 5.0 | MUET Band 3.5 or equivalent |
| MSc Computer Science and Technology | 6.0 | Or equivalent |
| Master of Intellectual Property | 6.0 (CEFR mid B2) | MUET Band 4 |
| MBA | Not stated as a band | English competency equivalent to CEFR mid B2 |
Waivers and support
The Master in Semiconductor Technology page exempts international students from countries that use English as an official language, and those whose qualifications come from institutions teaching entirely in English. Other course pages do not repeat this, so ask XMUM whether it applies to your programme.
On the MSc Computer Science and Technology page, students who do not meet the IELTS 6.0 requirement must be offered English proficiency courses by the university. Duolingo is not listed on the pages read.
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Applying to XMUM
XMUM is in Sepang, Selangor, and teaches these programmes in English. The engineering degree takes February, April and September intakes and runs four years full time. For other qualifications, the course pages tell applicants to consult a programme counsellor.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your XMUM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) 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 Xiamen University Malaysia need?+
It depends on the programme: IELTS 5.0 for the Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree and IELTS 6.0 for the MSc Computer Science and Technology.
Does XMUM accept PTE?+
Yes. The engineering degree page lists PTE 47 alongside IELTS 5.0, TOEFL iBT 40 and MUET Band 3.5.
Do Indian or Nigerian students need IELTS for XMUM?+
The Master in Semiconductor Technology exempts students from countries with English as an official language or with fully English-medium qualifications. Check the rule for your own course.
What English does the XMUM MBA need?+
English competency equivalent to CEFR mid B2.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Malaysia accepting IELTS 5.5
- Universiti Sains Malaysia IELTS requirement
- Universiti Malaya IELTS requirement
- IELTS for Malaysia
- IELTS band score calculator
- All 2279 guides
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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