Study in Singapore: Admissions

Language Tests for Singapore University Admissions

A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Singapore.

Overview of English Language Requirements for Singapore Universities

If you studied in English at school or university, you may need no English test at NUS and NTU. IELTS and TOEFL are English tests. Here are the rules and scores.

Who Needs Language Testing?

NTU bachelor's: students whose school did not teach in English, or who took English as a second language
NTU master's: applicants whose native language is not English
NUS Master of Computing: graduates of universities that did not teach mainly in English

Common Exemptions

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) bachelor's: no test if your school taught in English
National University of Singapore (NUS) bachelor's, India: no English test if you finished Indian Class 12 (CBSE or ISC board)
NUS Master of Computing: no test if your university taught mainly in English

Important Considerations

Scores must be under 2 years old

NTU takes IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic and C1 Advanced scores that are less than 2 years old on the application deadline.

A test does not add points

If you do not need a test at NTU, taking one does not add points.

Two TOEFL scales

Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL iBT also has a 1 to 6 scale, next to the 0 to 120 scale. NTU takes both. 90 on the 0 to 120 scale is 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale.

TOEFL for Singapore Universities

NTU takes TOEFL iBT on both scales: 0 to 120, and 1 to 6 for tests taken from 21 January 2026.

Scoring System

Total Score

0 to 120, or 1 to 6 in steps of 0.5 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026)

Score Requirements for Singapore Universities

University Tier	Undergraduate	Graduate	Business/Law
NTU	90 on the 0 to 120 scale, or 4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale; Writing and Speaking 25 (or 4.5)	85 to 100, by school	Nanyang Business School master's: 100

These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official ETS website to register for the TOEFL exam, view dates, and find testing centers.Visit TOEFL Site

IELTS for Singapore Universities

IELTS Academic is accepted by NTU for bachelor's and master's programmes.

IELTS Test Versions

NTU takes IELTS Academic and IELTS UKVI Academic for bachelor's applicants.

Scoring System

Score Validity

The 2-year rule is the same as for the other tests.

Singapore University Requirements

Typical Minimum Requirements

NTU bachelor's

6.5 overall, with 6.5 in Writing and 6.5 in Speaking

e.g., Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

NTU master's, Computing and Data Science

6.5 overall

e.g., NTU College of Computing and Data Science

NTU master's, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

6 overall

e.g., NTU School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Special Considerations

• Graduate programs may require higher scores
• Some schools require minimum scores in each section
• English-focused majors often have higher requirements

Official Website & Registration

Visit the official IELTS website to register for the exam, find test centers, and access preparation materials.Visit IELTS Site

PTE Academic and Other Tests

NTU also accepts other tests for bachelor's applicants.

Primary Alternative
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)

Test Overview

PTE Academic is accepted by NTU for bachelor's applicants.

Singapore University Requirements

NTU bachelor's

55 overall, with Speaking 55 and Writing 59

PTE Academic Official Site

Other Alternative English Proficiency Tests

C1 Advanced

Accepted by NTU

Accepted for NTU bachelor's applicants.

Singapore Universities Accepting:NTU

Typical Requirement:170 overall, with 170 in Writing and Speaking (NTU)

SAT

Accepted by NTU

NTU takes the SAT (a school exam from the US) as proof of English for bachelor's applicants. SAT scores are good for 5 years.

Singapore Universities Accepting:NTU

Typical Requirement:1250 total, with 600 in Reading and Writing (NTU)

Important Considerations

Check your programme: Each programme can set its own English rule. NTU master's scores differ by school.

Scores by University and Level

Lowest scores NTU accepts, for students who need a test.

University Category	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic	PTE Academic
NTU bachelor's e.g., All programmes	90 (4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale)	6.5	55
NTU master's, Computing and Data Science e.g., College of Computing and Data Science	100 (5 on the 1 to 6 scale)	6.5	-
NTU master's, engineering schools e.g., Electrical and Electronic, Civil and Environmental	85 (4.5 on the 1 to 6 scale)	6	-

Score Requirements Variations

These are general ranges. Individual universities may have different requirements, and some programs (especially in areas requiring high communication skills like business, education, or healthcare) often require higher scores than the university minimum.

Understanding Minimum Subscores

NTU sets minimum Writing and Speaking scores for bachelor's applicants.