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Is IELTS required for masters in most countries, and are there any waivers like Duolingo accepted for a Master's?

03 Jul 2026 · Answered by Swathi Boppana · 1 min read
Swathi Boppana
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It depends. IELTS is widely required for master's admissions in many countries, but some universities accept alternatives like the Duolingo English Test (DET). Acceptance of these tests and the possibility of waivers varies by institution and program.

- IELTS: Most common English proficiency test required.
- Duolingo English Test: Accepted by some universities as an alternative, but not universally.
- Waivers: Some universities may waive the English test if your previous degree was taught in English, depending on their policies.

Requirements and accepted tests are subject to change. For personalized guidance on your target universities, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

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Disha Roy Choudhury
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It depends. IELTS is a common requirement for studying abroad, but many universities and countries offer alternatives or waivers.

- Alternatives: Tests like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test are accepted by many institutions.
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: If your previous education was in English, some universities may accept an MOI certificate instead of IELTS.
- University-specific waivers: Some universities conduct their own English assessments or interviews.
- Country-specific policies: In some countries, students from English-medium backgrounds may not need IELTS, but this varies.

Requirements and waivers are subject to change and depend on your chosen university, program, and country. For guidance on your specific options, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

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