What IELTS and TOEFL scores do I need for an English-taught MBA in Japan?
For English-taught MBA programmes in Japan, commonly published minimum scores are IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 and TOEFL 80 to 85. Some schools set no minimum or make tests optional, and exemptions, such as for English-taught degrees, are programme-specific. Requirements vary widely.
Commonly published minimums for English-taught MBA programmes in Japan are IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 and TOEFL 80 to 85. The exact requirement differs by school, so check the programme you want. Requirements vary widely, and some schools set no minimum or make tests optional.
Commonly published English scores
| Test | Typical minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 80 to 85 |
| PTE, TOEIC, Duolingo or Cambridge English | Accepted by selected schools |
Exemptions and Japanese language
- Exemptions are programme-specific; you may be exempt if you completed a bachelor's or master's degree taught entirely in English.
- Japanese proficiency is generally not needed for an English-taught MBA, although it can help with internships, networking and employment in Japan.
My Advice
Look up the English requirement for each business school on your shortlist, since the figures above are common ranges and not rules for every school. If your degree was taught in English, ask whether you qualify for an exemption. Book your test early enough to retake it if needed.
Looking for a specific course in Japan?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
More Universities & admissions questions
- When are the spring and fall application deadlines for South Korean universities that I should plan for?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
More Japan questions
- Which Japanese universities are in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings 2027 for me to consider?
- What is the preferred country among Japan, Singapore, or USA for study abroad for a Master's?
- Which country is the most cost-effective for my MBBS among Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Japan?
- How difficult is the visa process for Japan compared to other countries?
- How can an Indian engineering student get internships or jobs in the semiconductor and nanotech fields in Japan, South Korea, or China?
- After working in Dubai for a few years, can I move to other countries like Ireland, Germany, or Japan?
- How can I get a scholarship and prepare a strong portfolio for a master's in design in Japan?
- Which country is the best choice for a master's in data science or AI: the UK, Germany, or Japan?