What TOEFL or IELTS score do I need for a master's in economics at top US universities?
English score requirements for a master's in economics differ by US university. IELTS minimums range from 6.5 to 7.5 across the universities listed, with TOEFL iBT scores from 77 at Cornell to 105 at NYU. Each university sets its own minimum, so check your programme.
English requirements for a master's in economics vary by US university, with IELTS minimums listed from 6.5 to 7.5 and TOEFL iBT from 77 to 105. Each university sets its own number, so check your programme page. A strong score keeps more options open.
Listed English scores at selected universities
| University | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| University of California, Berkeley | 90 | 7.0 |
| New York University | 105 | 7.5 |
| Columbia University | 100 | 7.5 |
| University of Michigan | 84 | 6.5 |
| MIT | 100 | 7.0 |
| Duke University | 90 | 7.0 |
| UCLA | 87 | 7.0 |
| Boston University | 84 | 7.0 |
| Cornell University | 77 | 7.0 |
| University of Minnesota | 79 | 6.5 (PTE 59 also listed) |
| University of Wisconsin | 92 | 7.0 |
Other requirements to plan for
- A four-year bachelor's degree is required for a master's in economics in the USA.
- Proof of language proficiency is needed if you come from a non-English-speaking country.
- GRE requirements differ by institution and programme, so check each programme page; MIT Economics, for example, lists the GRE as required for its PhD applications.
My Advice
Aim above the highest score on your shortlist so one test covers every application. Check each programme page for the current minimum, as these can change. Leave time for a retake in case you miss your target.
This information is available on: grad.berkeley.edu, economics.mit.edu
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which US universities you still qualify for.
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 USA questions
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- How much extra should I keep aside for unexpected costs during my MS in the USA?
- By when do I need to submit my application for most UG and PG courses at UCLA?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
- What are the visa application chances and procedures for USA compared to Australia?
- Is my daughter planning to settle down abroad with permanent residency or just study in Singapore/USA for a Master's?