UTM minimums by level
From UTM's English language requirements for candidates joining from September 2023 onwards:
| Test | Undergraduate (all except TESL) | Undergraduate TESL | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.0 (Academic) |
| TOEFL iBT (incl. Home Edition) | 46 | 79 | 60 |
| PTE Academic (incl. Online) | 51 | 63 | 59 |
| MUET | Band 4.0 | Band 5.0 | Band 4.0 |
| Cambridge English / Linguaskill Online | 160 | 176 | 169 |
| ELS CIEP | Level 108 | Not listed | Level 109 |
| Duolingo English Test | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Validity, and what happens below the line
UTM says English test results are valid for two years only, and expired results are not accepted. Linguaskill Online is accepted only if booked through UTM's Malaysian agent, and only for candidates located in Malaysia, Singapore or the Philippines.
Students who fall short must take UTM Language Academy's Intensive English Programme and reach the minimum score, or complete the ELS Certified Intensive English Programme (level 108 for undergraduates, 109 for postgraduates). A postgraduate with IELTS 5.5 or lower takes one of these before enrolling at the faculty.
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Exempt countries: India and Pakistan in, Bangladesh out
Candidates who completed high school or graduated in a listed country are exempt. The list includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, Singapore, the Philippines, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Bangladesh and Nepal are not on it.
Undergraduates from international schools, A-Level, the International Baccalaureate or a Malaysian foundation programme are also exempt. The exemptions do not apply to TESL applicants.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UTM programme page and in your admission decision, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS 5.5 enough for UTM?+
For undergraduate programmes other than TESL, yes. Postgraduates need IELTS Academic 6.0 to enrol directly at their faculty.
Do Indian students need IELTS for UTM?+
No, if they completed high school or graduated in India: India is on UTM's list of exempted countries. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria are too; Bangladesh is not.
Does UTM accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online with 51 for undergraduates and 59 for postgraduates.
How long is IELTS valid for UTM?+
Two years. UTM does not accept expired results.
Keep reading
Related
- Universiti Malaya IELTS requirement
- University of Nottingham Malaysia IELTS requirement
- IELTS for Malaysia
- PTE for Malaysia
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 1066 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 11 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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