University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia?

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) asks international undergraduates for IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 46, PTE Academic 51 or MUET Band 4.0, with higher scores for its TESL programme. Postgraduates need IELTS Academic 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60 or PTE 59 to enrol at their faculty. Applicants who finished high school or graduated in listed countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria, are exempt.
  • Checked against official sources · 11 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

UTM minimums by level

From UTM's English language requirements for candidates joining from September 2023 onwards:

TestUndergraduate (all except TESL)Undergraduate TESLPostgraduate
IELTS5.56.56.0 (Academic)
TOEFL iBT (incl. Home Edition)467960
PTE Academic (incl. Online)516359
MUETBand 4.0Band 5.0Band 4.0
Cambridge English / Linguaskill Online160176169
ELS CIEPLevel 108Not listedLevel 109
Duolingo English TestNot listedNot listedNot 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.

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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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