English Requirements
To undertake a programme of study at GBS, you will need to demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency.
You can demonstrate your level of English with a Secure English Language Test (SELT), an admissions interview or by providing alternative qualifications.
The sections below will tell you what score you need for the area you want to study.
All qualifications submitted for the English language must be achieved within two years of the course start date.
Foundation/Level 2 & Level 3 Programmes
Applicants can meet the English language requirement through one of the following:
| Test | Minimum Requirement | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic Online | 4.5 | 4.5 | - | - | 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 35 | - | - | - | - |
| PTE Academic | 40 | - | - | - | - |
| Duolingo | 65 | - | - | - | - |
| Trinity College London ISE | ISE I: Pass | - | - | - | - |
| Cambridge Test of English | 145 | - | - | - | - |
| LanguageCert Academic (In Centre and Online) | 38 | - | - | - | - |
| Oxford ELLT | OIDI 3 (minimum 3 in each component) | - | - | - | - |
Level 4 & 5 Programmes
Applicants applying for undergraduate programmes must meet the following requirements:
| Test | Minimum Requirement | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic Online | 5.5 | 5.5 | - | - | 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 46 | - | - | - | - |
| PTE Academic | 51 | - | - | - | - |
| Duolingo | 95 | - | - | - | - |
| Trinity College London ISE | ISE II: Pass | - | - | - | - |
| Cambridge Test of English | 162 | - | - | - | - |
| LanguageCert Academic (In Centre and Online) | 54 | - | - | - | - |
| Oxford ELLT | OIDI 5 (minimum 5 in each component) | - | - | - | - |
You are exempted from sitting an English test if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- British Overseas Territories
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK
- USA
- Canada
If you have a qualification not listed here, please get in touch with our International Admissions team at admissions@gbs.ac.ae, and we will consider your qualifications on an individual basis.
Browse our courses
GBS Dubai offers a wide range of industry-focused education courses, designed to fit around your busy schedule.