Since all courses at Stanford GSB are taught in English, you must demonstrate proficiency in English.
We accept the following English-language proficiency tests:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Do you need to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE?
If your college or university taught some classes in a language other than English, you must take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. This applies even if your specific program was taught in English.
If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university that provided instruction entirely in English, then you are exempt from taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
Your citizenship and/or work experience do not exempt you from taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.
If you are uncertain whether an English-language test is required, you may wish to take it as it might strengthen your candidacy.
Score Requirement
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL* | 100 for the internet-based test (iBT**) |
| IELTS (Academic) | 7.0 overall band score |
| PTE (Academic) | 68 overall score |
| *We ask that you take the iBT, which includes the “speaking” section. Stanford will temporarily accept the TOEFL ITP Plus paper-based test with the Vericant interview for applicants from Mainland China who are unable to sit for the TOEFL iBT due to COVID-19. This exception is only for the 2020-2021 application cycle. Applicants from China who take this version should select TOEFL “PBT” type in the MBA application. | |
| **If it is necessary for you to take the revised paper-delivered test, which is scored from 0–30 on each of three sections, we generally require a minimum total score of 75. We will accept paper-based tests with a minimum score of 600 only on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information before applying. | |
Score Validity
TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE scores are valid for two years and must be taken before submitting your application. The scores must be valid on the deadline date of the round in which you apply.
| If you are applying in … | You must have taken the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE on or after … |
|---|---|
| Round 1 (15 September 2020) | 15 September 2018 |
| Round 2 (06 January 2021) | 06 January 2019 |
| Round 3 (06 April 2021) | 06 April 2019 |
Score Reporting
Self-report your scores on your Stanford MBA application form and instruct the testing agency to send your official scores to us. Report your unofficial scores if you have not yet received your official scores.
| Test | How to Self Report |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Instruct the Educational Testing Service to send your official scores directly to “Stanford University” (school code 4704). Specifying a department will delay the processing of your test scores. |
| IELTS (Academic) | Report your scores directly to the Stanford MBA Program. |
| PTE (Academic) | Report your scores directly to the Stanford MBA Program. |
You must take the exam before the application deadline for the round in which you apply. If you do not take the exam prior to submitting your application, we will review it without the required scores. If you take the exam prior to the application deadline but your unofficial scores are not yet available, you may submit the scores when you receive them.
The MBA admissions office will notify you if we have not received your official test scores. You do not need to contact us to confirm we have received them.
Multiple Test Scores
We do not average test scores. If you have taken the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE more than once, report only the scores from one examination that you wish us to consider while reviewing your application. The scores you report must be from the same testing session. We do not accept TOEFL iBT MyBest Scores.