IELTS and TOEFL for Gulf Universities

Why English tests matter in the Gulf

Many universities across the Gulf (GCC) teach in English, especially in fields like engineering, business, computer science and the sciences. To study in an English-taught programme, you usually need to prove your English proficiency with a recognised test — most commonly IELTS or TOEFL.

These tests measure your ability to understand and use academic English across reading, writing, listening and speaking, so the university can be confident you will cope with English-medium study.

IELTS and TOEFL: who runs them

IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is jointly delivered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge; its Academic version is the one used for university admission. TOEFL (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by ETS, with the TOEFL iBT being the standard academic version.

Both are widely recognised by universities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. Some universities accept other tests too, but IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are the most widely accepted.

• IELTS Academic — British Council / IDP / Cambridge
• TOEFL iBT — ETS
• Both widely accepted; some universities accept additional tests

Minimum scores vary — never assume

There is no single Gulf-wide minimum for IELTS or TOEFL. Each university — and frequently each programme or faculty — sets its own required score, and some set a higher bar for certain courses. A score that is enough for one university or programme may fall short for another.

For that reason this guide does not quote a target band or score. Look up the exact, current minimum for your specific programme on the official admissions page of each university, and confirm it before you book the test.

Booking, validity and sending scores

You book IELTS through the official IELTS providers and TOEFL through ETS, choosing a test date and centre (or an at-home option where offered). TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years from the test date; for IELTS, the IELTS partners recommend that institutions accept a result for up to two years, and each university decides how old a result it accepts — so make sure your result will still be accepted when you apply. Plan ahead so your scores are reported before each application deadline.

You arrange for your official scores to be sent to the universities you are applying to. Always use official channels; meeting a minimum score makes you eligible to be considered but does not on its own guarantee admission.

• Book on the official IELTS or ETS (TOEFL) site
• Check how old a result each university accepts (TOEFL iBT: two years; IELTS: a recommended two years)
• Send official scores to your universities ahead of deadlines

When you might not need IELTS or TOEFL

Some universities waive the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for applicants who have already completed their schooling in English, or who present another accepted proof of English. In the UAE, some institutions also accept the EmSAT English test for certain purposes. Waiver rules differ widely between universities.

Do not assume you qualify for a waiver — check each university's exact policy on its official page, because the conditions (which curricula count, how recent the schooling must be) vary. See the companion guide on English test requirements for more on waivers.