English Proficiency Tests

A strong ability to read and write in English is crucial for success in the MSx program. English fluency enables you to manage the high volume of required course reading, participate in complex and dynamic classroom discussions, and effectively work with classmates on team projects.

Do You Need to Take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE?

Your citizenship and/or work experience do not exempt you from taking the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

If your college or university taught some of your undergraduate courses (other than foreign language classes) in a language other than English, then you must take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE unless you subsequently completed a graduate program taught exclusively in English.

If you are uncertain whether an English-language test is required, you may wish to take it as it might strengthen your candidacy.

If your college or university taught all classes exclusively in English for either your undergraduate or graduate degree, then you are not required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. If this college or university is located in a country where English is not the primary language of daily life, please explain your circumstances in the Additional Information section of your application. We may request that you submit an English language proficiency test to supplement your application materials during the review process.

We accept test scores for the official online and at-home TOEFL and IELTS exams, as well as scores from in-person exams at authorized TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE test centers. We do not accept the online version of the PTE exam at this time. Tests must be taken before the deadline date of the application round in which you plan to apply. Scores from English proficiency tests taken after the deadline date will not be considered. You must self-report your scores on your application and send us your official scores via the score reporting center. Official scores may arrive after the deadline date.

Score Requirement

We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE test scores for admission to the MSx program. We do not have a preferred test, but we do require a minimum score.

Test Details
TOEFL iBT*

Evaluates your ability to use and understand English at the university level, and how well you combine your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills to perform academic tasks.

Minimum Score Requirement: 100.  

The median TOEFL for the Class of 2024 is 105.

IETLS Academic

Reflects aspects of academic language to assess if you are ready for higher education in an English-speaking environment.

Minimum Score Requirement: 7.0 overall band score

The median IELTS for the Class of 2024 is 7.5.

PTE Academic Assesses your aptitude for “real-life” academic English by testing communicative skills across a variety of subjects.

Minimum Score Requirement: 68 overall score

*The iBT version includes the “speaking” section. If you take the revised paper-delivered test, we generally require a minimum total score of 75.

If you have previously taken one of these tests and wish to use that score in your application to the program, your score must be valid as of your application round deadline. Scores are valid for two years.

As with the GMAT, GRE, and EA tests, your test date should be at least a few weeks prior to your application round deadline to ensure timely score reporting.

Score Reporting

Self-report your scores 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.

Once you are admitted, you will need to provide your official scores from the testing agency.

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 Stanford University and specify Stanford Graduate School of Business - MSx Program.
PTE Academic Report your scores directly to Stanford University and specify Graduate School of Business.

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.