IE ENGLISH REQUIREMENT

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH IN THE BUSINESS WORLD

The rapid breakdown of national barriers over the last decades has resulted in English language skills acquiring a great deal of importance in business circles.

IE wishes to impress upon its students that an ability to communicate in English is vital, particularly in the present economic climate. The vast majority of companies list English amongst the essential qualities required for posts at management level. A lack of English skills is a serious handicap to any young aspiring professional, and in recognition of this fact, IE demands a minimum level of English from students of Masters fully taught in Spanish (not bilingual Masters).

The minimum level is by no means considered high enough to meet language requirements in what is at the moment a highly competitive work market. It is designed to make sure that the student has at least a reasonable base on which they can build a level that will help them face fierce competition when they begin to search for work. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing someone far less qualified or capable obtain the post that you wanted for the sole reason that they have a superior level of English.

Nobody can afford to underestimate the importance of the English language in the business world today. In view of this fact, IE stipulates that students of Masters fully taught in Spanish (not biligual Masters) must provide proof of an acceptable level of fluency in order to qualify for their titles.

The qualifications listed overleaf will be accepted as such (please note that they must be the exact versions of these titles, not equivalents). Any student that fails to fulfill these requirements before the end of their program will have eighteen months (twelve months plus six months’ grace), as from the closing date of the course, in which to obtain any of the alternative qualifications.

The validity of the following English certificates for IE’s admissions process is two years, from the date students took the exam.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

The list of official exams accepted as proof of a minimum level of English is definitive. The selection criteria for these exams are:

  • Solid reputation
  • Controlled exam conditions
  • Widespread use
  • Easily understood marking systems

The list is based on many years of experience. Other well-known exams are not included as in our experience, pass grades of said exams do not always reflect the minimum level required by IE. Students holding qualifications not included on this official list will be required to present one of the qualifications on the list.

In general terms, the following qualifications will be accepted as proof of an acceptable level of English and may be presented either at the beginning of or during the course. However, students must consult the web site or the Recruitment Team of their program of interest in order to obtain more details.

ENGLISH CERTIFICATES ACCEPTED

TOEFL

TOEFL scores are only considered valid if obtained less than two years before presentation. Please note that Institutional TOEFL exams are NOT valid. Minimum score:

  • TOEFL iBT 72

The reporting code for sending your TOEFL score to IE is 0707.

CAMBRIDGE

The minimum score required is:

FIRST CERTIFICATE. Valid only if obtained less than three years before starting the Master’s Program.

DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST

The Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 100 points. This qualification is accepted if obtained less than two years before starting the Master’s program.

Once you receive your certified test results, log into your Duolingo account, click on the “Send Results” button next to your test results, and select “IE University” from the list of institutions.

IELTS

IELTS with 5,5 points or over. This qualification is only considered valid if obtained less than two years before starting the Master’s program.

GMAT

GMAT of minimum 550 points. The reporting code for sending your GMAT score to IE is 6XT-ZH-98

LA ESCUELA OFICIAL DE IDIOMAS

A pass certificate for level four English from La Escuela Oficial de Idiomas (Spain). This qualification must have been obtained less than four years before starting the Master’s program.

ALTERNATIVES TO ENGLISH CERTIFICATES

UNIVERSITY DEGREE IN ENGLISH

Completion of a University degree in English (3 years minimum) in an English spoken country. Students will be required to submit academic transcripts demonstrating that courses were taught in English.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Evidence of work experience for a minimum of 2 continuous years in an English speaking country.

NATIONALITY

The presentation of documentation demonstrating the nationality of a country where English is an official language (students must do a personal interview for this point to be valid).

 

Also accepted as proof of language competency are:

  • A-levels or GCSEs issued by the British education authorities
  • High School Graduation Certificate complete with the official seal of the North American school in question
  • Other certifications: Pearson, Europro and Bulats. Please consult accepted levels.

DOCUMENT VALIDATION

Should the student choose to supply any of the above documents, the original must be shown -for inspection only- together with a photocopy.

If the English exam coordinator has any doubts regarding the qualifications the students supply (e.g., IE-established validity period has expired, it is not the correct version) they will be required to present the correct version of the official qualification.

Neither an impromptu conversation in English -no matter how brilliant- nor a dazzling reference will exempt a student from having to go through the official channels like any other IE student. Unfortunately, the sheer scale of the operation does not allow a personalized process here, and we expect students to be team players in this aspect.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT AFTER GRADUATION

Students have 18 months after the completion of the program to present any of the documents mentioned above. If after the 18 months this requirement has not been completed, the student can present at any later point of time only the following documents:

  • TOEFL iBT (Internet-based) 95
  • CAMBRIDGE ADVANCED (CAE)
  • Duolingo English Test, minimum score 130
  • IELTS with 7 points or over.

MORE INFO FOR CANDIDATES

IE Business School / IE Law School

Calle María de Molina 11

28006 Madrid, Spain

admissions@ie.edu

MORE INFO FOR STUDENTS

Students should contact their Program Management team directly.

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