University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for the University of Zurich?

The University of Zurich asks applicants whose first language is not English to prove C1 for master's programmes taught in English. It accepts IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in Speaking and Writing, TOEFL iBT 100 (5 on the new scale), Cambridge C1 Advanced at grade B or C2 Proficiency. IELTS Academic Online and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted.
  • Checked against official sources · 11 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

The C1 certificates UZH recognises

From the UZH language requirements page, which applies to bachelor's, master's and teaching diploma applicants:

TestMinimumNotes
IELTS Academic7.0, with 6.5 in Speaking and WritingNot older than 2 years; IELTS Academic Online not accepted
TOEFL iBT, taken before 21 Jan 2026100, with 25 Speaking and 26 WritingNot older than 2 years; MyBest accepted; Home Edition not accepted; code 0348
TOEFL iBT, taken from 21 Jan 20265, with 5 in Speaking and WritingAs above
Cambridge C1 AdvancedGrade BSend via the Cambridge Candidate Results Portal
Cambridge C2 ProficiencyPassAs above
PTE Academic or DuolingoNot acceptedNot on the UZH list

German for bachelor's, English for many master's

UZH says the main language of instruction for its bachelor's programmes, the teaching diploma, and the bachelor's and master's programmes of Medicine and the Vetsuisse Faculty is, as a rule, German. English is the main language of many master's programmes, and the course catalogue lists the language of each one. Some master's, such as Social and Cultural Anthropology and Modern Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, accept proof in either German or English.

Bachelor's applicants who must sit the Swiss ECUS complementary examination usually obtain their language certificate as part of it.

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Exemptions and when the certificate is due

You are exempt with a bachelor's from UZH, or with a bachelor's taught entirely in English at a university in a region where English is the official language. Distance learning and branch campuses in countries with a different official language do not count. The page does not name countries, so if your degree is from India, Pakistan or Nigeria, confirm with the Admissions Office whether it qualifies.

Most applicants can submit the certificate after admission, up to one week before the course starts, but you can only matriculate once it is available.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UZH programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

Is IELTS 6.5 enough for the University of Zurich?+

No. UZH asks IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in Speaking and Writing.

Does the University of Zurich accept PTE or Duolingo?+

No. UZH recognises only IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency for English.

Does UZH accept IELTS Online?+

No. Results from IELTS Academic Online and the TOEFL iBT Home Edition are not accepted.

How old can my IELTS be for UZH?+

No older than two years.

Can I send my IELTS to UZH after I am admitted?+

Yes, for most applicants, up to one week before the course starts. You cannot matriculate until the certificate is in.

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Verified against the linked official sources on 11 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.

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