Which English Test Is Accepted by Bocconi? Official 2026 Requirements

Short answer: Bocconi accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency, Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic and a few additional certifications for its English-taught bachelor's programs. Minimum scores vary slightly by certificate.

Accepted English certifications and minimum scores (2026)

• IELTS Academic: minimum 6.0 overall.
• TOEFL iBT: minimum 88.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): grade C or above (180+).
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE): any passing grade.
• Duolingo English Test: minimum 120.
• PTE Academic: minimum 59.

Always confirm the exact threshold on Bocconi's official admissions page for the year you apply — minimum scores are revised regularly.

Who is exempt from submitting an English test?

• Native English speakers from recognized countries.
• Students who completed their high school entirely in English in an eligible country.
• Holders of an IB diploma with English A (HL or SL) at the required grade.

When is the certificate due?

For most rounds, you must submit your English certification by the application deadline of your round. If you do not have it yet, you can apply conditionally and provide it later — but Bocconi will only finalize admission once it arrives.

Which test should you choose?

• Tight timeline: Duolingo English Test — fastest results, lowest cost.
• Standard route: IELTS Academic — widely available, predictable scoring.
• Strong academic English: Cambridge C1 / C2 — valid for life and well respected.

Bottom line

Bocconi accepts most major English certifications; pick the one you can realistically hit the minimum on within your timeline. The Bocconi Test itself is language-neutral, so your English score plays a separate role from your admission score. Focus your prep on the admission test once your English certificate is locked in.