The 2026 TOEFL scoring transition makes it especially important to check the exact language-proficiency rule for every MBA program on your list. Schools do not follow one universal policy: some publish a TOEFL minimum, some assess English during the admissions process, and some allow an exemption based on prior education or professional experience.

This guide focuses on verified examples from current official MBA admissions pages. It is a planning resource, not a substitute for the school’s own application instructions. Requirements can change by program and intake.

How the 2026 TOEFL transition affects MBA applicants

During the transition, schools may publish requirements in the new TOEFL scale, the former iBT scale, or both. Do not rely on an unofficial score conversion. Instead, check the current MBA admissions page, confirm the test date and score format it refers to, and contact the program if your situation is unclear.

Verified MBA English-proficiency policies

The examples below were checked against the linked official admissions pages on September 7, 2026. They illustrate why applicants should evaluate each target school separately rather than assume one test rule applies everywhere.

Business school What the official MBA admissions page says Applicant takeaway
Stanford GSB Applicants whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must submit an approved English-proficiency test. Stanford lists TOEFL 5.0 for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, and 100 on the earlier iBT scale. Check whether your undergraduate education qualifies for Stanford’s exemption before scheduling a test.
Harvard Business School An English-language test is required when the undergraduate institution did not teach in English. HBS does not state a minimum, but discourages TOEFL results below 5.0 on the new scale or 109 on the earlier scale. Do not treat an English-language graduate degree as an automatic exemption; use the rule HBS publishes for undergraduate instruction.
Wharton Applicants whose prior degree was not taught in English must submit an approved English-language test. Wharton notes that an English-language degree may support a waiver request. Review Wharton’s current waiver instructions instead of assuming a test is optional.
Chicago Booth Applicants may be required to demonstrate English proficiency. Booth lists TOEFL 5.0 for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, and 104 on the earlier iBT scale; it also explains how applicants below the stated level may demonstrate proficiency elsewhere in the process. Read the full policy, including the conditions that apply to scores below the published level.
Berkeley Haas Haas publishes a TOEFL overall minimum of 5.0 on the new scale, with 4.5 minimums in speaking and writing, or 90 on the earlier iBT scale. Check both the overall and section requirements; do not rely on an overall score alone.
Kellogg Kellogg explains several ways applicants may establish proficiency, including qualifying English-medium education or recent English-language work experience. Otherwise, the committee evaluates proficiency throughout the process and may require an approved test score. Match your education and work history to Kellogg’s specific criteria before deciding whether to test.
NYU Stern Stern accepts evidence such as native English, an English-taught degree, or an approved English test, with program-specific guidance for applicants educated in India. Use Stern’s published pathway that fits your educational background.
MIT Sloan MIT Sloan says it does not accept TOEFL or IELTS scores for the MBA application and assesses English proficiency during the interview process. Do not book TOEFL solely for MIT Sloan; verify the full application requirements instead.
Columbia Business School Columbia says international applicants are not required to submit an English-language test; it considers English ability through the application, including verbal GMAT/GRE performance and the interview. Plan for the elements Columbia uses to assess English, rather than assuming a TOEFL score is mandatory.
Yale SOM Yale SOM’s MBA FAQ says TOEFL, PTE and IELTS scores are not required for international applicants. Confirm the current FAQ for your application cycle before making a test decision.

Last reviewed September 7, 2026. The links above are the source of record; admissions policies, testing providers and score formats can change.

How to choose and plan your English-proficiency test

  1. Start with your target schools. Check the official MBA admissions page for each program and intake before registering for any test.
  2. Check for an exemption first. Many schools evaluate the language of instruction for your previous degree, while others also consider work experience. The details vary.
  3. Use the school’s stated score format. If a school lists both a new and earlier TOEFL score, use the figures published by that school. Do not create your own conversion.
  4. Keep timing practical. Confirm score-reporting deadlines, test validity rules and whether the program needs an official report before submitting your application.

Frequently asked questions

Is the new TOEFL accepted by every MBA program?

No universal answer applies. Some schools publish a new-scale TOEFL requirement, while others assess English in other ways or do not require a language test. Check the exact program’s current official instructions.

Can I use an English-medium degree instead of TOEFL?

Possibly, but the rule differs by school. Stanford, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg and Stern each publish their own conditions. Read the linked policy and contact admissions when your credentials do not fit the published examples.

Should I use an unofficial conversion between old and new TOEFL scores?

No. Use the score and format the school itself publishes. Where a school has not yet made its position clear for your intake, ask the admissions office before booking the test.

Need help building a test plan that fits your target MBA programs and wider application strategy? Contact ARINGO for a free MBA profile evaluation.