Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Adelphi English minimums
From Adelphi's English proficiency requirements page. The page sets one standard for all non-native English speakers and does not split undergraduate from graduate.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS (One Skill Retake accepted) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT (MyBest accepted) | 80 |
| Duolingo English Test (web-based) | 110 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 61 |
| LanguageCert | B2 |
| PTE Academic | 54, Adelphi International (AUI) only |
| ELS | Level 112 certificate |
| SAT EWR | 550 |
Who is exempt
Adelphi exempts applicants from the USA, Canada (except Quebec), the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, a list of Commonwealth Caribbean nations and 15 African countries including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.
You are also exempt with three or more years at a US high school, an SAT EWR score of 550 or higher, or attendance at a British, American, Canadian or Australian curriculum school taught in English.
Free test: are you at Adelphi University's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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If your score is below the minimum
Adelphi says it can direct you to its Adelphi International partners, who run Accelerator programmes with language support for incoming international students. Results must reach Adelphi as official documentation from the testing body.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Adelphi programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Adelphi University publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does Adelphi University need?+
IELTS 6.5 or higher. Adelphi accepts the IELTS One Skill Retake.
Does Adelphi accept Duolingo?+
Yes, the web-based Duolingo English Test with 110 or higher.
Does Adelphi accept PTE?+
PTE Academic at 54 is listed for Adelphi International (AUI) only.
Do Nigerian students need IELTS for Adelphi?+
No. Nigeria is on Adelphi's list of exempt countries.
Keep reading
Related
- Hofstra University IELTS requirement
- LIU IELTS requirement
- St. John's University IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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