Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Benedictine English requirements by level
From the undergraduate international admission catalog page and the graduate international admission catalog page. IELTS scores can be submitted by email, while TOEFL scores must come from your ETS account.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Lisle or Mesa, first-year and transfer) | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79, PTE Academic 52, Duolingo 105, GTEC 1200, ELS 112 |
| Graduate | 6.5, writing 6 | TOEFL iBT 79 (writing 20), PTE-A 52 (writing 50), Duolingo 105 (subscore 100), GTEC 1200, ELS 112 |
When the test can be waived
Benedictine says the requirement may be met without test scores if you studied at an accredited institution where the official language of instruction is English, with the length of the programme, your cumulative GPA and overall performance taken into account. Completing a year or more of coursework at a US institution can also count, and undergraduates may use ACT or SAT scores.
A waiver is not considered until every other document required for admission has been received.
Free test: are you at Benedictine 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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Testing after arrival
Benedictine reserves the right to test the English writing and speaking of all incoming undergraduate and graduate students, and may place students in courses to improve their academic English. Short-term and exchange students may have different requirements.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Benedictine programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Benedictine 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 score does Benedictine University require?+
IELTS 6.5 for undergraduates, and IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 6 in writing for graduate programmes.
How old can my IELTS be for Benedictine?+
No more than two years old at the time of application.
Does Benedictine accept Duolingo?+
Yes, at 105. Graduate applicants also need a subscore minimum of 100.
Can an English-medium degree waive IELTS at Benedictine?+
It may, if the institution's official language of instruction is English. The waiver is reviewed once all other documents are in.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- Elmhurst University IELTS requirement
- Illinois Tech IELTS requirement
- Northern Illinois University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- 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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