Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Bowie State English requirements by level
From Bowie State's international admissions page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.0 | TOEFL iBT 73, TOEFL paper 500, TOEFL computer 173, Duolingo 90-95 |
| Graduate | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 75, TOEFL paper 550, TOEFL computer 213, Duolingo 100-105 |
Who is exempt
You do not need a score if you graduated from a US high school, are transferring after at least one year at an English-language US college, or your native language or language of instruction is English.
Graduate applicants are exempt if they spent at least two years at institutions in an English-speaking country, completed at least 18 credits and were taught in English. Undergraduates are exempt after three years of education in a listed country. The list includes Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia; for Kenya and some others, only applicants from English-language education systems qualify.
Free test: are you at Bowie State 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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Placement and how to check
Even when the requirement is waived or met, undergraduates may be asked to take an English Placement Exam on arrival.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Bowie State programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Bowie State 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 Bowie State require?+
IELTS 5.0 for undergraduates and 5.5 for graduate students.
Does Bowie State accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 90-95 for undergraduates and 100-105 for graduate students.
Are Nigerian students exempt from IELTS at Bowie State?+
Nigeria is on the exempt country list. Check the undergraduate or graduate exemption conditions that apply to you.
What TOEFL score does Bowie State need for a master's?+
TOEFL iBT 75, paper 550 or computer-based 213.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Morgan State University IELTS requirement
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore IELTS requirement
- UMGC IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 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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