University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Brown University?

Brown University's undergraduate admission office sets a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 130 for international applicants who submit an English test, beside an IELTS minimum of 8.0. The Graduate School is different: its language proficiency page asks for an official TOEFL or IELTS score and does not list Duolingo, so plan on one of those for a master's or PhD.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

Brown Duolingo minimums by level

From Brown's undergraduate English proficiency page and the Graduate School's language proficiency page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate130Test highly recommended where English is not the first or school language
Graduate SchoolNot listedOfficial TOEFL or IELTS required; IELTS recommended minimum 7

Official reports, expiry and the IELTS comparison

Students who self-report a test result and then enrol must supply an official score report. For fall 2027 entry, official reports are due in May 2027, and if your result will expire before then you must ask the testing agency to send it to Brown before it expires. Brown does not accept MyBest scores. The page sets no Duolingo subscores.

On the same undergraduate page, the IELTS minimum is 8.0 against the DET 130, and PTE is 75.

At graduate level, international teaching assistants whose native language is not English are tested for English proficiency on arrival before they begin teaching.

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If your score falls short

The undergraduate page does not describe conditional admission or a pathway. For graduate teaching assistants who do not meet the certification standard, Brown may approve the appointment provisionally on condition of an English-language training course in the first semester. Students not certified at the right level are not supported as teaching assistants past the first year.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Brown programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Brown need?+

130 for undergraduate applicants.

Does Brown Graduate School accept Duolingo?+

Its language proficiency page asks for TOEFL or IELTS only and does not list Duolingo.

What if my Duolingo score expires before I enrol at Brown?+

Ask Duolingo to send the official report to Brown before it expires; for fall 2027 entry reports are due in May 2027.

Is Brown's Duolingo bar higher than its IELTS bar?+

The undergraduate page pairs DET 130 with IELTS 8.0.

Keep reading

Related

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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