Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Cal Poly Pomona Duolingo minimums by level
From Cal Poly Pomona's international freshmen page and graduate page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 95 | IELTS 6.0 on the same page |
| Graduate (general) | 105 | IELTS 6.5 |
| MA English | 120 | IELTS 7.0 |
| Masters in Urban and Regional Planning | 115 | IELTS 6.5 |
Waivers and the IELTS comparison
The graduate page waives the test for applicants with a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the principal language of instruction, or at least three years of full-time study at such a college. The freshmen page waives it after at least three years of full-time study at an English-medium secondary school. Neither page states a Duolingo validity period, subscores or a teaching assistantship level.
Compared with IELTS: Cal Poly Pomona pairs Duolingo 95 with IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates and Duolingo 105 with IELTS 6.5 for graduate study, per its graduate page.
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If your Duolingo score is below the level
The freshmen page says passing level five at the Cal Poly English Language Institute (CPELI) waives the requirement for undergraduates, and the graduate page says passing level six waives it for graduate students.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Cal Poly Pomona programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does Cal Poly Pomona need for undergraduates?+
95, per the international freshmen page.
What Duolingo score do Cal Poly Pomona graduate programmes need?+
105 in general, 120 for the MA in English and 115 for Urban and Regional Planning.
Can I skip the Duolingo test at Cal Poly Pomona?+
Passing CPELI level five (undergraduate) or level six (graduate) waives the requirement, among other waivers.
What IELTS score matches Cal Poly Pomona's graduate Duolingo 105?+
IELTS 6.5.
Keep reading
Related
- Cal Poly Pomona IELTS requirement
- Cal State San Bernardino Duolingo requirement
- Cal Poly Humboldt Duolingo requirement
- Duolingo score chart and IELTS equivalents
- All 3797 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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