Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
CSUSM Duolingo minimums by level
From CSUSM's freshman and transfer English requirements and its master's degree students page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 95 | IELTS 5.5, writing 5.5, no section below 5.0 |
| Transfer | 95 | Same tests; an English Composition equivalent with a C or better also qualifies |
| Master's degree (and second bachelor's) | 110 | IELTS 6.0, writing 6.0, no section below 5.5 |
Other routes and the IELTS comparison
The master's page also accepts a bachelor's or master's degree from a US university, or a bachelor's from an institution where English is the principal language of instruction (confirm with International Admissions). Freshmen who attended an English-medium high school for three years can also qualify, per the freshman and transfer page. Neither page states a validity period or an assistantship level.
Compared with IELTS: CSUSM pairs Duolingo 95 with IELTS 5.5 for undergraduates and Duolingo 110 with IELTS 6.0 for master's applicants, per its master's page.
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If your Duolingo score is below the level
The freshman and transfer page says freshmen without a passing test score can apply for guaranteed conditional admission through the English language programme. For transfers, it says conditional admission is available if you do not have a passing IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English score. The master's page does not describe a conditional route.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CSUSM programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does Cal State San Marcos need for freshmen?+
95, the same as for transfer students.
What Duolingo score does CSUSM need for a master's degree?+
110.
Does CSUSM offer conditional admission?+
Yes for freshmen, who can apply for guaranteed conditional admission through the English language programme.
What IELTS score matches CSUSM's master's Duolingo 110?+
IELTS 6.0, with writing 6.0 and no section below 5.5.
Keep reading
Related
- Cal State San Marcos IELTS requirement
- Cal State San Bernardino Duolingo requirement
- Cal State Dominguez Hills 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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