Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
CMU English requirements by level
From CMU's international first-time student requirements and the graduate admissions policies in the catalog.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (first-time) | Band 6, with reading and writing minimums | TOEFL iBT 70 (before 2026) or 4 (new scale), Duolingo 105, Oxford ELLT 6 |
| Graduate | Set by the programme | TOEFL or IELTS taken within two years |
Other tests and exemptions
Other English proficiency tests are reviewed case by case, and the cost of any exam is the applicant's responsibility. Duolingo scores must come directly from Duolingo to count as official.
CMU publishes a list of countries exempt from the requirement, linked from the same page. Medium of Instruction certificates are not accepted.
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How to check
The graduate catalog says international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores from within two years and verify with the graduate programme whether a specific test or score is required.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CMU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa University require?+
IELTS Band 6 for first-time undergraduates, with subject score minimums in reading and writing.
Does Colorado Mesa accept Duolingo?+
Yes, a minimum of 105, sent directly from Duolingo.
Does CMU accept a medium of instruction letter?+
No. The page says Medium of Instruction Certificates are not accepted.
What IELTS do CMU graduate programmes need?+
Each programme sets its own score. Scores must be from within two years.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Colorado State University IELTS requirement
- University of Northern Colorado IELTS requirement
- CU Denver IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 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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