Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
DSU English test minimums
From DSU's international students admissions page. No IELTS band minimums are given. Scores go to the Office of Admissions at admissionsdocs@desu.edu.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 or higher |
| TOEFL | 79 or higher (online test, or paper test after 2021); 550 paper-based before 2021 |
| SAT | 800 or higher, maths and critical reading combined |
| ACT | 17 composite |
| DSU English Language Institute | Certificate of completion |
When a test is required
DSU says test scores are required if English is not the country's native language, and that this is determined once your World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) evaluation reaches the Office of Admissions. PTE and Duolingo are not on the list.
In place of TOEFL or IELTS, you can enrol in DSU's English Language Institute. Completing it gives you a certificate that meets the English requirement for a regular degree programme.
Free test: are you at Delaware 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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Timing and graduate applicants
DSU asks international students to start the admissions process at least 90 days before classes begin; later applications may take longer. Graduate applicants are directed to Graduate Admissions for their requirements.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your DSU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Delaware 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 Delaware State University require?+
IELTS 6.5 or higher for international undergraduate applicants.
Does Delaware State accept Duolingo or PTE?+
Neither is on DSU's list. It accepts TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT and its own ELI certificate.
Can I skip IELTS at Delaware State?+
Yes, by completing DSU's English Language Institute, or with a qualifying SAT or ACT score.
How early should I apply to Delaware State?+
DSU asks international students to start at least 90 days before classes begin.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- University of Delaware IELTS requirement
- Howard University IELTS requirement
- Florida A&M University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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