Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
FHSU IELTS levels by programme
From FHSU's language requirements page. Institutional TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials and institutional completion scores are not accepted.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.5+ | TOEFL iBT 61+; Duolingo 95; iTEP 3.6; TLC Level 9 |
| Graduate | 6.5+ | TOEFL iBT 79+; Duolingo 110; iTEP 3.9; TLC Level 9 plus 2 Advanced English modules |
Exceptions to the test
FHSU lists three exceptions: 24 or more academic credits from an accredited US institution with the admission GPA; a home country whose native language is English; or an accredited US high school with a 2.5 GPA and the required courses, including two years of English.
Free test: are you at FHSU's score yet?
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Below the minimum: The Language Company
Applicants below the stated minimum are encouraged to enrol in the online Intensive English Program run by The Language Company (TLC). Completing the listed TLC level counts as meeting the requirement, and the I-20 is issued once the other admission requirements are met.
The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the university's admission requirement, which leads to your Form I-20. For the wider picture, see IELTS for the USA.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your FHSU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Fort Hays State University (FHSU) 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 does Fort Hays State need?+
IELTS 5.5 or above for undergraduates and 6.5 or above for graduate applicants.
Does FHSU accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 95 for undergraduates and 110 for graduate applicants.
Does FHSU accept PTE?+
PTE is not listed on FHSU's language requirements page.
Does FHSU accept TOEFL Essentials?+
No. The page says TOEFL Essentials and institutional TOEFL are not accepted.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Pittsburg State University IELTS requirement
- Emporia State University IELTS requirement
- Kansas State 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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