University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Golden Gate University?

Golden Gate University in San Francisco sets a Duolingo English Test minimum of 110 for graduate applicants and 90 for undergraduates. IELTS is 6.5 and 6.0 respectively. GGU also lists waiver routes such as five years of work in an English-speaking country, and partner language schools for English conditional admits.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

Golden Gate Duolingo minimums by level

From GGU's international admissions page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Graduate (master's)110Bachelor's degree or equivalent also required
Undergraduate90Waiver routes listed on the page

How Golden Gate handles Duolingo scores

All international applicants, undergraduate and graduate, submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo or iTEP. GGU reserves the right to ask for further English testing based on the whole application, or if your English proves inadequate after admission.

Waiver routes include five years of documented work in the US or an English-official country, ENGL 50 or 60 with B+ or better, English-medium study, or a dean's or Provost's waiver.

For comparison, the same page sets IELTS at 6.5 for graduate and 6.0 for undergraduate applicants.

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If your Duolingo score is below Golden Gate's level

GGU partners with Bay Area language schools, including the Intercultural Institute of California, EC English, English Language Institute, Language Pacifica and SVIEP. English conditional admit students must complete the required courses there before starting their GGU programme.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Golden Gate programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Golden Gate University need for a master's?+

110.

What Duolingo score do GGU undergraduates need?+

90.

Does GGU offer conditional admission for English?+

Yes. English conditional admits complete courses at a partner language school before starting.

What is GGU's IELTS level?+

6.5 for graduate and 6.0 for undergraduate applicants.

Keep reading

Related

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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