Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
Heriot-Watt Duolingo minimums
From Heriot-Watt's English language requirements page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation (one-year) | Not accepted | SELT required |
| Foundation (four-year) | 100 | 100 in each component |
| Undergraduate | 120 | 110 in each component |
| Actuarial Mathematics (undergraduate and taught postgraduate) | 125 | 115 in each component |
| Taught postgraduate, Design and STEM (excluding Actuarial) | 120 | 110 in each component |
| Taught postgraduate, non-STEM | 120 | Writing 115, 110 in each other component |
| Taught postgraduate, Interpreting and Translating | 135 | 125 in each component |
| Postgraduate research | 125 | 115 in each component |
Heriot-Watt's Duolingo rules
The test must have been passed within two years of the start date of your degree. Heriot-Watt verifies results, and the page says you will need to upload your original certificate as part of the application.
For comparison, the same page sets IELTS Academic at 6.0 with no score lower than 5.5 for undergraduate degrees and Design and STEM master's, and 6.5 with no score below 6.0 for research degrees.
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If your Duolingo score is short
You can also meet the requirement by completing one of Heriot-Watt's Pre-Sessional English programmes within 19 months of the degree start date, or a BALEAP-accredited pre-sessional course at another UK university completed within one year of enrolment.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Heriot-Watt programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does Heriot-Watt accept the Duolingo English Test?+
Yes, for every level except the one-year Foundation, which needs a SELT.
What Duolingo score does Heriot-Watt need for undergraduates?+
120 overall with 110 in each component.
What Duolingo score does Heriot-Watt need for a PhD?+
125 overall with 115 in each component.
How old can my Duolingo test be for Heriot-Watt?+
Passed within two years of your degree's start date.
Keep reading
Related
- Heriot-Watt University IELTS requirement
- University of Strathclyde Duolingo requirement
- University of Aberdeen Duolingo requirement
- IELTS for the UK: scores by university and visa
- All 4750 guides
Guide updated on 1 November 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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