Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Highline accepted tests
From Highline's English proficiency requirements page. The page gives one level for admission, with no split by programme.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0 |
| Duolingo | 90 |
| TOEFL iBT | 54 |
| TOEFL ITP / CBT | 480 / 157 |
| PTE Academic | 42 |
| iTEP | 3.5 |
| LanguageCert | 25 |
| Kaplan International Test of English | 425 |
| STEP/EIKEN | Pre-Grade 1 |
School and college routes
Highline also accepts GCE A, O or N level or IGCSE English at grade E, Cambridge CPE at C, and the Hong Kong HKDSE (3), HKALE (E) and HKCEE (D/3). At least one academic year at a high school or post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction, with passing grades, also counts; send unofficial transcripts or a letter from the school on letterhead.
Unofficial transcripts from another US college or university are accepted too, though the page says extra requirements apply and to contact the admissions office.
Free test: are you at Highline College's score yet?
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How to check
The English proficiency page lists the tests without a validity period, so ask the international admissions office if your score is more than two years old.
Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on Highline College's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Highline College 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 Highline College need?+
IELTS 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0.
Does Highline College accept Duolingo?+
Yes, a score of 90.
Can English-medium schooling replace IELTS at Highline?+
Yes. One academic year with passing grades at a school or college where English is the main language of instruction counts.
Does Highline accept PTE?+
Yes, PTE Academic 42.
Keep reading
Related
- Green River College IELTS requirement
- Seattle Colleges IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- 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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