University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Indiana University?

Indiana University Bloomington asks international undergraduate applicants for a Duolingo English Test score of 115, met within the last two years. After admission, freshmen and transfer students with 130 or more are not placed in extra English classes; below that, your Duolingo subscores decide whether you take academic English courses in your first terms.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

IU Bloomington Duolingo levels

From the IU Bloomington international English proficiency page, which covers undergraduate admission and placement.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate admission115Requirement met within the last two years
Freshman or transfer, no extra English classes130One of four ways to show proficiency for beginning classes
Placement in academic English coursesLiteracy, Comprehension or Production 125 or lowerLeads to SLST-T131, T154 or T155

Placement, self-reporting and IELTS comparison

If you do not reach 130 or meet another criterion, IU uses your subscores: Literacy 125 or lower points to SLST-T131 (academic writing), Comprehension 125 or lower to SLST-T154 (academic listening), and Production 125 or lower to SLST-T155 (academic speaking). You can take the Indiana English Assessment Test (IAET) to try to exempt yourself after talking to your adviser.

You can self-report scores for admission, but if you need an I-20 or DS-2019 the testing agency must send the official score report before IU can issue it. Graduate associate instructors must pass the TEPAIC test.

IELTS comparison: the same page asks for IELTS 6.5 for admission and 7.5 to skip the extra English classes.

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If your score is lower

Completing Level 7 of IU Bloomington's Intensive English Program also meets the undergraduate English requirement. The page covers undergraduate admission; graduate programmes set their own English rules, so check your department.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Indiana University need?+

115 for international undergraduate admission at IU Bloomington.

What Duolingo score avoids extra English classes at IU?+

130 or higher, for freshman and transfer students.

Can I self-report Duolingo to IU Bloomington?+

Yes for admission, but official scores are needed before IU can issue an I-20 or DS-2019.

How recent must my Duolingo score be for IU?+

You must have met the requirement within the last two years.

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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