Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Iowa State Duolingo levels
From the undergraduate English proficiency requirement page and the Graduate College English requirements page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 105 | DET does not use codes |
| Graduate admission | 115 | Programmes may set higher minimums |
| Teaching assistant, exempt | Conversation 145+ | |
| Teaching assistant, practice programme | Conversation 130-140 | English Communication Practice |
| Teaching assistant, teaching course | Conversation 120-125 (section D); 115 and below (C/B) | GRST 5400 English for Teaching Purposes |
Teaching assistants and IELTS comparison
The Graduate College says non-native English speakers offered a teaching assistantship are international teaching assistants and must meet an English for Teaching requirement under Iowa Board of Regents policy. Duolingo Conversation scores place you, or you can take the Oral English Certification Test (OECT). Graduate applicants must meet both the Graduate College minimum and their programme's own minimum.
IELTS comparison: the undergraduate page asks for IELTS 6.0 with all subscores 5.5 or above, and the Graduate College asks for IELTS 6.5.
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If your score is lower
Neither page publishes a conditional admission range for Duolingo. The undergraduate page lists other ways to meet the requirement, such as IB, AP and IGCSE results, and graduation from a U.S. high school.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Iowa State programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does Iowa State need for undergraduates?+
A minimum of 105.
What Duolingo score does Iowa State need for graduate school?+
115, though graduate programmes may set higher minimums.
Can Duolingo exempt Iowa State teaching assistants?+
Yes. A Conversation subscore of 145 or higher exempts international TAs from the English for Teaching requirement.
Does Iowa State need a code to send Duolingo?+
No. The undergraduate page says the DET doesn't use codes.
Keep reading
Related
- Iowa State University IELTS requirement
- University of Arizona Duolingo requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- All 3605 guides
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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