Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Lesley English requirements
From Lesley's how to apply page for international students. The page lists six options; any one meets the requirement.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| All international applicants | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80, Duolingo 105, Cambridge C2 Proficiency |
| ESL partner route | Not needed | ASC English Boston Level 5; Boston International Academy High Advanced II (graduate students) |
Partner schools and the waiver
Under the ESL partnership option, you complete the curriculum at a partner school to the stated level and send a letter from the programme coordinator or teacher confirming your English is proficient for college-level study.
If your first language is not English but you graduated from a school or programme taught in English, you may qualify for a waiver. If your transcript does not show the language of instruction, ask your school, college or university for a letter stating it was English.
Free test: are you at Lesley University's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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What to check
The page does not list PTE Academic, score validity or conditional admission. Lesley's TOEFL CEEB code is 3483, and IELTS results should be sent by your test centre as an official Test Report Form.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Lesley programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Lesley University 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 Lesley University need?+
IELTS 6.5 or higher, with no band minimums listed.
Does Lesley University accept Duolingo?+
Yes, with a minimum score of 105.
Does Lesley accept PTE?+
PTE is not one of the six options on Lesley's international page.
Can an English-medium degree waive IELTS at Lesley?+
Yes, you may qualify for a waiver if you graduated from a school or programme taught in English.
Keep reading
Related
- Northeastern University IELTS requirement
- Suffolk University IELTS requirement
- UMass Boston IELTS requirement
- 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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