Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Marshall IELTS levels
From Marshall's proof of English proficiency page. No IELTS band minimums are listed.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 61 (before 21 Jan 2026) or 4.0/72 (after), PTE 57, Duolingo 90, MELAB 79% |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80 (before 21 Jan 2026) or 4.5/86 (after), PTE 60, Duolingo 105, MELAB 82% |
Other tests and waivers
PTE Express is accepted at the same scores as PTE Academic. For undergraduates, ACT 18 in English or Reading, Cambridge English 169 and SAT ERW 480 are also listed.
Waivers include a degree or high school diploma from an approved English-speaking country, one year of full-time US study, transfer credit equivalent to ENG 101 with a C or better, and completion of an approved ESL programme. Undergraduates also have waivers for one year at a US high school with a C in English, a C on IGCSE or O Level English First Language, and certain IB English results.
Free test: are you at Marshall 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.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
How to check
The page does not state how long scores remain valid.
The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the requirement Marshall sets for admission, which leads to your Form I-20. For the wider picture, see IELTS for the USA.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Marshall programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Marshall 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 does Marshall University need?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for graduate applicants.
Does Marshall accept PTE?+
Yes: PTE Academic or PTE Express at 57 for undergraduates and 60 for graduate applicants.
What Duolingo score does Marshall need?+
90 for undergraduates and 105 for graduate applicants.
Can I skip IELTS at Marshall?+
Yes if you meet a waiver, for example a degree from an approved English-speaking country or one year of full-time US study.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- West Virginia University IELTS requirement
- University of Kentucky IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- 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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