Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Merrimack English minimums by level
From Merrimack's first-year international application page and graduate international student FAQ.
| Level or programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (first year) | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | Duolingo 110, TOEFL iBT 79 (no subset below 18), PTE 53, SAT EBRW 510, ACT 23 |
| Graduate | 6.5, no band below 6 | TOEFL iBT 79 (21 in writing), PTE 56, Duolingo 110, GTEC CBT 1200 |
Other evidence and validity
Undergraduates can also use a C in IGCSE O-level English, or a C in a college course Merrimack evaluates as equivalent to its introductory writing course. Tests must be from the past two years and sent directly by the testing body.
At graduate level the requirement applies to applicants whose first language is not English and who have not earned an academic degree in the US.
Free test: are you at Merrimack College'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.
If you fall short
The undergraduate page says applicants who meet every requirement except English may be eligible for conditional admission options. The graduate FAQ lists no exceptions for individual programmes.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Merrimack programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Merrimack 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 does Merrimack College need?+
IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Does Merrimack accept Duolingo?+
Yes, with a minimum of 110 at both levels.
What TOEFL does a Merrimack master's need?+
TOEFL iBT 79 with at least 21 in writing.
Do I need IELTS if I have a US degree?+
No. The graduate requirement applies only to applicants who have not earned an academic degree in the US.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- UMass Lowell IELTS requirement
- Wentworth Institute of Technology IELTS requirement
- Suffolk University 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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