University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Nicholls State University?

Nicholls State University asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 100 from international first-year and graduate applicants, alongside IELTS 6.5 and TOEFL 4.0 (80 on the old scale). For first-year students, the same Duolingo 100 also satisfies the university-level English requirement, so one score covers both checks.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

Nicholls Duolingo minimums by level

From Nicholls' international first-time freshmen page and its international graduate students page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
First-year undergraduate, proof of English100Listed with IELTS 6.5
First-year undergraduate, university-level English100Alternative to ACT English 18 or SAT ERW 500
Graduate100Waived for a completed US undergraduate degree

How Nicholls handles Duolingo scores

The proof of English requirement is waived automatically for students from countries where English is the native language. At graduate level it is also waived for anyone who completed an undergraduate degree at a US university.

Neither page states a Duolingo validity period or sending instructions; the freshmen page suggests emailing documents to nichollsinternational@nicholls.edu after you apply.

For comparison, the freshmen page and the graduate page both set IELTS at 6.5.

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If your Duolingo score is below Nicholls' level

Neither page offers conditional admission. Graduate applicants can instead complete ELS Level 112, and first-year students can meet the English check with SAT, ACT or ACCUPLACER scores.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Nicholls State need?+

100 for first-year and graduate applicants.

Does Duolingo cover the Nicholls freshman English requirement too?+

Yes. Duolingo 100 is accepted for university-level English as well as proof of proficiency.

What IELTS score matches at Nicholls?+

IELTS 6.5.

Can ELS replace Duolingo for Nicholls graduate study?+

Yes, completion of ELS Level 112.

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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