Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Nicholls English requirements by level
From the international first-time freshmen page and the international graduate students page. Overall scores only.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| First-time freshman | 6.5 | TOEFL 4.0 (80), Duolingo 100, SAT ERW 500, ACT English 18 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL 4.0 (80), Duolingo 100 |
Exemptions
Proof of English is waived automatically if you are from a country where English is the native language; Nicholls publishes a list of exempt countries, and the graduate page names Australia, the United Kingdom and Nigeria as examples. Graduate applicants who completed an undergraduate degree at a US university are also exempt.
Freshmen also need university-level English shown by Duolingo 100, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 4.0 (80), SAT ERW 500 or ACT English 18; transfer students from US schools who completed the equivalent of English 101 are waived from that part.
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What to check
Neither page lists PTE Academic, band minimums, a validity period or conditional admission. SAT or ACT scores should be sent directly by the testing agency; Nicholls' SAT code is 6221 and ACT code 1580.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Nicholls programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Nicholls State 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 Nicholls State University need?+
IELTS 6.5 for both first-year and graduate international applicants.
Does Nicholls accept Duolingo?+
Yes, a score of 100.
Are Nigerian students exempt from IELTS at Nicholls?+
The graduate page names Nigeria as an example of a country where English is the native language, so the requirement is waived. Check the exempt list for your case.
Does Nicholls accept PTE?+
PTE is not on Nicholls' English proficiency lists.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- Northwestern State University IELTS requirement
- Southeastern Louisiana University IELTS requirement
- McNeese State 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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