Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
NDSU Duolingo minimums by level and programme
From NDSU's international undergraduate apply page, the graduate admission policies in the catalog and the assistantship policies.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 105 | Scores valid for two years |
| Graduate School minimum | 105 | Some programmes set higher minimums |
| Accountancy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology, Software Engineering, Statistics and others | 115 | Listed with TOEFL 81 and IELTS 7 |
| Applied Statistics, Architecture, Construction Management (M.C.M.) | 115 | Listed with IELTS 6.5 |
| Construction Management (M.S.), Education, Educational Leadership, Pharmaceutical Sciences | 120 | IELTS 6.5 or 7 depending on programme |
| Athletic Training, Human Development and Family Science | 125 | Listed with IELTS 7 |
| Communication, Criminal Justice, Developmental Science, English, History, Rhetoric | 130 | Criminal Justice asks 135 to qualify for an assistantship |
| Graduate teaching assistant: grader only | 110 | Speaking 105, writing 125 |
| Graduate teaching assistant: in class | 115 | Speaking 115, writing 125 |
How NDSU handles Duolingo scores
The undergraduate page says all test scores are valid for two years and must be sent directly to NDSU. At graduate level, the Graduate School page says official Duolingo scores must be sent electronically to "North Dakota State University - Graduate", and the test date must be within two years of your application.
Duolingo is accepted for graduate teaching assistant roles. The catalog says GTAs must meet test score minimums under North Dakota state law; you need to meet the minimums of only one test, and you may retake and submit new scores at any time.
For comparison, the undergraduate page and the graduate policies both set IELTS at 6.0 overall.
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If your Duolingo score is below NDSU's level
Neither admission page describes conditional admission tied to a Duolingo score. For teaching roles, graduate students below the GTA minimums may still qualify as a grader or in-class GTA by completing LANG 701, LANG 702 and a mock teaching exam set with their department.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your NDSU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does NDSU need?+
105 for undergraduates and as the Graduate School minimum, with many graduate programmes asking 115 to 130.
What Duolingo score does NDSU Computer Science need?+
115, alongside TOEFL 81 or IELTS 7.
Can I use Duolingo for a teaching assistantship at NDSU?+
Yes. In-class teaching assistants need 115 overall with speaking 115 and writing 125; grader-only roles need 110.
How old can my Duolingo score be for NDSU?+
Two years. Graduate applicants need a test date within two years of applying.
Keep reading
Related
- North Dakota State University IELTS requirement
- Minot State University Duolingo requirement
- How to send Duolingo English Test results
- Duolingo English Test score chart
- All 3989 guides
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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