University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for North Dakota State University?

North Dakota State University sets a Duolingo English Test minimum of 105 for undergraduates and for the Graduate School, matching IELTS 6.0. Many graduate programmes ask for more: 115 for Computer Science, Data Science and most sciences, 120 for Education and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and 130 for Communication, English and History. Teaching assistants have separate minimums.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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 programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate105Scores valid for two years
Graduate School minimum105Some programmes set higher minimums
Accountancy, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Psychology, Software Engineering, Statistics and others115Listed with TOEFL 81 and IELTS 7
Applied Statistics, Architecture, Construction Management (M.C.M.)115Listed with IELTS 6.5
Construction Management (M.S.), Education, Educational Leadership, Pharmaceutical Sciences120IELTS 6.5 or 7 depending on programme
Athletic Training, Human Development and Family Science125Listed with IELTS 7
Communication, Criminal Justice, Developmental Science, English, History, Rhetoric130Criminal Justice asks 135 to qualify for an assistantship
Graduate teaching assistant: grader only110Speaking 105, writing 125
Graduate teaching assistant: in class115Speaking 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

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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