Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
NMU English requirements by level
From NMU's international undergraduate application page and the International Programs FAQ, which gives the graduate scores. Overall scores only.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 61 or 3.5, PTE 50, Duolingo 95, MET 55, iTEP 3.7 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79, Duolingo 105, MELAB 79, iTEP 3.9 |
Other undergraduate routes
A diploma from a US high school, an international school with US regional accreditation, or an English-medium IB school qualifies. So does a secondary diploma from a listed country where English is official, if your transcript shows four years of high school English with C or better; the list includes Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the UK and Canada (except Quebec), but not India, Pakistan or Bangladesh.
SAT (2016 or later) Writing and Language 28 plus Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 560, ACT combined English/Writing 21, ELS Level 112, or a 2.0 GPA over 12 or more US college credits including English composition or speech at C or higher also work.
Free test: are you at Northern Michigan University'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.
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Validity
English test scores are valid for two years and must still be valid at the start of your studies. They must be sent directly from the testing company. NMU's TOEFL school code is 1560.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your NMU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University need?+
IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for graduate applicants.
Does NMU accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 95 for undergraduates and 105 for graduate study.
Does NMU accept PTE?+
PTE Academic 50 is listed for undergraduates. The graduate list in the FAQ does not include PTE.
How long is IELTS valid for NMU?+
Two years, and it must be valid on the start date of your studies.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Lake Superior State University IELTS requirement
- Michigan Tech IELTS requirement
- Western Michigan University IELTS requirement
- How long IELTS results stay valid
- 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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