Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Northwood English requirements by level
From Northwood's English proficiency policy.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 overall | TOEFL iBT 61 (or 4), Duolingo 110, PTE 48, LanguageCert Academic 65, GTEC 1126, Cambridge B2, ELS level 112, ACT 18 or SAT 940 |
| Graduate | 6.5 overall | TOEFL iBT 80 (or 4.5), Duolingo 120, PTE 55, LanguageCert Academic 72, GTEC 1201, Cambridge C1, ELS level 112 |
Waivers
The test is waived for students who completed at least three years of high school or a degree where instruction was entirely in English (EFL, ESL or blended models do not qualify), for graduate applicants whose undergraduate coursework was entirely in English, and for native citizens of US territories (excluding Puerto Rico), the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (excluding Quebec), South Africa and Jamaica.
IB English A1 or A2 at grade 5 and ACT or SAT scores count for undergraduates only. Northwood may give an English exam on arrival if it sees a gap between a student's performance and the proficiency submitted.
Free test: are you at Northwood 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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Conditional admission and how to check
Applicants who cannot demonstrate enough English may be admitted conditionally, at the university's discretion, and are issued an I-20 for the Intensive English Program. Plan to test well before deadlines so scores arrive in time.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Northwood programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Northwood 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 Northwood University require?+
An overall band of 6.0 for undergraduate programmes and 6.5 for graduate programmes.
Does Northwood accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 110 for undergraduates and 120 for graduate study.
What PTE score does Northwood need?+
PTE Academic 48 for undergraduates and 55 for graduate programmes.
Can I get conditional admission to Northwood?+
Yes, at the university's discretion, with an I-20 for its Intensive English Program.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Calvin University IELTS requirement
- Central Michigan University IELTS requirement
- Saginaw Valley State University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 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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