University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Old Dominion University?

Old Dominion University accepts a Duolingo English Test score of 120 to meet its English proficiency requirement, and the graduate catalog repeats the 120 for graduate applicants. Below that, ODU's English Language Center places Duolingo 110 to 115 into the Monarch English Transition (MET) Program, where applicable, and 105 or below into the Intensive English Program.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

ODU Duolingo levels

From ODU's English proficiency page and the graduate admission catalog.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Admission (undergraduate and graduate)120Applies to all levels of University study
Monarch English Transition Program110 to 115If programme applicable; academic plus semi-intensive English
Intensive English Program105 and belowAutomatically eligible to enrol

How the levels work, and the IELTS comparison

Admission to all levels of study depends on meeting English proficiency. Admission to the English Language Center and non-credit English courses there does not mean admission to the University. Neither page sets Duolingo subscores or validity.

On the same proficiency page, IELTS 6.5 overall sits beside DET 120; IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 matches the MET Program band, and below 5.5 the intensive band.

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Conditional admission and the MET Program

Conditional admission is offered only to highly qualified applicants who meet all admission requirements except English. Completing the MET Program means a B or higher with 85% attendance in each English Language Center class, plus a GPA of 2.50 (undergraduate) or 3.00 (graduate) in academic courses taken during the programme.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your ODU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Old Dominion University need?+

120, for undergraduate and graduate admission.

What if I score 110 to 115 on Duolingo for ODU?+

You are automatically eligible for the Monarch English Transition Program, where applicable.

Does ODU offer conditional admission?+

Yes, only to highly qualified applicants who meet every requirement except English.

What IELTS score matches ODU's Duolingo 120?+

IELTS 6.5 overall.

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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