Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
OLLU English scores by level
From OLLU's English proficiency requirement page, which lists the same three tests for undergraduate and graduate international students.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79 (550 paper), Duolingo 105 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79 (550 paper), Duolingo 105 |
Waivers
Students who graduated high school in one of the listed countries, or who can show completion at an English-language institution, may qualify for a test waiver. The list includes Nigeria, The Gambia, Liberia, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and several Caribbean countries, plus most American and British schools abroad.
The admission requirements page says waiver options are available for undergraduate freshmen and transfers who meet certain criteria. It also says SAT and ACT are not required for international applicants, though OLLU recommends sending them.
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Deadlines and how to check
OLLU's international priority dates are 15 June for first-time students and 29 June for transfers (fall), and 15 October for spring. The page notes that acceptance letters and I-20s are not guaranteed after these dates. The TOEFL school code is 6550.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your OLLU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Our Lady of the Lake 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 Our Lady of the Lake University require?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 for both undergraduate and graduate international applicants.
Does OLLU accept Duolingo?+
Yes, with a score of 105.
Are Nigerian students exempt from IELTS at OLLU?+
Nigeria is on OLLU's list of countries whose high school graduates may qualify for an English test waiver.
Does OLLU need the SAT from international students?+
No. SAT and ACT are not required for admission, but OLLU recommends sending them.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- St. Mary's University IELTS requirement
- UTSA IELTS requirement
- University of the Incarnate Word IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- 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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