Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
PennWest English requirements by level
From PennWest's international undergraduate page and international graduate page. Both list scores for full admission only.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (full admission) | 5.5 | TOEFL 61, Duolingo 100 |
| Graduate (full admission) | 6.0 | TOEFL 76, Duolingo 95 |
Other tests and exemptions
The undergraduate page also names the GTEC CBT exam and STEP-EIKEN as qualifying tests.
Graduate applicants may be exempt if they hold a degree taught in English, provided English is the official language of the country where the university is located or the institution is accredited by a US regional accreditor. Citizens of a list of countries on the page are also exempt when their degree was taught in English.
Free test: are you at PennWest's score yet?
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How to check
Graduate transcripts must be in English and sent directly from the institution. The pages do not list band minimums, so the overall score is what is assessed.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your PennWest programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) 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 PennWest require?+
IELTS 5.5 for undergraduates and 6.0 for graduate applicants, for full admission.
Does PennWest accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 100 for undergraduates and 95 for graduate applicants.
What TOEFL score does PennWest need?+
TOEFL 61 for undergraduates and 76 for graduate applicants.
Can I skip IELTS for a PennWest master's?+
Possibly, if your degree was taught in English in a country where English is official or at a US regionally accredited institution.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Slippery Rock University IELTS requirement
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania IELTS requirement
- Point Park University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3605 guides
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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