University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Royal Holloway?

Royal Holloway, University of London asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 120 overall for almost every course, with subscore rules that depend on the subject. Many undergraduate degrees need 115 in Literacy and Production and no sub-score below 100, most taught master's need no sub-score below 115, and research degrees need 135 in Literacy and Production. Certificates must be under two years old.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
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  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

Royal Holloway Duolingo minimums

From Royal Holloway's English language requirements page, which lists scores subject by subject.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate, many subjects (e.g. Accounting and Financial Management)120115 in Literacy and Production, no sub-score below 100
Undergraduate, some subjects (e.g. Biological Sciences)120No sub-score below 100
Taught master's, most subjects120No sub-score below 115
Taught master's in Biological Sciences; MRes Cultural Geography and MRes Geopolitics, Development, Security and Justice120135 in Literacy and Production, no sub-score below 100
MSc (Pre-Registration) Occupational Therapy130No sub-score below 125
Postgraduate research (PhD and Masters by Research)120135 in Literacy and Production, no sub-score below 100

Royal Holloway's Duolingo rules

Your language test certificate must have been issued no more than two years before the start of your course, and Royal Holloway may ask for further evidence of your language ability in individual cases. Completing at least one year of bachelor's-level study in a majority English-speaking country may also meet the requirement.

For comparison, the same page sets undergraduate Accounting and Financial Management at IELTS 6.5 with 6 in Writing and at least 5.5 in each subscore, and all research degrees at IELTS 6.5 with Writing 7.0.

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If your Duolingo score is short

International students who do not meet the requirements for an undergraduate course can apply for a preparation programme at the Royal Holloway International Study Centre and then progress to their degree. Royal Holloway also runs Pre-sessional English Language Programmes.

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Royal Holloway accept Duolingo?+

Yes, for undergraduate, taught master's and research degrees.

What Duolingo score does Royal Holloway need?+

120 overall for most courses, with subscore rules that vary by subject. MSc Occupational Therapy needs 130.

What Duolingo score does Royal Holloway need for a PhD?+

120 overall with 135 in Literacy and Production and no sub-score below 100.

How old can a Duolingo certificate be?+

Issued no more than two years before your course starts.

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Guide updated on 1 November 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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