University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for RPI?

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) expects a Duolingo English Test score of at least 115 from first-year and transfer undergraduates, and 120 from graduate applicants. RPI wants official scores sent directly from the testing agency and does not accept self-reported scores for undergraduate admission. Some graduate departments require more than the Institute minimum.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

RPI Duolingo minimums

From RPI's international undergraduate applicants page and the graduate deadlines and requirements page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate, first year115Official scores only
Undergraduate, transfer115Official scores only
Graduate120Some departments set a higher score

Official scores, interviews and the IELTS level

The undergraduate page says RPI requires official scores sent directly from the testing agency and will not accept self-reported scores. It separately encourages an optional interview through InitialView, the Duolingo English Test or Vericant; this is not required for admission.

The graduate page says practice test scores do not meet the requirement and notes that test scores older than two years are no longer available from the testing agency. It sets no separate DET level for assistantships.

On the same pages, IELTS Academic is 6.5 for both undergraduates and graduates, while the Duolingo bar rises from 115 to 120.

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

If your Duolingo score is short

The pages describe no conditional admission or English pathway. Undergraduates may be exempt with qualifications such as an SAT EBRW of 640, an ACT English score of 22 or IB English A HL at 6.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does RPI need?+

115 for undergraduates and 120 for graduate admission.

Can I self-report my Duolingo score to RPI?+

Not for undergraduate admission. RPI requires official scores sent directly from the testing agency.

Is the RPI Duolingo interview required?+

No. RPI encourages an optional interview through InitialView, the DET or Vericant, but it is not required.

Do all RPI graduate programmes accept 120?+

120 is the Institute minimum. Some departments require a higher score.

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.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy