University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for SAIC?

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) asks international undergraduate applicants for a Duolingo English Test score of 110, alongside IELTS 6.5 and TOEFL 82, or 4.5 from January 2026. Graduate admission also accepts official Duolingo scores, but its application page gives no separate Duolingo figure.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

SAIC Duolingo minimums by level

From SAIC's undergraduate international students page and its graduate application process page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate110BA in Art History needs TOEFL 5 or equivalent
GraduateNo figure on the application pageDuolingo is listed as accepted

How SAIC handles Duolingo scores

Undergraduates send test scores by selecting SAIC's school codes when taking the test, or by email or post to undergraduate admissions. The BA in Art History asks for a higher level: TOEFL iBT 5 or equivalent.

Graduate applicants who need a test submit official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores and upload an unofficial copy to the International Requirements section of the application. Neither page states a validity period.

For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 6.5.

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If your Duolingo score is below SAIC's level

Neither page describes conditional admission. Undergraduates are exempt if their first language is English, they attend a US-accredited high school abroad, they studied at an English-language school for four or more years, or they earned 12 or more semester hours at an English-language university. Graduate applicants with an English-medium or US degree are waived.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does SAIC need for undergraduates?+

110.

Does SAIC accept Duolingo for graduate programmes?+

Yes. The graduate page lists it as accepted but gives no separate minimum.

Is the Art History BA requirement higher at SAIC?+

Yes. It asks for TOEFL iBT 5 or equivalent.

What IELTS score does SAIC ask undergraduates for?+

6.5.

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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