Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
SJSU Duolingo minimums by level and programme
From SJSU's international freshman English proficiency page and the graduate test requirements page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 95 | Score reports over two years old are not valid |
| Graduate (university minimum) | 120 | Required unless your degree was taught in English |
| Data Science (MS), Design (MDES), Music (MM and MS) | 125 | Programme minimum |
| Accounting and Analytics (MS), Biotechnology (MBT), Computational Linguistics (MS), Informatics (MS) | 130 | Programme minimum |
| Library and Information Science (MLIS), Psychology (MA and MS), English and Comparative Literature (MA) | 130 | Programme minimum |
SJSU's Duolingo rules
Undergraduate scores must be sent electronically by the testing centre after you submit a Cal State Apply application, and SJSU will tell you when to send them through your MySJSU To Do List.
Graduate applicants send official scores from their Duolingo account to "San Jose State University - Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations". The test is required for graduate applicants from a country where English is not the primary language and without a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the main language of instruction.
For comparison, the undergraduate page sets IELTS at 6.0 (6.5 for engineering), and the graduate page sets IELTS Academic at 6.5 as the university minimum.
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If your Duolingo score is below SJSU's level
Neither page publishes a conditional admission or pathway route, so plan to meet the stated minimum, and the higher programme figure where one applies, before the deadline.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SJSU programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does San Jose State need?+
95 for undergraduates and 120 for graduate applicants, with some programmes higher.
Which SJSU programmes ask for 130 on Duolingo?+
Among others, Accounting and Analytics, Biotechnology, Computational Linguistics, Informatics, MLIS and Psychology.
How do I send Duolingo scores to SJSU graduate admissions?+
From your Duolingo account to "San Jose State University - Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations".
How old can a Duolingo score be for SJSU undergraduate admission?+
Score reports more than two years old are not valid.
Keep reading
Related
- San Jose State University IELTS requirement
- UC Berkeley Duolingo requirement
- How to send Duolingo English Test results
- Duolingo English Test score chart
- 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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