Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
Shepherd IELTS levels by programme
From Shepherd's undergraduate and graduate international admissions pages.
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, regular admission | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79; Duolingo 105; ACT English 19; SAT English 490 |
| Undergraduate, provisional admission | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 67; Duolingo 90; ACT English 17; SAT English 450 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79; Duolingo 105; PTE Academic 53 |
Regular and provisional admission
The undergraduate page explains that regular admission lets a student enrol with no stipulations. Provisional admission requires a student to enrol in Shepherd's IELP courses and one additional course advised during the first semester. If those are completed successfully, the student may continue as a degree-seeking student.
The page asks all non-US citizens and permanent residents to provide proof of English language proficiency. It also asks freshmen for their secondary school transcript and for any college coursework done outside the US to be evaluated by a NACES member.
Free test: are you at Shepherd University's score yet?
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Graduate notes and how to check
The graduate page asks for proof of English if your native language is not English, and lists IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, Duolingo 105 and PTE Academic 53. It has no provisional route in the table, so ask the graduate office if you fall short.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Shepherd programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Shepherd University 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 Shepherd University need?+
6.5 for regular undergraduate admission and for graduate admission. Provisional undergraduate admission starts at 5.5.
What is provisional admission at Shepherd?+
You take the IELP courses and one additional course in your first semester, then continue as a degree-seeking student if you succeed.
Does Shepherd accept PTE Academic?+
The graduate page lists PTE Academic 53. The undergraduate page does not list PTE.
Does Shepherd accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 105 for regular undergraduate and graduate admission, and 90 for provisional undergraduate admission.
Keep reading
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- IELTS for the USA: scores by university and visa
- All 5669 guides
Guide updated on 4 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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