Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
SNHU campus English requirements by level
From SNHU's international admission requirements page for campus programmes. SNHU's online programmes are handled separately.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0, min 5.5 each section | TOEFL 71 (15 each section), PTE 50, Duolingo 110 direct (105 with ENG099i), goFLUENT B2.4 |
| Graduate | 6.0 | TOEFL 71, PTE 50, Duolingo 105, goFLUENT B2.4 |
| Doctoral | 6.0, min 5.5 each section | TOEFL 71, Duolingo 110, goFLUENT B2.4 |
Waivers and ENG099i
Undergraduates can meet the requirement with a full year of US post-secondary study with at least 24 transferable semester hours, a full academic year of US high school with a passing grade in standard English, or the right level at an English Pathway Partner. Graduate applicants can use a year of US high school, completed US undergraduate study or a Pathway Partner level.
Waivers may also be considered case by case. ENG099i is a three-credit developmental course that counts towards GPA, and undergraduates admitted with Duolingo 105 or goFLUENT B2.2 must take it.
Free test: are you at SNHU's score yet?
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One Skill Retake and how to check
SNHU accepts IELTS One Skill Retake scores, which helps if one section is below 5.5. The page notes that SNHU is not accepting new ESL programme enrolments after the 5 May 2025 term start.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SNHU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 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 SNHU require?+
IELTS 6.0 for campus programmes. Undergraduate and doctoral applicants also need 5.5 in each section.
Does SNHU accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+
Yes. SNHU accepts IELTS One Skill Retake scores and TOEFL MyBest scores.
What Duolingo score does SNHU need?+
110 for direct entry to an undergraduate programme (105 with ENG099i), 105 for graduate programmes and 110 for doctoral programmes.
What PTE score does SNHU accept?+
PTE 50 for undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- University of New Hampshire IELTS requirement
- Rivier University IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- 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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