Tulane English requirements at a glance
Sources: Undergraduate Admission's international admission page, the School of Science and Engineering graduate admissions FAQ, the School of Public Health admissions FAQs and the School of Social Work international student admissions. Section minimums are not stated by Tulane. Social Work scores are not valid after two years; the other pages do not state a validity period.
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (typical successful applicant) | 6.5 | 95 | 130 | Not listed |
| Graduate, School of Science and Engineering | 7.0 | 87; new-scale score not stated | 120 | Not listed |
| Graduate, School of Public Health | 6.5 | 4.5 (new scale) | 120 | Not listed |
| Graduate, School of Social Work | 7.0 | 100; new-scale score not stated | 130 | Not listed |
Graduate: IELTS 7.0 for science and engineering, 6.5 for public health
Every School of Science and Engineering applicant must show English proficiency, and the rule applies to US citizens and permanent residents too. You are exempt with a bachelor's or higher from an accredited university in the US or a country where English is both the main language of daily life and the language of instruction, or after two years of full-time study at such an institution. Otherwise you need IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 87 or Duolingo 120, and admitted students may be asked to confirm proficiency before arrival. See the graduate admissions FAQ.
The School of Public Health asks for TOEFL 4.5 on the new scale, IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 120. It waives the test for applicants with a two-year or longer US degree, citizens or graduates of listed English-official countries, and anyone who can provide a WES credential evaluation showing English was the language of instruction for a degree of two years or more, a route open to Indian graduates of English-medium colleges. See the public health FAQs. The School of Social Work requires TOEFL 100, IELTS 7 or Duolingo 130, sent directly from the testing agency. See Social Work international admissions.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Undergraduate: IELTS 6.5 typical, or a waiver by SAT or ACT
First-year applicants who are not native English speakers submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or Cambridge C1/C2. Successful applicants typically score 95+ on TOEFL, 6.5+ on IELTS or 130+ on Duolingo, and the TOEFL box on the page lists 95 as the minimum (institution code 6832). Submitting SAT reading/writing of 600+ or ACT English of 27+ waives the English score. The requirement may also be waived if you studied in a country where English is an official language; if your portal does not waive it automatically, ask your admission counsellor. See international admission.
Student visa and next steps
The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the requirement Tulane sets for admission, which leads to your Form I-20. For the wider picture of studying in the US with each test, see IELTS for the USA and PTE for the USA.
Requirements change between admission cycles. Check the Tulane School of Science and Engineering graduate admissions page again before you book a test, and check your own program page, which can set a higher bar.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score do I need for an MS at Tulane?+
IELTS Academic 7.0 for School of Science and Engineering graduate programs. Public Health asks for 6.5 and Social Work for 7.
Does Tulane accept PTE?+
PTE Academic is not listed on Tulane's undergraduate, science and engineering, public health or social work pages. They list TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo (and Cambridge for undergraduates).
What Duolingo score does Tulane need?+
Duolingo 120 for science and engineering and public health graduate programs, 130 for Social Work, and 130+ is typical for admitted undergraduates.
Can Indian students skip IELTS at Tulane?+
At the School of Public Health, a WES evaluation showing English was the language of instruction for a two-year-plus degree waives the test. Science and Engineering requires a degree from a country where English is also the language of daily life.
What TOEFL score does Tulane need for undergraduates?+
Successful applicants typically score 95 or higher, and the page lists TOEFL iBT 95 as the minimum. SAT reading/writing 600+ or ACT English 27+ waives the requirement.
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Verified against the linked official sources on 9 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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