Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
UAA English requirements by level
From UAA's international student admission page. It gives overall scores only.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Associate and bachelor's | 6.0 overall band | TOEFL 71 iBT, Duolingo 105, PTE Academic 52 |
| Master's and doctoral | 6.5 overall band | TOEFL 79 iBT |
| MBA | Not stated separately | TOEFL 80 iBT |
Waivers and graduate programmes
Instead of a test, you can submit a completed waiver form, and UAA points to its English Proficiency Requirements page for more detail. The admission page does not list the waiver conditions itself.
Each graduate programme has its own requirements, which may include a CV, references, writing samples or entrance exams. GPA requirements vary, but a 3.0 minimum is generally required. Check with the Graduate School.
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Applying
The undergraduate application is free and the graduate application fee is $75. International students need an F-1 or J-1 visa, and UAA International Student Services guides you through the process.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UAA programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) 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 the University of Alaska Anchorage require?+
IELTS 6.0 overall band for associate and bachelor's applicants, and 6.5 for master's and doctoral applicants.
Does UAA accept Duolingo for graduate study?+
The admission page lists Duolingo (105) only for associate and bachelor's applicants. Graduate applicants should check with their programme.
What TOEFL score does the UAA MBA need?+
80 iBT, one point above the 79 iBT asked of other master's applicants.
Can I get an English waiver at UAA?+
The page lists a completed waiver form as an accepted proof. The conditions are on UAA's English Proficiency Requirements page.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- University of Alaska Fairbanks IELTS requirement
- University of Washington IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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