Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
University of Calgary Duolingo minimums by level
From the undergraduate English requirements page, the university calendar's English language proficiency section and the Faculty of Graduate Studies how to apply page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (all other programmes) | 120 | No subscore minimum listed |
| Faculty of Nursing | 130 | No integrated sub scores below 130 |
| Werklund School of Education | 150 | No integrated sub scores below 130 |
| Graduate (Faculty of Graduate Studies) | 125 | No sub-score below 105; programmes may set higher standards |
How the University of Calgary handles Duolingo scores
The undergraduate page lists results sent to UCalgary directly from Duolingo, IELTS or TOEFL among the documents you can submit. The calendar adds that if you submit an English test score even when one is not required, it will be considered and must meet the minimums.
The calendar tells applicants to Law, Graduate Studies, the Cumming School of Medicine (except the Bachelor of Health Sciences and Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation) and Veterinary Medicine to check English requirements with those faculties. The Faculty of Graduate Studies says it has a limited number of Duolingo English Test codes, given out first come, first served to applicants who email graduate@ucalgary.ca.
For comparison, the undergraduate page lists IELTS Academic 6.5 and the graduate page asks for IELTS 6.5 with no section below 6.0.
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If your Duolingo score is below the minimum
The calendar also accepts completion of the University of Calgary Academic Communication Certificate with at least B+ in each course. Students in progress in that certificate with at least two graded courses complete can apply and enrol in courses as Open Studies students.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Calgary programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does UCalgary need for undergraduates?+
120 for most programmes, 130 for Nursing and 150 for the Werklund School of Education.
What Duolingo score does UCalgary graduate studies need?+
125 with no sub-score below 105, as the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum.
Does UCalgary give out free Duolingo test codes?+
The Faculty of Graduate Studies has a limited number of codes, given first come, first served by emailing graduate@ucalgary.ca.
What is the UCalgary IELTS equivalent?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 for most undergraduate programmes, and 6.5 with no section below 6.0 for graduate study.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Calgary IELTS requirement
- Duolingo English Test for Canada
- University of Lethbridge Duolingo requirement
- Duolingo English Test score chart
- All 4750 guides
Guide updated on 1 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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