University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for the University of Calgary?

The University of Calgary asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 120 for most undergraduate programmes. Nursing needs 130 with no integrated sub score below 130, and the Werklund School of Education needs 150 with no integrated sub score below 130. The Faculty of Graduate Studies sets a minimum of 125 with no sub-score below 105, and programmes may ask for more.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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 programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate (all other programmes)120No subscore minimum listed
Faculty of Nursing130No integrated sub scores below 130
Werklund School of Education150No integrated sub scores below 130
Graduate (Faculty of Graduate Studies)125No 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.

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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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