Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Detroit Mercy proficiency scores
From Detroit Mercy's international admission process page. The page gives one set of minimum scores and no band minimums.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS overall band | 6.5 |
| TOEFL internet-based | 81 (or 4 on the new scale) |
| TOEFL paper-based | 550 |
| Duolingo | 105 |
| SAT or ACT | High school applicants can submit either |
| Nursing applicants | TOEFL iBT 83 (or 4 on the new scale), required before a decision |
Testing on arrival instead of before
Detroit Mercy states that proficiency is not required for admission to most programmes, though students are expected to have basic English communication skills. If English is not your native language and you have not completed a degree at an approved US school, you take an ESL test when you arrive on campus.
Students who are not yet proficient on that test must enrol in the American Language and Culture Program and may need to defer the start of their degree classes for a semester or more. A strong IELTS score before you travel helps avoid that delay.
Free test: are you at the University of Detroit Mercy's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Nursing, GRE and partner routes
Nursing applicants whose native language is not English, or who do not mainly speak English at home, need TOEFL iBT 83 on file before an admission decision. The GRE is not required for graduate programmes except the MBA. Detroit Mercy also has an arrangement with upGrad and IMT Ghaziabad that lets students from India transfer up to 12 credits into its MHSA or MBA/MHSA programme.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Detroit Mercy programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Detroit Mercy 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 Detroit Mercy require?+
Its listed minimum is IELTS 6.5 overall, but most programmes do not require proficiency for admission and test you on arrival instead.
Does Detroit Mercy accept Duolingo?+
Yes. The minimum Duolingo score is 105.
Does Detroit Mercy nursing accept IELTS?+
The nursing requirement is stated as a TOEFL iBT score of 83 (or 4 on the new scale).
What happens if my English is below the level at Detroit Mercy?+
You enrol in the American Language and Culture Program and may need to defer your degree start.
Keep reading
Related
- Wayne State University IELTS requirement
- Oakland University IELTS requirement
- Grand Valley State University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- 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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