University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

The University of Hawaii at Manoa admits undergraduates with a Duolingo English Test score of 90 through its English Language Institute (ELI), and 135 for admission without ELI. Graduate Division sets the same 90 minimum, but graduate teaching assistantship applicants need 135 overall with 135 in Listening and 145 in Speaking. Graduate scores must be no more than two years old.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

UH Manoa Duolingo minimums by level

From UH Manoa's undergraduate international admission page and the Graduate Division's English proficiency page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate, admitted through ELI90English classes through the English Language Institute
Undergraduate, ELI exempt135Admission without ELI classes
Graduate Division minimum90Individual programmes may set different scores
Graduate teaching assistantship135With a Listening score of 135 and a Speaking score of 145
Graduate ELI placement test exemption135Overall score

How UH Manoa handles Duolingo scores

Graduate Division accepts tests taken at home or online when the provider runs them under its standard procedures. It also accepts scores built from several sittings, such as TOEFL MyBest and IELTS One Skill Retake.

Graduate applicants may submit unofficial scores while applying, but admitted students must send official scores to enrol. Graduate test scores cannot be more than two years old. The undergraduate page gives no Duolingo validity rule.

For comparison, the same pages set IELTS at 5.5 for admission through ELI and 7.0 for ELI-exempt undergraduate admission, and 5.5 as the Graduate Division minimum.

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If your Duolingo score is below UH Manoa's level

For undergraduates, a score between 90 and 135 still leads to admission, but through the English Language Institute rather than straight into full degree study. Graduate students below 135 may need the ELI placement test.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UH Manoa programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does UH Manoa need?+

90 for undergraduate admission through the English Language Institute, or 135 to be ELI exempt. Graduate Division's minimum is also 90.

Can I be a teaching assistant at UH Manoa with Duolingo?+

Yes. Graduate teaching assistantship applicants need 135 overall, with 135 in Listening and 145 in Speaking.

How old can my Duolingo score be for UH Manoa graduate study?+

No more than two years old.

What is UH Manoa's IELTS equivalent?+

IELTS 5.5 is the minimum at both levels; undergraduates need 7.0 to skip ELI.

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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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