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 programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, admitted through ELI | 90 | English classes through the English Language Institute |
| Undergraduate, ELI exempt | 135 | Admission without ELI classes |
| Graduate Division minimum | 90 | Individual programmes may set different scores |
| Graduate teaching assistantship | 135 | With a Listening score of 135 and a Speaking score of 145 |
| Graduate ELI placement test exemption | 135 | Overall 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.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Hawaii at Manoa IELTS requirement
- University of Denver Duolingo requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- Duolingo English Test score chart
- All 4564 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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