Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
UMD English requirements by level
Undergraduate figures are from UMD Admissions; graduate figures are from the Graduate School Duluth.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 71 (4.0 on the 2026 test), Duolingo 105, PTE 54, Cambridge 175 |
| Graduate (master's, doctoral) | 6.5; writing 6.5, reading 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79 (tests before 21 Jan 2026), Duolingo 115 with reading 120 (through summer 2027) |
Other ways to meet the requirement
Undergraduates can also use ACT English and Reading 21, SAT Reading and Writing 540, AP, A-level or IB English, 26 or more credits of US college transfer coursework, a year at a US high school, or Minnesota English Language Program Level 4. Applicants from listed English-speaking countries are exempt.
Graduate applicants meet the requirement if they completed secondary school in the US or a listed country, or at least 16 semester credits of post-secondary study there (excluding ESL). The Graduate School does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores.
Free test: are you at University of Minnesota Duluth's score yet?
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Graduate notes and how to check
The graduate page says your programme may set higher requirements and may not accept every test listed. Official scores must come from the testing agency before visa documents are issued. Teaching assistants must meet a separate speaking requirement.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UMD programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where University of Minnesota Duluth 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 UMN Duluth require?+
IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates, and 6.5 overall with writing 6.5 and reading 6.5 for graduate applicants.
Does UMN Duluth accept Duolingo for graduate study?+
Yes. Overall 115 with a reading subscore of 120, through summer 2027.
What TOEFL score does UMD need for a master's?+
A total of 79 for tests taken before 21 January 2026.
Does UMD accept MyBest TOEFL scores for graduate admission?+
No. Submit scores from one test date.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- University of Minnesota IELTS requirement
- St Cloud State University IELTS requirement
- Minnesota State Mankato IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3605 guides
Guide updated on 31 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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