Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
UNH Duolingo minimums by level
From UNH's international students page, which covers undergraduate and graduate students, and the Graduate School's test scores page and international applicants page.
| Level or programme | Duolingo minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 120 | Same page lists IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 4.5 and PTE 59 |
| Graduate School (all programmes) | 120 | Scores below the minimum are considered unacceptable |
| Bridge Master's | Below 120 accepted for this route | For international applicants with below-minimum scores |
Validity, waivers and the IELTS comparison
The test scores page says TOEFL and related tests are good for two years, and that submitted scores below the minimums are grounds for inactivating the application until a qualifying score arrives. If you hold scores from a test not on the list, email the Graduate School at grad.school@unh.edu to ask for approval.
Graduate applicants with a degree from a US institution, or one taught in English, can request a waiver through the English Proficiency Test Score Waiver Form, subject to the department's approval, per the international applicants page. For undergraduates, the international students page names an SAT verbal score of 500 or more, or study at an English-medium school, as waiver grounds. Neither page sets a separate Duolingo level for teaching assistantships.
Compared with IELTS: UNH's international students page pairs Duolingo 120 with IELTS 6.5.
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If your Duolingo score is below 120
The Graduate School's test scores page says international applicants with below-minimum scores may apply as a Bridge Master's student. The pages read do not describe a conditional route for undergraduates, so contact admissions before you apply with a lower score.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UNH programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What Duolingo score does UNH require?+
120, for both undergraduate and graduate international applicants, per UNH's international students page.
Does the UNH Graduate School accept Duolingo?+
Yes. The Graduate School lists the Duolingo English Test with a minimum of 120.
What if my Duolingo score is under 120 for a master's?+
The Graduate School says applicants with below-minimum scores may apply as a Bridge Master's student.
What IELTS score matches UNH's Duolingo level?+
UNH lists IELTS 6.5 alongside Duolingo 120.
Keep reading
Related
- University of New Hampshire IELTS requirement
- University of Vermont Duolingo requirement
- How to send Duolingo English Test results
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- 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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