University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for the University of New Mexico?

The University of New Mexico accepts a Duolingo English Test score of 95 for undergraduate admission and 105 for graduate admission. UNM asks you to send your score through the Duolingo website. Undergraduates who meet the academic requirements but not the English one can be offered conditional admission through UNM's Center for English Language and American Culture (CELAC).
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

UNM Duolingo minimums

From UNM's English proficiency requirements page, which gives undergraduate and graduate minimums side by side, and the CELAC conditional admission page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate95Send through the Duolingo website
Graduate105Send through the Duolingo website
Undergraduate conditional admission (CELAC)Below 95Complete CELAC, then move to academic study

Sending scores and the IELTS level

UNM's table gives a submission method for each test: Duolingo scores go through the Duolingo website, while IELTS, PTE and several other results are uploaded. The page does not state a validity period or subscore minimums for the DET, and it sets no separate level for graduate assistantships.

On the same page, IELTS is 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for graduate study.

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If your Duolingo score is short

UNM can issue an undergraduate conditional admission letter to international students who meet all academic requirements but not the English one. You complete the CELAC programme and need CELAC's recommendation to transfer to academic study, after which a new I-20 is issued. The CELAC page restates the 95 and 105 targets but sets no lower DET entry band, and it describes conditional admission for undergraduates only.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does UNM need?+

95 for undergraduate admission and 105 for graduate admission.

How do I send Duolingo scores to UNM?+

Through the Duolingo website, as the English proficiency page instructs.

Does UNM offer conditional admission?+

Yes for undergraduates, through the CELAC programme, if you meet every requirement except English.

Is the UNM Duolingo level different for graduate study?+

Yes. Graduate applicants need 105, ten points above the undergraduate 95.

Keep reading

Related

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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