University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for the University of Pittsburgh?

The University of Pittsburgh considers a Duolingo score of 125 or higher competitive for undergraduate admission to the Pittsburgh campus, and applicants at 115 to 120 are most often considered for a regional campus. For graduate study, both the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the Swanson School of Engineering set a minimum of 120.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

Pitt Duolingo levels

From the undergraduate TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo page, the Dietrich School graduate international students page and the Swanson School of Engineering English proficiency page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate, Pittsburgh campus125+ competitiveHolistic review
Undergraduate, regional campuses115-120Most often considered for Bradford, Greensburg or Johnstown
Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences graduate120Several programmes ask for more
Swanson School of Engineering graduate120Extra English courses recommended under 140

Validity, sending and IELTS comparison

Dietrich School Duolingo scores must not be more than two years old. Undergraduates submit Duolingo by searching "University of Pittsburgh" in the Duolingo portal. Engineering applicants log in after receiving certified results, click "Send Results" and select "University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering".

After admission, the engineering page recommends LING courses for Duolingo Writing, Speaking or Listening scores of 120 or below, and Reading of 115 or below.

IELTS comparison: the undergraduate page calls IELTS 7.0+ competitive, Dietrich asks 7.0 with 6.5 in each section, and Swanson asks 6.5.

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If your score is lower

For undergraduates, Pitt suggests ranking campuses on the application in order of preference, since scores in the 115-120 range often lead to a regional campus. Waivers are decided case by case, for example after 60 or more college credits from a regionally accredited US institution.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Pitt need for undergraduates?+

125+ is competitive for the Pittsburgh campus; 115-120 is most often considered for a regional campus.

What Duolingo score does Pitt graduate school need?+

120 for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the Swanson School of Engineering.

How old can my Duolingo score be for Pitt Arts and Sciences?+

No more than two years old.

Does a Duolingo score below 140 affect Pitt engineering students?+

Extra English courses are recommended for admitted students with a total under 140.

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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