University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville?

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville accepts a Duolingo English Test score of 110 for undergraduate admission, though the score is not used for placement. The Graduate School requires an overall Duolingo score of 120. Undergraduate applicants who meet everything except the English requirement could be offered conditional admission through the English Language Institute.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

UT Knoxville Duolingo minimums by level

From UT's international undergraduate page and the Graduate School's testing requirements.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate110Used for admission, not placement; take ELI 110 or the English Placement Exam
Graduate120 overallMust be submitted within two years of the test date

Placement, validity and the IELTS comparison

Undergraduates admitted with a Duolingo score still need ELI 110 or the English Placement Exam (EPE) for placement. The undergraduate page notes that minimum subscores may be considered in the future but sets none now.

Graduate scores should be reported electronically by the testing agency and are valid if submitted with the application within two years of the test date.

On the same pages, undergraduate IELTS is 6.5 beside DET 110, and graduate IELTS is 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 beside DET 120.

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Conditional admission

If an undergraduate applicant meets all academic and general requirements except English, UT could offer conditional admission and refer them to the English Language Institute's ESL programme, joining the degree when ready. Graduate applicants may be exempt if English is an official language in their country of citizenship under Graduate School standards.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does UT Knoxville need?+

110 for undergraduate admission and 120 overall for graduate admission.

Does UT Knoxville use Duolingo for English placement?+

No. The DET counts for admission only; placement is through ELI 110 or the English Placement Exam.

How long is Duolingo valid for UT graduate school?+

Scores are valid if submitted within two years of the test date.

Does UT Knoxville offer conditional admission?+

Yes for undergraduates who meet every requirement except English, through the English Language Institute.

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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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