Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
UIW English scores by level
From UIW's English proficiency page. Proof of English is required for admission and for the Form I-20.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 53, Duolingo 110, TOEIC 650, Cambridge C1 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 83, PTE 56, Duolingo 115, TOEIC 700, Cambridge C1 |
Freshman alternatives and exemptions
Freshman applicants can also use WAEC/SSCE English at C4 or higher, GCSE or IGCSE English First Language at C or higher, KCSE English at C or higher, ACT English 20 or SAT evidence-based reading 520. International schools that award a US diploma or hold US regional accreditation, and IB diploma holders, are listed as exemptions.
Anyone who completes secondary school or a degree at an accredited institution in Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand or the United Kingdom is exempt. Other English-speaking countries are reviewed case by case.
Free test: are you at the University of the Incarnate Word's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Conditional admission
The conditional admission page says UIW works with UNAM San Antonio as its intensive English provider. You can apply without English scores; if conditionally admitted, UNAM San Antonio issues an I-20 for intensive English only, and you join UIW once you pass. Conditional admission is open for August and January intakes.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UIW programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of the Incarnate Word 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 the University of the Incarnate Word require?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Does UIW accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 53 for undergraduates and 56 for graduate applicants.
Does UIW accept WAEC English?+
Freshman applicants can use WAEC/SSCE English at grade C4 or higher.
Can I go to UIW without IELTS?+
You can apply for conditional admission through UNAM San Antonio's intensive English programme and start your degree after passing it.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- St. Mary's University Texas IELTS requirement
- UTSA IELTS requirement
- Midwestern State University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 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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