University English requirements

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

The University of Virginia's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences sets a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 130 overall, with sectional minimums of 125 in speaking, 130 in writing, 130 in reading and 125 in listening. The School of Data Science's MS asks for exactly the same. Enrolling students without an English-medium degree also take UVA's own UVELPE exam.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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

UVA Duolingo minimums by programme

From the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences requirements and the MS in Data Science admissions page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences130 overallSpeaking 125, writing 130, reading 130, listening 125
MS in Data Science130 overallSame four section minimums

Validity, sending and the IELTS comparison

The test date must fall within two years of the application deadline. Arts and Sciences says DET scores are valid for two years and, if they will expire before July of the coming year, you should submit official scores before they expire. Send DET scores electronically to the University of Virginia; no department or institution code is needed. Official scores are only required if you enrol.

Arts and Sciences admissions committees will still consider applications with scores below these minimums.

On the same Arts and Sciences page, the IELTS minimum is 7.0 in each section. The Data Science page asks for IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in speaking and writing.

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Waivers and the UVELPE

Arts and Sciences waives the test for an undergraduate degree taken entirely in English and will consider other evidence, such as expired TOEFL, IELTS or DET scores or a teaching assistantship in an English-taught course. Data Science waives only for an English-taught undergraduate degree. All enrolling Arts and Sciences students without such a degree, and Data Science students with test scores, must take the UVELPE before their first term.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does UVA need?+

130 overall for graduate Arts and Sciences and the MS in Data Science, with section minimums of 125 to 130.

What are UVA's Duolingo subscores?+

Speaking 125, writing 130, reading 130 and listening 125.

Can I apply to UVA with a lower Duolingo score?+

Arts and Sciences says committees will still consider applications below the minimums.

Do I need a code to send Duolingo to UVA?+

No. Send electronically to the University of Virginia.

Keep reading

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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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