Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
UW-Superior minimum scores
From UW-Superior's international how-to-apply page. The page says the English requirement can be met in a variety of ways and that, depending on test scores, students may take a combination of ESL and non-ESL courses in the first semester.
| Test | On-campus undergraduate | Online undergraduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 | 115 |
| TOEFL (new scale) | 3.5 (writing 3.0 or higher) | 4.5 |
| TOEFL (previous scale) | 61 | 80 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | Not listed |
| Cambridge B2 First | 169 | Not listed |
| SAT ERW / ACT English | 470 / 18 | 470 / 18 |
Partner programmes and exemptions
The page also lists partner language programmes: ELS level 110, a letter of recommendation from the Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI), FLS International level 16 and The Language Company level 9.
Applicants educated mainly in listed countries, with three years at a US or US-accredited high school, or with a US degree or two years of study at a US accredited institution, may be exempt. UW-Superior reserves the right to require evidence of English from all applicants.
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Scholarships and how to check
The page says more than 90% of international students receive Nonresident Tuition Waiver (NTW) scholarships worth $5,900 to $8,100 per year. Students who submit all required items are automatically considered, and need to confirm their intention to enrol for at least one academic year.
This page is for undergraduate applicants. Check your own programme page for graduate rules.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UW-Superior programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UW-Superior) 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 UW-Superior need?+
IELTS 5.5 for on-campus undergraduates and 6.5 for online undergraduate programmes.
Does UW-Superior accept PTE Academic?+
The on-campus list includes PTE Academic 47. The online undergraduate list does not include PTE.
What happens with a lower score?+
Depending on test scores, students may take ESL and non-ESL courses together in the first semester.
Is there a scholarship for international students?+
The page describes the Nonresident Tuition Waiver, worth $5,900 to $8,100 per year, with automatic consideration.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee IELTS requirement
- UW-Stout IELTS requirement
- UW-Whitewater IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university and visa
- All 5669 guides
Guide updated on 4 November 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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