Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
UWL English requirements by level
From UWL's international undergraduate admission page and international graduate admission page. Both give overall IELTS scores only. The graduate page says requirements vary by programme and scores must be no more than two years old when you apply.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 4.0, Duolingo 100, PTE Academic 54, WESLI level 700 |
| Graduate, non-health professions | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 4.5, Duolingo 110, PTE Academic 60 |
| Graduate, health professions | 7.5 | TOEFL iBT 5.0, Duolingo 135, PTE Academic 68 |
Which programmes count as health professions
UWL lists Athletic Training, Nurse Anesthesia, Physical Therapy, Medical Dosimetry, Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies also require credit evaluation through WES or ECE.
Graduate applicants can meet the requirement with a bachelor's or higher degree from UWL or another approved institution where English is the sole language of instruction, earned within two years of enrolling and after at least two years at that institution.
Free test: are you at UWL's score yet?
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Applying
Both levels apply through the Universities of Wisconsin application. The non-refundable fee is $25 for undergraduates and $56 for graduate applicants. Undergraduate decisions are mailed about one to two weeks after your file is complete.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UWL programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) 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-La Crosse need?+
IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates and non-health graduate programmes, and 7.5 for graduate health professions programmes.
Does UW-La Crosse accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 54 for undergraduates, 60 for non-health graduate programmes and 68 for health professions.
Does UWL accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 100 for undergraduates, 110 for non-health graduate programmes and 135 for health professions.
Can my Indian degree waive UWL's graduate test?+
Only if it is from an approved institution where English is the sole language of instruction, earned within two years of enrolling. Confirm with UWL.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- UW-Eau Claire IELTS requirement
- UW-Madison IELTS requirement
- Winona State University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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