University English requirements

What Duolingo score do you need for Western Illinois University?

Western Illinois University sets a general Duolingo English Test minimum of 105 for undergraduate and graduate admission. Some programmes ask for more: 110 for undergraduate Music and Nursing and for graduate Accountancy, Business Administration and Music, and 120 for graduate English and Museum Studies. Scores must be less than two years old when you matriculate.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

Western Illinois Duolingo minimums by level and programme

From WIU's English language proficiency requirements page.

Level or programmeDuolingo minimumNotes
Undergraduate, general105At least 105
Undergraduate Music110Programme minimum
Undergraduate Nursing110Programme minimum
Graduate, general105Unless the department states otherwise
Graduate Accountancy, Business Administration, Music110Programme minimum
Graduate English, Museum Studies120Programme minimum

How Western Illinois handles Duolingo scores

Scores must be less than two years old at the time you matriculate at WIU. English proficiency must be met before your application is considered for admission.

WIU accepts TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, Duolingo and PTE Academic, and lists school code 1900.

For comparison, the same page sets a general IELTS minimum of 6.0, 6.5 for the 110-level programmes, 7.0 for Museum Studies and 7.5 for graduate English.

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If your Duolingo score is below WIU's level

Applicants educated in English in a non-English-speaking country may use an SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 580 or an ACT English score of 22 instead. Graduate applicants are exempt after a US bachelor's degree with four years in residence within two years of matriculating, or a year of full-time graduate study at a US institution.

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

Frequently asked questions

What Duolingo score does Western Illinois University need?+

105 generally, with 110 or 120 for some programmes.

Which WIU programmes need a Duolingo score of 120?+

Graduate English and Museum Studies.

How old can my Duolingo score be for WIU?+

Less than two years old at the time you matriculate.

What is Western Illinois's IELTS equivalent?+

IELTS 6.0 generally, rising to 6.5, 7.0 or 7.5 for some programmes.

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Related

Guide updated on 1 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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