Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
WOU English requirements by level
From WOU's international students page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 60, TOEFL paper 500, Duolingo 85, PTE 48, Cambridge 162, Manchester 400 |
| Graduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 79, TOEFL paper 550, Duolingo 100, PTE 53, Cambridge CAE |
Who does not need a test
You are exempt if you have earned (or will earn) a bachelor's degree or higher in an English-speaking country, graduated from a school where English is the language of instruction, are a citizen of an approved English-speaking country, or have earned (or will earn) an associate degree or higher from a US institution.
The approved country list includes Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, the United Kingdom and several Caribbean countries.
Free test: are you at Western Oregon University's score yet?
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How to check
The table also shows a new-scale TOEFL iBT figure of 3.5 for undergraduates. Contact WOU's international office if your test or qualification is not listed.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your WOU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Western Oregon University 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 Western Oregon University require?+
IELTS 5.5 for undergraduates and 6.0 for graduate applicants.
Does WOU accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 85 for undergraduates and 100 for graduate applicants.
Are Nigerian students exempt from IELTS at WOU?+
Yes. Nigeria is on WOU's list of approved English-speaking countries whose citizens are automatically exempt.
Does an English-medium school count at WOU?+
Yes. Graduating from a school where English is the language of instruction is one of the listed exemptions.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Southern Oregon University IELTS requirement
- Oregon State University IELTS requirement
- University of Oregon IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- 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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