Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Wilkes English minimums by level
From Wilkes's international admissions requirements page. TOEFL iBT is listed on both the 0 to 120 scale and the 1 to 6 scale.
| Level or programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 60 and 4, PTE 42, Duolingo 85, GTEC 1076, STEP Eiken 2A, ELS 112 |
| Graduate (not EdD) | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 79 and 5, PTE 50, Duolingo 95, STEP Eiken Pre-1, ELS 112 |
Waivers
The requirement may be waived if English was the language of instruction at your secondary school, college or university. You must provide a letter from the school's principal or registrar confirming this.
Applicants educated mainly in a listed English-speaking country or territory, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, are exempt. SAT or ACT scores can also be used as proof of English.
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ESL placement
If your scores are not sufficient, Wilkes says you will take an ESL placement test, which sets your level in its Intensive English Program. Admissions may ask any applicant for proof of English.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Wilkes programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Wilkes 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 does Wilkes University need for a master's?+
IELTS 6.0 for graduate programmes, except the EdD, which has its own requirement.
What IELTS does Wilkes need for a bachelor's?+
IELTS 5.5.
Does Wilkes accept a medium of instruction letter?+
Yes. The requirement may be waived with a principal's or registrar's letter confirming English was the language of instruction.
Does Wilkes accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 85 for undergraduates and 95 for graduate applicants.
Keep reading
Related
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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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