Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Winthrop English requirements by level
From Winthrop's undergraduate application instructions and the Graduate Studies page for international applicants.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (freshman and transfer) | 6.0, no sub-score below 5 | TOEFL iBT 68 (520 paper), Duolingo 95, PTE 47, Oxford ELLT 6 (no sub-score below 5) |
| Graduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 79 (550 paper), Duolingo 100, PTE 47, Oxford ELLT 6.0 |
| MBA and MSAA | 6.5 | As graduate list |
Exempt countries and other routes
The undergraduate page exempts students from a long list of countries, including India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Singapore, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and Canada (except Quebec). The graduate page does not repeat this list, so graduate applicants should check before relying on it.
Undergraduates can also use ELS level 112, SAT evidence-based reading and writing 480 (freshmen only), graduation from a high school where English is the main language of instruction, or two full-time semesters at a US institution with two English composition courses at C- or higher.
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No conditional admission for graduate study
Graduate Studies says it does not provide conditional admission, so all requirements, including the English score, must be met before your application is reviewed. Scores must come directly from the testing service.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Winthrop programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Winthrop 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 Winthrop University require?+
IELTS 6.0 with no sub-score below 5 for undergraduates, and 6.0 for graduate programmes (6.5 for the MBA and MSAA).
Do Indian students need IELTS for Winthrop?+
The undergraduate page lists India among the countries exempt from the English requirement. Graduate applicants should confirm with Graduate Studies.
Does Winthrop accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 95 for undergraduates and 100 for graduate applicants.
What PTE score does Winthrop need?+
PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online 47 at both levels.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- College of Charleston IELTS requirement
- UNC Charlotte IELTS requirement
- University of South Carolina IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- 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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