Durham, North Carolina, US
Duke University: English test requirements
Duke recommends but does not require an English test for undergraduates and prints the minimum scores it expects. The Graduate School generally seeks fixed minimums and accepts TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. SAT and ACT are optional in 2026-27.
Checked on 31 Oct 2026 against the university's own pages. Universities change their requirements, and some courses ask for more. Always confirm on the university's page before you book a test or apply.
IELTS
UG 7
PG 7.0
TOEFL iBT
UG 100 / 5.0
PG 90 / 5
PTE Academic
UG 70
PG Not on the list
Duolingo English Test
UG 130
PG 125
Undergraduate
Non-native speakers, or those not in an English-medium curriculum, are recommended but not required to take an English test. The page calls these figures the minimum score expected. Duke uses the highest score if a test is taken more than once and has no preference among tests.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 (minimum band score expected)recommended | Accepted | |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 (tests before 21 January 2026) / 5.0 (tests on or after 21 January 2026)recommended | Accepted | |
| PTE Academic | 70 (minimum score expected)recommended | Accepted | |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 (minimum score expected)recommended | Accepted | |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 180 (minimum score expected)recommended | Accepted |
“we recommend but do not require that you take an English proficiency test.”
Undergraduate: how to apply (English proficiency tests, testing policy)
Graduate
Central Graduate School rule for applicants whose first language is not English. The page says admitted students' averages are above these levels and that scores are 'generally' sought at these minimums. The TOEFL 5 figure is printed without a scale name. Duolingo must include subscores. A two-year English-medium university study waiver exists, and admitted international students still sit placement exams on arrival.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0recommended | Accepted | |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 (exams before 21 January 2026) / 5 (exams on or after 21 January 2026)recommended | Accepted | |
| PTE Academic | – | Not on the list | |
| Duolingo English Test (with subscores) | 125recommended | Accepted |
“The Graduate School generally seeks scores no less than:”
Graduate School: English language proficiency test scores
Admissions tests
SAT / ACT · First-year applicants (2026-27 cycle)
Optional
Duke is test-optional for first-year and transfer applicants in the 2026-27 cycle; the page says applicants without scores are not disadvantaged. Applicants may choose whether scores are considered.
“Duke University is test-optional for both first-year and transfer applicants in the 2026-2027 admissions cycle.”
GMAT / GRE · Fuqua Daytime MBA
Required
GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE or Executive Assessment scores are accepted; self-reported scores are listed among the personal information needed for the application, which is why this is shown as required. Official reports are needed only if admitted. The page also says Fuqua does not accept ESL test scores (such as TOEFL or IELTS) for the MBA.
“There is no minimum test score requirement.”
The page says these are not accepted
- ESL test scores for the Fuqua Daytime MBA
“Not on the list” means the test does not appear on the university page we checked. It does not mean the test is refused: the course page or the admissions office may still accept it, so ask them.
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