Evanston, Illinois, US
Northwestern University: English test requirements
Northwestern requires an English test from undergraduate applicants whose schooling was not in English but sets no minimum. The Graduate School publishes minimums that differ for PhD and master's applicants and does not accept Duolingo. SAT and ACT are optional.
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 Set by course
PG from 7
TOEFL iBT
UG Set by course
PG from 80
PTE Academic
UG Not on the list
PG Not on the list
Duolingo English Test
UG Set by course
PG Not accepted
Undergraduate
Required where the first or primary language is not English or secondary schooling was not in English. The page states no minimum; competitive applicants typically score in the high range on all sections. Scores must be sent officially, are not superscored and cannot be self-reported, and TOEFL MyBest is not reviewed.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (including IELTS Indicator) | Not published by the university | AcceptedNo minimum stated. | |
| TOEFL iBT | Not published by the university | AcceptedNo minimum stated. TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution is not accepted. | |
| PTE Academic | – | Not on the list | |
| Duolingo English Test | Not published by the university | AcceptedNo minimum stated. |
“there is no minimum score required by Northwestern”
Undergraduate FAQ: international applicants
Graduate (The Graduate School)
The Graduate School sets a minimum for PhD applicants and a lower TOEFL and MET minimum for master's applicants. The page says to check each programme website for its specific requirements. Tests must be taken within two years of the intended entry quarter. Applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution that teaches mainly in English can request a waiver from the programme. TOEFL scores are printed without a scale name.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD applicantsSource for this group | 7 | 90 | Not on the list | Not accepted |
| Master's applicantsSource for this group | 7 | 80 | Not on the list | Not accepted |
PhD applicants, other tests: Michigan English Test (MET) 61
Master's applicants, other tests: Michigan English Test (MET) 54
“Visit your program's website to determine their specific requirements.”
The Graduate School: international applicants
Admissions tests
SAT / ACT · First-year applicants
Optional
Northwestern is test-optional for first-year and transfer candidates. Scores may be self-reported; enrolling students who included scores must send official scores. English proficiency scores cannot be self-reported.
“Northwestern is test-optional and does not require ACT or SAT scores from first-year or transfer candidates applying for full-time undergraduate study.”
GMAT / GRE · Kellogg full-time MBA
Required
A GMAT or GRE score from a single sitting is required, with no preference between them and no superscoring. The page gives no minimum acceptable score.
“Note that we do not have a minimum acceptable score.”
Other tests the university lists
- Michigan English Test (MET, Graduate School)
The page says these are not accepted
- Duolingo English Test (Graduate School)
- TOEFL Essentials (Graduate School)
- TOEFL MyBest scores
- TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution (undergraduate)
“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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