University of Washington IELTS requirement: minimum band scores for 2026
University of Washington based in Seattle, Washington publishes IELTS Academic minimums for both undergraduate and graduate study. The two cards below show those institutional baselines; the editorial body translates the bands into a study target and lists the programmes that publish their own, higher thresholds.
The UW Office of Admissions requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall for undergraduate entry. No per-band minimums are published at the institutional level.
No single minimum published. No single university-wide graduate minimum. Each department sets its own threshold, typically ranging from 7.0 to 7.5 overall depending on the programme.
Last verified 2026-06-16. The figures on this page are taken from University of Washington's own admissions page. Verify against the official source before relying on a specific number; programme directors can revise English requirements between intakes.
About UW and its IELTS requirement
The University of Washington has one of the more accessible IELTS bars among top US universities at 6.0 overall for undergraduates, with no per-band minimum. Graduate thresholds are programme-specific, with most departments asking for 7.0 or higher.
Translating the published minimum into a study target
Undergraduate applicants to UW need an overall IELTS Academic band of 6.0 with no published per-section minimum. In CEFR terms this corresponds to B2. The UW Office of Admissions requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall for undergraduate entry. No per-band minimums are published at the institutional level.
How to prepare for the UW IELTS minimum
A target of 6.0 (CEFR B2) is achievable for candidates with strong school-level English and 4-8 weeks of focused IELTS practice. The fastest gains usually come from Listening and Reading because the question types are predictable and trainable. Sit a full-length practice test first, identify the section that pulls your overall down most, and drill that section before scheduling the live exam.
Other English tests UW accepts
Also accepts TOEFL iBT (76 minimum for undergraduate) and Duolingo English Test (105).
Alternatives and thresholds change between intakes. Confirm on the official admissions page before relying on a specific alternative test.
Official sources
- University of Washington - official English-language requirements (primary source for the bands on this page)
- IELTS.org - IELTS scoring in detail (official nine-band scale and how each band is awarded)
- British Council - IELTS band scores explained
Common questions
What is the minimum IELTS score for University of Washington?
Does UW accept other English tests besides IELTS?
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See where you stand against the UW minimum
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