Nurses play a vital role in healthcare systems around the world, combining scientific knowledge with practical skills, effective communication and compassionate patient care. If you are considering a career in Nursing, selecting a university that accepts the Duolingo English Test can make the application process more accessible and affordable.
Continue reading to discover which of the world's leading Nursing programmes you can apply to using the Duolingo English Test.
Key takeaways:
- Many highly ranked Nursing schools accept the Duolingo English Test, but minimum scores vary significantly between universities and degree levels.
- Some universities accept the Duolingo English Test for undergraduate Nursing programmes but not for graduate degrees, while others accept it across Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral and professional programmes.
- International applicants should check whether a programme requires specific subscores, particularly for skills such as Reading, Writing, Literacy, Production or Speaking.
- Beyond rankings, compare Nursing degrees based on clinical placements, practical training, specialist pathways, research opportunities and links with healthcare organisations.
What are the job prospects after a Nursing degree?
Nursing generally offers strong employment prospects as healthcare systems need qualified staff in hospitals, clinics, residential care, home healthcare and community services. In the US, registered nurse employment is projected to grow by 6% between 2025 and 2035, with around 180,800 openings expected each year.
Depending on your qualifications, you could work in clinical nursing, public health, research, education, management or advanced practice. However, Nursing is a regulated profession. International graduates must usually obtain professional registration, meet local language and clinical requirements, and secure the appropriate work visa before practising.
How we selected the programmes
Our selection focuses on top-ranked universities offering undergraduate and graduate Nursing programmes that accept the Duolingo English Test as part of the application process.
We cross-checked the top universities in Studyportal’s Nursing Meta Ranking against the list of accepting institutions on Duolingo’s official website. Additionally, we obtained specific information regarding test acceptance and minimum scores from university and Nursing school admissions pages.
Comparing English proficiency requirements
We have compiled a comparison of the Nursing degrees that accept the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency. See below to explore which universities best suit your goals:
University | Country | Nursing degree level | Minimum DET score | Programme-specific notes |
USA | Bachelor's | 130 | DET accepted for undergraduate Nursing; not accepted for graduate admissions. | |
Canada | Bachelor's | 120 | Requires 120 overall and 120 in Production. | |
USA | Master's, PhD | 130 | MDE and PhD in Nursing accept DET. No undergraduate Nursing programme. | |
USA | Bachelor's, Master's, DNP, PhD, Certificates | UG: 110; PG: 130 | PhD/DNP/Advanced Practice Certificate also require 140 Speaking subscore. | |
Canada | Bachelor's | 120 | Requires 115 Reading, 125 Writing, 110 Listening and 115 Speaking. Graduate DET acceptance not specified. | |
Canada | Bachelor's | 125 | French proficiency is also required. DET not accepted for graduate Nursing. | |
USA | PhD | No minimum published | DET accepted for PhD in Nursing Science. F/J visa restrictions apply. | |
USA | Bachelor's, Master's, DNP, PhD | 125 | DET accepted for ABSN, MSN, DNP and PhD. | |
USA | Bachelor's, Master's, DNP, PhD | 120 | Includes BSN, MSN, Nurse Anesthesia DNP and PhD. | |
Canada | Bachelor's | 120 | Requires 120 overall and 120 Literacy. | |
USA | Bachelor's, Master's | 105 | 105 for undergraduate Nursing; graduate DET accepted but minimum Nursing score not specified. | |
USA | Bachelor's, Master's | UG: 105; PG: 115 | No minimum subscores required. | |
University of Minnesota Twin Cities | USA | Bachelor's, Master's/Graduate | 120 | UG: 120 overall + 120 Writing. Graduate: 120 overall + 120 Writing and Reading. |
* Admissions information was verified on official programme websites in August 2026. Always confirm current English-language requirements before applying.
Deep dive into 3 top nursing degrees that accept the Duolingo English Test
Here is a breakdown of some of the best universities offering Nursing degrees for which international students can apply using the Duolingo English Test.
Boston College
Boston College offers one of the world's top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing programmes. International undergraduate applicants can apply with a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 130.
However, those interested in graduate Nursing programmes should note that Boston College does not accept the Duolingo English Test for graduate admissions. This makes Boston College especially relevant for international students seeking to study Nursing at undergraduate level.
University of Washington
The University of Washington offers several Nursing pathways for international students, with varying Duolingo English Test requirements by degree level.
Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) can apply with a minimum Duolingo score of 110.
Graduate Nursing requirements are higher. Applicants to the PhD, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Advanced Practice Certificate programmes must submit a general score of at least 130, as well as a Speaking score of at least 140.
For the Master of Science (MS) and the Environmental & Occupational Health and Population Health Nursing certificates, applicants need a general score of 130 or higher, with no separate minimum subscore specified.
University of Pittsburgh
International students can apply to Nursing programmes offered by the University of Pittsburgh's School of Nursing with a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 125.
The Duolingo English Test can be used when applying to a range of Nursing programmes, including the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD).
This wide range of programmes accepting Duolingo scores makes Pittsburgh one of the more flexible options for international students considering various Nursing degree levels.
Ohio State University
International students can apply to programmes offered by The Ohio State University College of Nursing with a minimum Duolingo score of 120.
Nursing programmes accepting the Duolingo English Test include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nurse Anaesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD).
What makes a good Nursing degree?
A good Nursing degree should provide strong academic foundations alongside extensive opportunities to develop practical clinical skills. When comparing programmes, look for universities that offer:
- Clinical placements and hands-on experience.
- Strong scientific and healthcare foundations.
- Simulation facilities and practical skills training.
- Specialist Nursing pathways and areas of concentration.
For graduate students – especially those interested in pursuing an academic career - good research opportunities are key.
Programmes that include internships, links with hospitals and healthcare organisations, and opportunities to work with diverse patient populations also help build your professional experience while earning your degree.
What to know before applying with the Duolingo English Test
Nursing programmes can have more specific English requirements than a university's general admissions policy, which may include higher overall scores or minimum subscores in areas such as Writing, Reading, Literacy, Production or Speaking.
As Nursing involves direct communication with patients, some programmes place particular emphasis on spoken or written English proficiency. For example, the University of Washington requires PhD, DNP and Advanced Practice Certificate applicants to achieve a Speaking score of 140 as well as a general score of 130.
To ensure you have the correct information, always check the specific Nursing programme page, not just the university's central admissions page.
Finding your ideal Nursing degree
With many prestigious universities now recognising the Duolingo English Test, international students have more flexibility when choosing where to study.
Compare the best Nursing programmes by degree structure, clinical training, specialist pathways, scholarship opportunities, location and tuition fees, and choose the best degree to launch your career in healthcare.
