As the 2026 Fall undergraduate application season approaches, several top U.S. universities have updated their language proficiency requirements, with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) implementing particularly significant changes that may impact aspiring students.
UCLA: Substantial Increase in Language Standards
UCLA, consistently ranked among the most desirable universities for international students, has raised its English language requirements for undergraduate applicants:
- TOEFL: Minimum sub-score increased from 22 to 24
- IELTS: Overall band score raised from 7.0 to 7.5
- Duolingo English Test: Total score requirement elevated from 120 to 130
These adjustments represent a notable increase in the language proficiency threshold, potentially affecting many applicants' eligibility for consideration.
Carnegie Mellon University Adjusts Duolingo Subscore Requirements
While not as dramatic as UCLA's changes, Carnegie Mellon University has modified its Duolingo English Test component requirements:
- Comprehension: Reduced from 145 to 135
- Conversation: Increased from 130 to 135
- Production: Raised significantly from 115 to 135
Minimum Requirements vs. Competitive Scores
Admissions experts emphasize that published minimum scores represent only the baseline for application consideration. At elite institutions like UCLA and Carnegie Mellon, successful applicants typically present language scores substantially higher than the minimum thresholds.
Historical data suggests that admitted students at top-10 U.S. universities often achieve TOEFL scores exceeding 110, demonstrating that meeting minimum requirements alone provides no guarantee of admission in highly competitive applicant pools.