Top US engineering schools that accept the Duolingo English Test

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With the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting STEM occupations to grow at nearly three times the rate of non-STEM jobs between now and 2034, American engineering sectors are facing a sustained workforce gap. Because the number of international students in graduate STEM programmes far outweighs domestic ones in the US, global talent plays a critical role in driving key domestic innovations in AI, defence and green technology.

Armed with the right credentials, students pursuing an engineering degree at a top-tier institution are able to offer the skills that employers are crying out for, meeting a demand that is only likely to increase given breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing, climate technology, robotics and biomedical engineering. 

For international students seeking a career in engineering, enrolling at a prestigious university in the US provides significant employment opportunities, networking opportunities and access to state-of-the-art research ecosystems. Graduate feedback reinforces what a promising academic and career journey this can be, with survey data from the Federal Reserve System showing that 73 per cent of engineering graduates view the financial and professional benefits of their education as far outweighing the costs – higher than in any other field of study.

However, navigating international admissions can feel overwhelming. Beyond rigorous academic requirements, applicants must demonstrate strong English language proficiency to succeed in intensive technical environments. Historically, this meant travelling to testing centres and navigating rigid schedules. Today, premier institutions increasingly embrace accessible, modern assessment options, such as the Duolingo English Test. The provides an efficient, secure and fully online testing experience that allows international candidates to certify their language skills from home. 

Below is a look at 10 world-leading US engineering schools, featured in the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings, that accept or recognise the for international admissions.

Top 10 THE-ranked US engineering schools accepting the Duolingo English Test

1. Harvard University

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is home to some of the most respected faculty members in the field, 15 of whom are members of the National Academy of Engineering. With no departments and a commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, SEAS prioritises collaboration within the school, across the wider university and with other institutions.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 1
• Strengths: SEAS integrates engineering disciplines with a broad liberal arts foundation. The school excels in bioengineering, environmental science, computational science and robotics, offering seven undergraduate majors and 12 graduate degrees.
• Read admissions information here. 

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The largest academic unit at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the MIT School of Engineering is consistently ranked as one of the top engineering schools in the US and globally. Boasting world-changing contributions to the field, including radar development, the Apollo Guidance Computer and foundational internet architecture, the MIT School of Engineering continues to offer students access to top-class expertise across eight academic departments and two interdisciplinary institutes.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: =2
• Strengths: Widely recognised as a global engineering powerhouse, MIT’s School of Engineering accounts for 70 per cent of MIT undergraduates and 45 per cent of graduate students. It is considered a leader in fields such as aerospace, chemical engineering and computer science.
• Read admissions information here. 

3. Stanford University

Stanford University’s School of Engineering has been offering students exceptional research and mentorship opportunities for more than a century. The centennial in 2025 saw the school reflecting on past milestones, from the US’s first female African American astronaut to the original Google server, while also looking ahead to future breakthroughs.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: =2
• Strengths: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford’s School of Engineering brings together groundbreaking academic research with venture capital and entrepreneurship. Key focus areas include AI, sustainable infrastructure and materials science.
• Read admissions information here. 

5. University of California, Berkeley

The College of Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is guided by community values as much as technological innovation. Commitments to social impact and inclusive excellence have resulted in first-generation undergraduates making up 24 per cent of students at the college.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 4
• Strengths: UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering is world-renowned for computer science, civil engineering and environmental engineering, producing foundational software and silicon innovations.
• Read admissions information here. 

5. California Institute of Technology

With departments spanning aerospace, medical engineering, materials science and computing, the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at California Institute of Technology offers a wide range of academic pathways. It aims to position itself at the leading edge of fundamental science to invent the technologies of the future.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 5
• Strengths: California Institute of Technology offers a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing students to engage directly in high-impact research alongside pioneering faculty in aerospace, applied physics and computing.
• Read admissions information here. 

6. Princeton University

The School of Engineering and Applied Science at Princeton University aims to show students the value of not being pigeonholed. A world-class engineering school in the heart of a renowned liberal arts university, many of the school’s student athletes are training to compete at a high level while also pioneering innovations in robotics, computer algorithms and climate resilience.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 6
• Strengths: Princeton University emphasises undergraduate research, offering interdisciplinary programmes that span civil and environmental engineering, operations research and financial engineering.
• Read admissions information here. 

7. Yale University

Current areas of impact being pursued at Yale University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science include scientific computation, quantum science, robotics for humanity and AI. Over the next 15 years, a new engineering campus will provide cutting-edge facilities for faculty, staff and students.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 8
• Strengths: Yale’s School of Engineering and Applied Science combines small class sizes with intensive research opportunities in quantum engineering, biomedical devices and clean energy.
• Read admissions information here.

8. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) Samueli School of Engineering consists of 213 full-time faculty members, more than 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students and nearly 50,000 active alumni. Its pedagogical approach balances theoretical grounding with real-world experience, with all of its undergraduate students given the opportunity to conduct research or participate in internships.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 9
• Strengths: UCLA’s School of Engineering excels in aerospace, bioengineering and electrical engineering, benefiting from Southern California's aerospace and biotech hubs.
• Read admissions information here. 

9. Carnegie Mellon University

With departments specialising in biomedical engineering, materials science and information networking, and campuses in Pittsburgh, Portugal and Rwanda, the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University has several locations and programmes to offer its students. Recent research focus areas have included an AI radar system to track blood flow, spinal cord simulation and electric vehicle batteries.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 10
• Strengths: Carnegie Mellon University is a pioneer in software engineering, autonomous systems, cybersecurity and robotics, maintaining deep industrial partnerships across various engineering sectors.
• Read admissions information here. 

10. Purdue University

With 494 faculty and 16,423 students, Purdue University’s College of Engineering offers programmes in aeronautics, agricultural engineering, computer science, quantum computing and many other fields. Famous alumni include Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon.

• THE US engineering rank 2026: 16
• Strengths: As one of the largest and highest-producing engineering schools in the US, Purdue is renowned for aeronautics and astronautics, industrial engineering and mechanical engineering.
• Read admissions information here. 

Prove your proficiency. Secure your place.

Ready to take the next step on your engineering journey? Don’t let administrative hurdles stand between you and your academic ambitions. The Duolingo English Test offers a fast, affordable and fully online testing solution that fits seamlessly into your busy application schedule. Take control of your international admissions journey today: take a free practice test to gauge your readiness, then send your official certified results directly to top engineering schools that accept the Duolingo English Test. 

FAQs

What is the English proficiency requirement for top engineering schools?

Most highly ranked US engineering programmes require international applicants to demonstrate strong English language communication, writing and comprehension skills. Even if an institution does not provide a specific score, many of the top-level universities look for a Duolingo English Test score between 115 and 135. 

What engineering programmes are in highest demand in 2027?

As technology evolves and workplace needs shift, several specialised engineering programmes are experiencing growth. The ageing demographics seen around the world will increase demand for roles in biomedical engineering, while the global consensus around sustainable initiatives will see skills related to clean energy prioritised by recruiters. Programmes connected to AI are also likely to prove popular, with some studies projecting that over the next two to three years, as many as 55 per cent of jobs in the US will be reshaped by AI.

What if the school I intend to apply to doesn't list the Duolingo English Test?

If your prospective college doesn’t explicitly list the Duolingo English Test on its main admissions webpage, follow these two steps:

1. Contact the admissions office: Admissions policies and accepted test lists change frequently and websites are not always updated in real time. Send a short inquiry asking if the Duolingo English Test can be accepted or submitted as proficiency proof.
2. Take an alternative accepted test: If the school does not accept the Duolingo English Test, you can prepare for and submit alternative standardised options such as the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.