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The New England Conservatory of Music English Requirements

Massachusetts, United States

The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) is a private music conservatory located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1867, it is the oldest independent music conservatory in the United States and is widely recognized for its performance, composition, and music education programs. NEC is known for its close ties to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its rigorous professional training of musicians.

Verified on the university's admissions pages · Jul 2026

Quick answer

The New England Conservatory of Music accepts Duolingo English Test, IELTS Academic, and TOEFL iBT for international admission. Undergraduate applicants typically need Duolingo English Test 100, TOEFL iBT 61, and IELTS Academic 6.

Undergraduate requirements

The university-wide standard for first-year international applicants.

Duolingo English Test100
TOEFL iBT61
IELTS Academic6
PTE AcademicUnknown
Cambridge EnglishUnknown

Sources: admissions.necmusic.edu/undergraduate

Graduate requirements

The university-wide standard for graduate and postgraduate international applicants. Individual programs may require higher scores.

Duolingo English Test110
TOEFL iBT79
IELTS Academic6.5
PTE AcademicUnknown
Cambridge EnglishUnknown

Sources: admissions.necmusic.edu/graduate

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Frequently asked questions

Does The New England Conservatory of Music accept the Duolingo English Test?+

Yes. The New England Conservatory of Music accepts the Duolingo English Test. Undergraduate applicants need a minimum of 100; graduate minimums are set by each program.

What TOEFL iBT score do I need for The New England Conservatory of Music?+

Undergraduate admission to The New England Conservatory of Music requires TOEFL iBT 61 or higher. Graduate programs may require more, depending on the program.

What IELTS Academic score do I need for The New England Conservatory of Music?+

Undergraduate admission to The New England Conservatory of Music requires IELTS Academic 6 or higher. Graduate programs may require more, depending on the program.

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Requirements are read from The New England Conservatory of Music's own admissions pages and refreshed regularly. Admission requirements change between cycles. Always confirm on the university's admissions page before applying.