Top Countries and Universities Accepting the Duolingo English Test: Required Scores & Eligibility

Why Is the Duolingo English Test Worth Considering?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers a convenient alternative to traditional English proficiency exams. Since you can take it online on your own computer, it removes the need to travel to a test centre and can be useful when university application deadlines are approaching.

The standard test costs US$70, while a bundle of two tests costs US$118. You can send your scores to an unlimited number of institutions at no extra charge, and an optional US$40 rush service provides results within 12 hours. DET scores are generally valid for two years, although you should confirm each university’s score acceptance and requirements before booking.

The test format was updated in July 2025, introducing an Interactive Speaking task and removing the Read Aloud task. If you're planning Duolingo English Test preparation, familiarise yourself with the current question types, practise speaking and writing under timed conditions, and check the latest requirements on Duolingo's official website.

Which Countries Accept the Duolingo English Test?

Acceptance depends on the country and, more importantly, on each university's own policy. These are the main destinations, with typical score ranges for admission.

United States: The largest DET market, with about 95% of the top 100 universities accepting it. Typical range: 105 to 120 for most universities, 120 to 130 or more for Ivy League and top-ranked institutions. The US immigration system does not require a specific English test for an F-1 visa.

Canada: Widely accepted at the undergraduate level, including the University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, McMaster, Waterloo, and Simon Fraser. Typical range: 105 to 120. Check your study permit route separately.

United Kingdom: Accepted by an increasing number of universities for admission, usually at 110 to 130 depending on the course. DET is not accepted as a Secure English Language Test for the UK student visa, so check whether your university can assess English itself.

Ireland: One of the most DET-friendly destinations, with more than 35 institutions accepting it. Typical range: 105 to 120.

Australia and New Zealand: Some universities accept DET for admission, but Australian immigration does not accept it for visa purposes. Typical range: 105 to 120.

Germany and the rest of Europe: Selective acceptance, mostly at private universities and some English-taught programmes in the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland. Public German universities generally prefer IELTS or TOEFL.

Which Top Universities Accept the Duolingo English Test?

Harvard University, USA: Ivy League institution that accepts DET, with competitive applicants usually well above 120

Yale University, USA: Accepts DET for undergraduate and graduate applications, with high scores expected

Cornell University, USA: Accepts DET, with most programmes looking for 120 and above

Johns Hopkins University, USA: Accepts DET, strong in medicine, public health and engineering

University of Toronto, Canada: Accepts DET for many undergraduate programmes, typically 120 or higher for competitive faculties

McGill University, Canada: Accepts DET, with minimums that vary by faculty

University of British Columbia, Canada: Accepts DET for many programmes, with scores commonly around 120

University of Arizona and University of South Florida, USA: State universities that accept DET, usually with lower minimum scores than top-ranked schools

Programmes within the same university can set different cut-offs, so always check the exact requirement on the programme page. You can compare institutions further in our top universities guide..

What Score Do You Need on the Duolingo English Test?

The test uses a 10 to 160 scale in increments of 5. These are the typical bands universities use.

120 to 130 and above: Strong academic proficiency, often required by Ivy League and highly competitive universities

105 to 115: Accepted by many mid-ranked universities and undergraduate programmes

90 to 100: Accepted for some pathway, foundation and less competitive programmes

As a rough guide, a DET score of 120 corresponds to about IELTS 6.5. Postgraduate programmes in law, journalism and some sciences may ask for higher scores or a minimum in each subscore, so read the requirement carefully.

Who Is Eligible to Take the Duolingo English Test?

There is no formal eligibility test beyond what your university accepts. Practical requirements are:

A valid government-issued photo ID, usually a passport

A computer with a webcam, microphone and stable internet connection

A second camera, which is now required for proctoring

A quiet room, since the test is monitored by AI and human proctors

Confirmation that your chosen university and programme accept DET

The test takes about 45 minutes plus a short video interview and writing sample, and you can reschedule within 21 days of purchase at no cost.

How Does DET Compare With IELTS and TOEFL?

Cost: US70forDETagainstroughlyUS235 for IELTS

Location: DET is taken at home, while IELTS and TOEFL usually need a test centre (with home options in some cases)

Results: 48 hours for DET, with a 12-hour rush option

Acceptance: IELTS and TOEFL remain the safest choice for visas, public German universities and government scholarships

Where Is the Duolingo English Test Not Enough?

DET is accepted for university admission far more widely than for immigration. UK visa offices and Australian immigration do not accept it, and many government scholarships, such as DAAD or Chevening, ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Always verify both admission and visa acceptance before booking.

Who Should Consider the Duolingo English Test?

DET may be a good option if:

You are applying to US, Canadian or Irish universities that list DET as accepted

You need results quickly to meet a close application deadline

You want to avoid test-centre travel and higher exam fees

Your target score is around 105 to 125

You may want IELTS or TOEFL instead if you are applying for a UK student visa, Australian immigration, a government scholarship, or a public German university.

How My Study Offers Can Help

Choosing the right English proficiency test depends on your study destination, university, programme, and visa route. A test accepted for university admission may not meet immigration requirements, so it’s important to verify both before booking.

My Study Offers, a global education platform for students, helps you compare universities, courses, scholarships, education loans, and study destinations in one place. If you're considering the Duolingo English Test (DET), we can help you shortlist universities that accept it, compare their score requirements, and plan your application around the relevant admission criteria.

FAQs

Q1. Which countries accept the Duolingo English Test?

The USA, Canada, Ireland and the UK are the main destinations, with some universities in Australia, New Zealand and Europe also accepting it. Acceptance varies by university, and more than 6,000 institutions worldwide list DET.

Q2. What score do I need on the Duolingo English Test?

Most universities ask for 105 to 120, while Ivy League and highly competitive programmes often ask for 120 to 130 or more. A score of 120 roughly equals IELTS 6.5.

Q3. How much does the Duolingo English Test cost?

The test costs US70,orUS118 for a two-test bundle. Sending scores to unlimited institutions is free, and a 12-hour rush option costs an extra US$40.

Q4. Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for a student visa?

It depends on the country. The US does not require a specific test for an F-1 visa, but the UK and Australia do not accept DET for visa or immigration purposes. Check with your university and the relevant immigration authority.

Q5. How long are Duolingo scores valid?

Scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Results usually arrive within 48 hours.

Q6. Is the Duolingo English Test easier than IELTS?

It is shorter and cheaper, but the adaptive format tests all four skills, and a high score still requires strong English. Prepare with practice tests before booking.

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