Duolingo English Test: which universities accept it and what score should you aim for?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has become a fast, affordable alternative to traditional academic English exams. Many universities around the world now accept it for admission to bachelor’s and master’s programs. This guide explains the DET format, how to check whether a university accepts the Duolingo English Test, and what score to aim for based on your plans.

Understanding the Duolingo English Test

Format and scoring

• A fully online test taken at home, with automated and human proctoring.
• Around 60 minutes in total, with an overall score from 10 to 160.
• Subscores: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production.
• Additional components: a Writing Sample and a Video Interview, both sent to universities.

Approximate equivalents (for reference)

• B2 (competitive bachelor’s profile): ~ 95–110 DET.
• C1 (selective/advanced undergraduate & master’s): ~ 115–130 DET.
• C1+ (highly selective programs): ~ 130–145+ DET.

Note: each university sets its own thresholds and may require minimum subscores.

Which universities accept the Duolingo English Test?

United States and Canada

Most US and Canadian universities accept the Duolingo English Test, at least for some programs or levels (bachelor’s/master’s). Highly selective programs may require higher scores or prefer IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic.

United Kingdom and Europe

Many universities in the UK and Europe accept the DET, sometimes with restrictions: a list of eligible programs, an overall score plus minimum subscores, or a requirement for IELTS UKVI for student visa purposes. Always check the “English language requirements” page.

How to check whether the DET is accepted

• Search for: university name + English language requirements + Duolingo.
• Check: the overall score required, minimum subscores, and whether the video and writing sections are mandatory.
• Check whether the test is accepted for all levels (bachelor’s, master’s) and all programs.

What score should you aim for on the Duolingo English Test?

Aiming for a bachelor’s degree

• Universities with moderate requirements: ~ 95–105.
• More selective universities: ~ 110–120, with balanced subscores.

Aiming for a master’s / MSc / MA

• Standard requirements: ~ 110–120.
• Selective / research programs: 120–130+ (often with minimum subscores).

MBAs and highly competitive programs

Some schools still prefer IELTS or TOEFL. Where the DET is accepted, aim for 125–135+, with a clear Video Interview and a strong Writing Sample.

Special cases and common mistakes

Visas and UKVI

For some UK visas, an IELTS UKVI may be required even if the university accepts the DET for academic admission. Don’t confuse admission requirements with visa requirements.

Overall score met, subscores too low

If a university requires, for example, an overall DET score of 120 and 90 in Production, you must meet both. If you fall short on a subscore, plan for a retest or a pre-sessional course.

Different requirements for different programs at the same university

Medicine, Law, Education, Health: thresholds are often higher. Check the program page, not just the main “International admissions” page.

Preparing effectively for the Duolingo English Test

Condensed study plan (2 to 4 weeks)

• Days 1–3: diagnostic test + review of high-frequency grammar and vocabulary.
• Days 4–10: targeted practice on adaptive question types (reading, listening, dictation, cloze).
• Days 11–20: focus on Production & Conversation (model answers, audio/video recording).
• Final week: 2–3 full mock tests, error analysis, work on timing.

Test day: technical checklist

• A quiet room, a plain background, your face well lit; webcam and microphone tested.
• A stable connection; close all other apps; have your ID ready.
• Structured answers: outline → example(s) → strong conclusion.

If you’re deciding between tests or want a detailed comparison, read: IELTS vs TOEFL: which test should you choose? To understand score validity, see: how long TOEFL scores are valid (universities often apply similar rules).

Alternatives if the DET isn’t accepted

Universally recognized tests

• IELTS Academic (and IELTS UKVI for UK visas where required).
• TOEFL iBT (including the Home Edition, depending on each school’s policy).
• PTE Academic (increasingly accepted).

Other routes

• A pre-sessional English course at the university, leading to enrollment if you pass.
• Proof of previous education in English (medium of instruction), where explicitly accepted.

FAQ: the Duolingo English Test and universities

Is the DET “as widely recognized” as IELTS/TOEFL?

It is widely accepted, but not everywhere or for every visa. Always check academic admission requirements and, separately, visa requirements.

How long is my DET score valid?

Most institutions consider scores valid for two years. Check each program’s official page to confirm.

Can I combine scores from several tests?

No. Universities require a complete score from a single test, taken in one sitting.

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