What Is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is one of the fastest-growing English proficiency exams in the world, designed for students who want to study abroad. The test is now recognised across over 100 Duolingo-accepted countries and 4,000+ Duolingo-accepted universities.
Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, Duolingo is 100% online, takes under an hour, costs only $70, and delivers results in 48 hours. You can also send your results for free to unlimited Duolingo-accepted universities—a huge advantage for international applicants.
As Bangladesh’s leading education consultancy since 2007, Career Paths specialises in matching your Duolingo English Test score to the best-suited universities globally, guaranteeing you help from this reasonable and convenient test.
Duolingo Accepted Countries: Global Overview
The Duolingo English Test is accepted in several countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia and the list of accepting institutions continues to grow day by day. The recognition of the Duolingo English Test in these Duolingo-accepted countries provides students with easier access to global education opportunities.
Duolingo accepted Universities in UK
The UK is one of the most prominent Duolingo-accepted countries, offering world-class education with flexible language requirements. Many UK Duolingo-accepted universities allow both undergraduate and postgraduate students to use the test for admission.
- Oxford Brookes University
- University of East Anglia
- Imperial College London
- University of Southampton
- University of York
- University of Liverpool
- University of Reading
- University of Surrey
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- Swansea University
- University of Bath
- University of Portsmouth
- Coventry university
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Ulster University
- University College Birmingham
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Aberdeen
- Anglia Ruskin University
- University of Sussex
- University of Warwick
- London South Bank University
- Durham University
- University of Bedfordshire
- University of Bradford
- Bangor University
- Aston University
- University of Brighton
Duolingo accepted Universities in USA
The United States hosts the highest number of Duolingo-accepted universities. From Ivy League extensions to state universities, options are vast. The US remains the largest of all Duolingo-accepted countries, making it ideal for students looking for flexible English proficiency options. It is to be noted that all of the universities mentioned below in the USA accept Duolingo for both undergraduate and graduate programs. However, individual departments (like Engineering or Law) might still request IELTS or TOEFL.
- California State University
- DePaul University
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of Hartford
- James Madison University
- Lipscomb University
- Long Island University
- Texas A&M University Corpus Christy
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- Towson University
- WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Arizona State University
- Pace University
- Simmons University
- University of Connecticut
Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada
- University of Alberta
- University of Victoria
- University of Guelph
- ULethbridge International College Calgary (UICC)
- University of Victoria
- University Canada West
- Trinity Western University
[Special Note: Some universities may only accept the Duolingo English Test for certain programs or intakes. Policies differ by faculty and may change over time — always confirm directly on the university’s official website before applying.]
Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: A Comparison Guide
Deciding to study abroad is exciting, but choosing the right English proficiency test is a critical first step. This flexibility is excellent, but which test is right for you? Career Paths provides free, personalised counseling to assess your academic profile and help you choose the ideal test (Duolingo, IELTS, etc.)
You can also explore our in-depth blog on “The Ultimate Guide to English Language Proficiency Tests for Higher Studies.”
With four major contenders—Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic—international students often face a dilemma: which test is the best fit for their learning style, timeline, and target universities?
Below, we are highlighting some major factors to decide which test contains what.
| Test Name | Duration | Score Range | Cost (Approx. USD) | Result Time | Test Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | ~1 hour (45–60 mins) | 10–160 | $80 | 48 hours (2 days) | Online (home) |
| IELTS Academic | 2 hrs 45 mins | 0–9 Bands | $215–$250 (Varies by country) | 1–5 days (Computer) / 13 days (Paper) | Test Center / Online (IELTS Online) |
| TOEFL iBT | ~1 hr 56 mins | 0–120 | $185–$250 (Varies by country) | 4–8 days | Test Center / Online (Home Edition) |
| PTE Academic | ~2 hours 15 mins | 10–90 | $205–$250 (Varies by country) | 2–5 days (Typically 48 hours) | Test Center |
How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test
To secure admission in top Duolingo-accepted universities, smart and consistent preparation is key. Unlike traditional tests, the DET is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions changes based on your performance. Consistent, targeted practice ensures you meet—and exceed—the required Duolingo test score for your desired university.
Essential Strategies and Preparation Tips
| Focus Area | Specific Actionable Tips | Why It Works for DET |
|---|---|---|
| Familiarisation | Take the official free Duolingo practice test regularly (available on their website). This is your best tool for simulating the real environment. | The practice test gives you an estimated score and familiarises you with the adaptive question format and strict timing. |
| Time Management | Utilise the full-time limit for all speaking and writing responses. Never submit a response early | Longer answers allow the scoring AI to assess a wider range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, which is crucial for achieving high scores (120+). |
| Vocabulary & Grammar | Strengthen your grammar and vocabulary by reading academic articles, news, and magazines. Pay special attention to connecting words (e.g., furthermore, conversely, despite). | The test explicitly measures Literacy and Production. Advanced vocabulary and correct, complex grammar directly increase your score, especially in the Read and Select and Fill in the Blanks sections. |
| Speaking Practice | Practice speaking daily using the “Describe an Image” and “Speak About the Topic” question types. Record yourself to critique your tone, speed, and coherence. | Speaking tasks (which contribute to the Conversation and Production subscores) require fluency. Recording and reviewing help eliminate hesitation and improve natural flow. |
| Writing Focus | Practice writing descriptive sentences and short essays daily. Aim for clarity and structure (Introduction, Body, Conclusion) | In writing tasks (like Write About the Photo and the Writing Sample), prioritise clear organisation. Avoid overly complex sentences that might introduce errors. |
| Technical Check | Simulate test conditions before the actual day. Ensure your room is quiet, well-lit, and that your internet connection, camera, and microphone are stable. | DET security is strict. Technical disruptions or background noise can lead to a canceled or uncertified score, forcing you to retake the exam. |
How to Take the Duolingo English Test: Step-by-Step Guideline
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a convenient, on-demand, and affordable alternative to traditional exams like the TOEFL or IELTS. It is taken completely online from your own computer. The entire process—from signing up to sending your scores—is designed to be straightforward. Follow these steps to successfully take the test and receive your certification.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Official Website Go to englishtest.duolingo.com and click “Buy Now” or “Take The Test”. |
| 2 | Create Your Account Sign up using a valid email address, then follow the instructions to verify your email to activate your account. |
| 3 | Review the Technical Requirements Check the guidelines to ensure you have a supported computer, a functioning front-facing camera, a microphone, and a stable, high-speed internet connection. |
| 4 | Download the Desktop App For a seamless experience, download and install the Duolingo English Test desktop application (required for the test). |
| 5 | Familiarise Yourself with the Format Take the free 15-minute practice test multiple times to understand the question types, pacing, and adaptive scoring. |
| 6 | Purchase the Test Pay the current fee (currently $59 USD) to receive one test credit. You can purchase it directly on the website. |
| 7 | Prepare Your Testing Environment Ensure you are in a quiet, private, and well-lit room. Clear your desk of notes, books, phones, and headphones—they are strictly forbidden. |
| 8 | Start the Official Test Log into the app, click “Start Test,” and complete the necessary system checks and ID verification (you’ll need your passport, driver’s license, or government ID). |
| 9 | Complete the Adaptive Test Take the full test (approximately 1 hour), making sure your face remains visible and you don’t look away from the screen for too long, following all security rules. |
| 10 | Receive Your Certified Results Wait for your test to be proctored and certified. You will receive an email with your official score within 48 hours. |
| 11 | Send Scores to Institutions Log in to your account and use the platform to send your scores to an unlimited number of Duolingo-accepted universities for free. |
Conclusion
The Duolingo English Test has transformed global education access. With thousands of Duolingo-accepted universities across hundreds of Duolingo-accepted countries, students can now achieve their study-abroad dreams more easily and affordably.
Whether you’re applying to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or Malaysia, Duolingo opens doors to top universities around the world. Prepare smartly, take your test confidently, and join the global network of successful students who started their journey with Duolingo at accepted universities.
So, don’t risk a rejection due to an outdated university policy or a missing document. Let Career Paths leverage our 17+ years of expertise and strong university partnerships to guarantee your admission and secure your student visa with our proven, transparent, and fast service. Contact us, Career Paths, today for a free consultation and let us help you achieve your global education dream!
