Duolingo English Test is widely accepted in many countries. Whether you want to study or work in an English speaking country, you need to provide proof of your English proficiency. DET is a popular alternative to IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
Whether you want to study or work abroad, showing your English proficiency is mandatory. Duolingo English Test (DET) is one option that opens doors for college acceptance and smoother immigration. Students can book DET exam according to their schedule and appear for the exam per their preference and take the test according to their own schedule.
DET Study Visa Requirements by Country
Below are the scores required for study visas in the top five English-speaking nations:
Duolingo Requirement in USA
Duolingo English Test is accepted for USA student visa applications. Minimum DET score varies by university. Average DET score requirement for USA universities lies between 100 to 150. Top universities in USA generally accept DET scores above 120.
Duolingo Requirement in UK
DET is accepted for the UK student visa. However, the test takers need to ensure that they have met the necessary requirements that the UK government specifies. The UK requires a minimum DET score of 105. However, this may change based on the choice of universities in the UK and the programme one enrols in.
Duolingo Requirement in Ireland
The Duolingo English Test is accepted for visas in Ireland. The DET has been made a permanent offering as a current minimum English language standard for Irish study visas. For a second-level and foundation level or preparatory English course, test takers must have a minimum score of 55, whereas the minimum score for all other courses is 75.
Duolingo Requirement in Australia
The DET could be used for the Australian Study visa application process if prospective students get accepted to a university. However, the Australian government might require them to take another language proficiency test depending on the needs of the applied university.
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DET Scores Validated by Institutions
As part of their admission process, many institutions frequently establish minimum score thresholds on proficiency tests. While many colleges mention their English proficiency requirements on their websites, the easiest approach to learn what Duolingo English Test score a university accepts is to email that institution's admissions office and ask them personally. Apart from the test scores, the Duolingo English Test also offers additional information about the test takers through their speaking and writing samples to produce a holistic report.
Getting Set for the DET
Taking a test can be nerve-wracking but with the proper guidance that DET brings to students, it is less stressful! Getting acquainted with the format, taking frequent practice tests, polishing language skills, and preparing the environment well in advance are a few tips that one can keep in mind to prepare for the day you’d like to take the test. Checking some tips for Duolingo English Test preparation can also help you getting good score.
About the Author
The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam. The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results are certified within two days, and they can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions.
The major difference between the Duolingo English Test and other English proficiency exams is DET uses an adaptive algorithm. It adjusts difficulty of questions based on your performance. You will not face same question even if you appeared for the test multiple times. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic use a fixed format, where all test-takers receive the same questions in the same order.
Unlike other exams, the format of DET test is shorter and students can take this online only.
Duolingo English Test registration fee is USD 70 for one test in 2025. Also, you can pay USD 118 for a two-test package, which is USD 59 for each DET test.
You can take two tests and send the best result for university admission.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
How difficult or easy would one find the Duolingo English Test and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will depend upon individual factors such as one's familiarity with the test format and content, language skills, and background. The former evaluates a person's language skills in a duration less than that of the IELTS. Adaptive exercises appear in sequence and measure one's speaking, listening, reading and writing potential. On the contrary, IELTS takes more time to complete and is a traditional exam that evaluates one's English language proficiency in the aforementioned four areas.