The Duolingo English Test is widely accepted in many countries. Whether you want to study or work in an English-speaking country, you may need to provide proof of your English proficiency. The Duolingo English Test is a popular alternative to traditional language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
As more than two million Indian students plan to pursue higher education abroad, demonstrating proficiency in English is an important factor in that process. The Duolingo English Test (DET) is one option that opens doors for college acceptance and smoother immigration. DET is recognised by numerous universities and millions of students globally. 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. Read more about the requirement of DET for visa purposes in the article.
- Meeting Student Visa Requirements
- DET Study Visa Requirements by Country
- DET: A Gateway to Renowned Universities
Meeting Student Visa Requirements
When it comes to studying abroad, aspiring students require a student visa to pursue their courses. They often have doubts about which language proficiency tests are accepted for visas or not. This article will clear your doubts about which visas the DET is accepted for. The Duolingo English Test is accepted for visas in the US, UK as well as Ireland. Regarding Canada and Australia, the test is accepted, but the process is slightly different.
Acceptance by a designated learning institution (DLI) is necessary for traditional study permits. One might not need to take any additional English tests to get a study visa if the applied institution accepts the Duolingo English Test as part of their application procedure. Students from specific nations may also apply for a study visa using the Student Direct Stream (SDS) procedure. Currently, IELTS is the only English proficiency test that SDS recognises as part of the application process. To use the DET result, a student would have to go the normal student visa pathway, instead of using the SDS.
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
The Duolingo English Test is accepted for USA student visa applications. The minimum DET score varies by university. The average DET score requirement for USA universities lies between 100-150. However, the top universities in USA generally accept DET scores above 120.
Duolingo Requirement in UK
The Duolingo English Test 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 Canada
If the student is accepted into a university, then the DET could be used for the visa process, the DET is not accepted for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) procedure. To use the DET result, a student would have to go the normal student visa pathway, instead of using the SDS. The immigration authorities do not accept any online English tests currently.
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.
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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.
DET: A Gateway to Renowned Universities
Currently, the acceptance of Duolingo English tests by universities is on the rise, with an increasing number of institutions placing their trust in the test. Over 4,500 universities and organisations around the world formally accept the Duolingo English Test. Institutions such as Adelphi University, USA; Baylor University, USA; California State University, Los Angeles; Cambrian College, Canada; University of Windsor, Canada; Kingston University, UK; and the Australian National University, Australia to name a few, accept the DET. Visit the official website of the exam to get a full list of universities that recognise the Duolingo English Test.
DET Scores Validated by Institutions
As part of their admission process, many institutions frequently establish minimum score thresholds on language 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.
There are three parts of the exam.
- In the first section you’ll get an introduction to the exam, its platform and technical checks.
- Your English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking will be assessed in the adaptive test section. The duration of this section is 45 minutes.
- In the writing and speaking section, you'll get a prompt (image or text form). You will be asked to write and speak about it. Duration of this section is 10 minutes.
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.
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A Duolingo English Test score of 120 or above is generally considered good. Best Duolingo score depends on university requirements to which you are applying.
A score equal to or above 120 often meets the English proficiency requirements of many universities and institutions worldwide. It may be possible that some institutions might have higher requirements.