Over 6,000+ programmes worldwide accept the Duolingo English Test, with rapidly growing acceptance across major study destinations. However, acceptance rules and score requirements can vary by university, programme, and degree level.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- universities that accept the Duolingo English Test
- the scores they typically require
- how to check requirements before applying
Why universities around the world are adopting the Duolingo English Test
Universities need reliable ways to assess whether you can follow lectures, write assignments, and communicate clearly in English. The Duolingo English Test is one of the recognised tools they use to evaluate these skills.
Its growing use across higher education is driven by a few practical factors:
- Clear measurement of academic English skills. The test evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking in an integrated format aligned with how students use English at university.
- Secure and controlled testing environment. Remote proctoring ensures the test is monitored while allowing students to take it from their own environment.
- Efficient admissions process. Results are available quickly, helping universities review applications within standard timelines.
- Global accessibility for applicants. Students can take the test from a wide range of locations without needing access to a physical test centre.
Here’s how the Duolingo English Test supports admissions in practice:
Feature | What it means for universities |
Online format | Allows applicants to take the test globally under monitored conditions |
Around 1 hour duration | Provides a complete assessment in a short timeframe |
Results in about 2 days | Helps admissions teams make timely decisions |
Score range (10–160) | Offers a consistent scale for evaluating applicants |
Subscores | Shows performance in key skills (Literacy, Production, Comprehension, Conversation) |
Adaptive structure | Adjusts difficulty to better reflect individual proficiency |
Acceptance of the Duolingo English Test varies by region, but it is now well established across the main study destinations. It is widely used in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, and has strong adoption across the United Kingdom. Australia is seeing growing uptake, while countries such as Ireland, Germany, France, and New Zealand are also recognising the test across a range of programmes.
Below, you’ll find examples of universities in these regions that accept the Duolingo English Test, along with the scores they typically require.
United States
The Duolingo English Test is widely accepted across universities in the United States, with rapidly growing acceptance among top institutions. It is recognised by all Ivy League universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, as well as many other leading schools.
Around 95% of the U.S. News Top 100 universities accept the DET for undergraduate admissions. This also applies to postgraduate study, where more than 75% of graduate programmes with high numbers of international students accept the test. For you, this means the DET is a valid option for applying to a wide range of universities across the US.
University name | Required DET score* |
Yale University | 120 |
Princeton University | 125 |
Caltech | 130 |
University of California | 115 |
University of Pennsylvania | 130 |
MIT | 120-125 |
Johns Hopkins University | 120 |
Stanford University | Not specified, but aim for 120+ |
Harvard University | Not specified, but aim for 120+ |
* Last checked March 2026; score requirements are based on university admissions pages and may change.
Canada
A lot of universities in Canada now accept the Duolingo English Test, and its use is growing quickly. Big names like the University of Toronto and McGill already recognise it, along with many other schools. Around 90% of Canada’s top universities accept the DET for undergraduate programmes, while acceptance at Master’s level is growing. So if you’re planning to study in Canada, the DET is a solid option for a wide range of universities.
Here are some examples:
University name | Required DET score (undergrad) |
University of Toronto | 120 |
McGill University | 125 |
The University of British Columbia | 125 |
McMaster University | 120 |
University of Alberta | 120 |
University of Waterloo | 125 |
University of Ottawa | 120 |
University of Calgary | 120 |
Western University | 115 |
Queen’s University | 120 |
* Last checked March 2026; score requirements are based on university admissions pages and may change.
United Kingdom
Many universities in the UK accept the Duolingo English Test, including several Russell Group institutions. Requirements can vary quite a bit, though. The score you need usually depends on your programme, your degree level, and how much academic English your course involves. So it’s important to check the exact requirements for the degree you’re applying to.
University name | Required DET score* |
Imperial College London | 115 for Standard, 125 for Higher Level courses |
University of Exeter | Ranges between 110 and 130, depending on the programme |
University of Liverpool | Depends on the programme |
University of Aberdeen | 105-120 |
University of Reading | 125-135 |
University of Southampton | Depends on the programme |
University of Bath | Depends on the programme, but tends to be around 120-135 |
University of Sussex | 110 for Standard and 130 for Advanced Level courses |
University of Westminster | 100-135 |
Anglia Ruskin University London | 100-110 |
* Last checked March 2026; score requirements are based on university admissions pages and may change.
Ireland
Ireland is often seen as a strong alternative to the UK. It has near-universal university acceptance, with 15 out of 18 universities recognising the DET. It is also accepted for student visa applications, which makes the process simpler overall. However, score requirements can vary by university and programme, so it’s important to check the exact requirements for each course.
University name | Required DET score* |
Trinity College Dublin | Typically around 120–130, depending on the programme |
University College Dublin | Generally 110–130, depending on the programme |
University College Cork | Around 110–120 |
University of Galway | Typically 110–120 |
Dublin City University | Around 110–120 |
University of Limerick | Typically 110–120 |
Maynooth University | Around 105–120 |
* Last checked March 2026; score requirements are based on university admissions pages and may change.
Universities in other countries where the DET is accepted
What about other study destinations? The Duolingo English Test is accepted in a growing number of countries, although the level of adoption can vary.
- Australia is one of the “big four” international student destinations. While visa rules can be stricter, acceptance at universities is growing. Some institutions, such as Flinders University and the University of Newcastle, accept the DET across all programmes, while others like Monash University accept it for specific pathways, such as foundation courses.
- New Zealand is a close alternative to Australia and a more straightforward option in some cases. Many universities accept the DET, and for the country’s fee-paying student visa, you usually won’t need to provide separate English test proof if your university accepts it.
Across Europe, acceptance is more selective but still expanding. In Germany, many private universities and universities of applied sciences accept the DET. In France, some institutions, especially international or summer programmes, accept it, but requirements vary. Austria shows a similar pattern, with universities like Central European University accepting the DET, particularly for English-taught degrees.
Here are some examples:
Country | University | Required score * |
Australia | Flinders University | 95–120 (programme-dependent) |
Australia | University of Newcastle | Around 105 |
New Zealand | Victoria University of Wellington | 105–130 |
New Zealand | Massey University | 80–120 |
Germany | University of Europe for Applied Sciences | 100–105 |
Germany | Berlin International University of Applied Sciences | 120 |
France | Sciences Po Summer School | 130 |
France | Grenoble Alpes University | B1–B2 equivalent |
Austria | Central European University | 120 |
* Last checked March 2026; score requirements are based on university admissions pages and may change.
How to check if your university accepts the Duolingo English Test
Acceptance rules can change, so always double-check before applying. Here’s how to confirm if your university accepts the Duolingo English Test:
1. Check the university’s official admissions page
Go to your university’s website and find the programme you want to apply for. Then look for the English language requirements section.
This is where universities list:
- which English tests they accept
- the minimum required score
- any subscores, if needed
If the Duolingo English Test is not listed, it usually means it’s either not accepted or the information is not up to date. If the information looks unclear or outdated, it’s worth confirming directly with the admissions team.
2. Use the Duolingo directory as a starting point
Duolingo English Test’s accepting institutions directory lets you browse universities and see where the test is accepted. It’s useful when you’re exploring options or comparing different destinations.
However, treat it as a starting point. Always verify the details on the university’s own website before applying.
3. If unclear, contact admissions
If you’re unsure, sending a quick email can save you time and avoid mistakes. Here’s a simple template you can use:
“Hi Admissions Team, My name is [full name], and I’m planning to apply to the [programme name] for the [intake term/year]. I would like to confirm whether you accept the Duolingo English Test as proof of English language proficiency. Could you please let me know if the test is accepted and, if so, what minimum overall score and any subscores are required for this programme? Thank you for your help. Kind regards, |
Your university accepts the DET. What’s next?
If your chosen university accepts the Duolingo English Test, you’re ready to move forward. Here’s what to do next:
- Check the required score. Look at both the overall score and any subscores your programme may ask for, such as Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, or Production. Aim to meet or exceed these requirements.
- Get familiar with the test format. Create an account on the Duolingo English Test website and explore how the test works. You’ll find sample questions you can use to practise.
- Set up your test environment properly. The test is taken online and monitored, so make sure you understand the rules and have the right setup before you start.
- Plan your timing carefully. Results come quickly, but it’s still a good idea to take the test earlier than your deadline. This gives you time to retake it if needed.
You can learn more about the test format and get more Duolingo English Test preparation tips here!
In conclusion
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by 6,000+ programmes worldwide, with rapidly growing acceptance across top study destinations. For you, this means more flexibility when choosing where to apply, but it also means you need to check each university’s requirements carefully and aim for the right score.
In many cases, the DET is enough not just for admission, but also for your student visa, although some countries still have specific rules you should review in advance.
If you plan, understand the requirements, and prepare properly, the DET can be a straightforward way to support your study abroad application in 2026.
Explore universities that accept the Duolingo English Test on Mastersportal and find the right programme for you.
