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13 January 202616 min read
Duolingo English Test Accepted Countries & Minimum Score Requirements (2026 Guide)
Duolingo English Test Accepted Countries & Minimum Score Requirements (2026 Guide) The Duolingo English Test (DET) is widely accepted, with many institutions recognizing it for 2026 admissions. Over 6,000 schools across more than 110 countries now accept this online English test.
Sumeet Kundnani · Senior Counsellor

Duolingo English Test Accepted Countries & Minimum Score Requirements (2026 Guide)

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is widely accepted, with many institutions recognizing it for 2026 admissions. Over 6,000 schools across more than 110 countries now accept this online English test. This guide will help you understand the Duolingo English Test, which is known for being easy to take, affordable, and accessible to everyone. This Duolingo guide specifically lists the Duolingo English Test Accepted Countries and highlights particular universities that recognize the Duolingo English language proficiency exam, along with their required scores. You’ll find the minimum score needed to demonstrate your English skills. The number of institutions accepting this English test continues to grow, making it a popular choice among many schools.
Key Takeaways
- Many schools accept the Duolingo English Test. Over 6,000 schools use it. They are in more than 110 countries. This is for 2026 admissions.
- The DET does not cost much. It costs $59. You can finish it fast. It takes less than one hour. You do it online.
- You get your DET scores quickly. It usually takes two days. This helps with quick application due dates.
- The United States accepts the DET. Canada accepts it. The UK accepts it. Australia accepts it. Ireland accepts it. These are top countries.
- A good DET score is 105 to 120. This is for getting into college. But check each school. They have their own rules.
DET Key Features
Test Cost and Duration
The Duolingo English Test is cheap. It shows your English skills. The test costs $59 USD. This price includes the test. You can send scores to many schools. There are no extra fees. The whole Duolingo test is fast. It takes less than one hour. The first 5 minutes are for learning. You learn about the test rules. The graded part changes as you play. It lasts about 45 minutes. The last 10 minutes are for a video. You also do a writing part.
DET Scoring and Results
You get your Duolingo English Test results fast. Most students get scores in two days. This helps with quick deadlines. The test score is from 10 to 160. It also gives scores for skills. These are speaking, writing, reading, and listening. This full score report helps schools. They see all your English skills.
DET Benefits for Students
💡 Why Choose the Duolingo English Test? The Duolingo English Test helps students. It is good for students from other countries. It costs less money. It is cheaper than other English tests. You can take it online. You need internet access. You do not need to travel. It is very easy to use. You pick your test time. You pick your test date. It fits your schedule. The test changes questions. It gets harder or easier. This gives a good score. The Duolingo English Test is important. It is easy, trustworthy, and quick. It shows your English skills.
Top Countries Accepting Duolingo English Test (2026)
You want to study abroad. Many countries now take the Duolingo English Test. This helps with your applications. Your journey becomes easier. The Duolingo English Test is popular. It shows your English skills. Many countries accept it for your studies.
Here are the best countries. They accept Duolingo for 2026. Many universities there like this test. This guide shows where your score can go.
CountryNumber of InstitutionsUnited States of AmericaOver 3,000CanadaOver 400FranceOver 200United KingdomOver 130AustraliaOver 90
The United States is first. Over 3,000 schools there take Duolingo. You have many choices. Canada also has many schools. Over 400 schools welcome your score. France is another good choice. More than 200 schools in France accept it. The United Kingdom has over 130 schools. They accept Duolingo. Australia also takes the test. Over 90 Australian schools accept it. These are the top countries. They accept the Duolingo English Test. You can find many schools there. Use your Duolingo score to apply.
1. United States: Duolingo Accepted Universities
The United States accepts the Duolingo English Test the most. Many schools in the USA like your Duolingo score. This makes applying to universities in the USA easier. You will find many accepted universities here.
Top Accepted Universities
You can apply to many great universities in the USA. Use your Duolingo test results. These top universities accepting Duolingo are some of the best.
University NameTypeLocationHarvard UniversityPrivateCambridgeNew York UniversityPrivateNew YorkStanford UniversityPrivateCaliforniaPrinceton UniversityPrivateNew JerseyUniversity of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)PublicLos AngelesBoston UniversityPrivateChestnut HillDuke UniversityPrivateDurham, North Carolina
These are some examples. Many more schools in the USA take your Duolingo english score.
Typical Score Ranges
Most duolingo accepted universities in the usa have certain score needs. Different programs have different ranges.
Score RangeCommon Admission Level110-125IVY League Universities and Competitive Graduate Programs100-110Graduate or Master’s Level Programs95-100Undergraduate Programs
For scores from 110 to 125, look at Harvard, Yale, and MIT. If your duolingo score is 100 to 110, Duke and the University of Chicago are options. For college programs, with scores from 95 to 100, try Mississippi College or the University of Alabama.
Popular Programs and Requirements
Some programs have their own requirements. Always check the exact score for your program. Many accepted universities in the USA show these details.
- Cornell University: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 120
- NYU Stern School of Business: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 120
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 120
- University of California Berkeley: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 115
- University of Pennsylvania: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 120
- Johns Hopkins University: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 120
- Yale University: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 120
- Harvard University: Minimum Duolingo Score Required: 125
You can see the lowest duolingo scores. They are for different universities in the chart. This guide helps you know what to aim for.

This chart shows the scores. You can use your duolingo test to apply. Many great universities in the USA await.
2. Canada: Duolingo Accepted Universities
Canada is a top pick. Many foreign students go there. Many Canadian universities now take the Duolingo English Test. This makes applying easier. You can use your duolingo test score. This helps you study in Canada.
Recognized Institutions
Many universities in Canada know the Duolingo English Test. You have many choices for school.
Here are some top duolingo accepted universities in Canada:
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
- Queen’s University
- University of Ottawa
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Victoria
These are just a few schools. Many more accepted universities in Canada like your duolingo english test results. For example, the University of Toronto often needs a 120. The University of British Columbia wants a 125. McGill University also usually asks for a 120.
Minimum Score Requirements
Each university in Canada sets its own rules. These are for the Duolingo English Test. You should always check your specific program. This guide helps you know common scores.
InstitutionMinimum DET ScoreUniversity of Toronto120University of British Columbia (UBC)125McGill University125University of Alberta120Simon Fraser University125University of Calgary120York University120Carleton University120University of Ottawa110Concordia University115
You can see scores are different. They vary across universities in Canada.
Canadian universities usually need a 115. This is the lowest Duolingo English Test score. Some programs may ask for more. Diploma programs might need about 90. A score of 115 is usually good. Scores from 120 to 135 are very strong.
Study Permit and DET
The Duolingo English Test helps you get into universities in Canada. But for your study permit, IRCC has its own rules. IRCC means Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They have english language requirements. You should check their website. Look for the newest information. Universities accept the DET a lot. But check if IRCC takes it too. This is for your study permit.
3. United Kingdom: Duolingo Accepted Universities
The United Kingdom is a great place to study. Many schools there now take the Duolingo English Test. This makes applying easier for you. Over 160 UK schools accept the Duolingo test. This includes many famous schools.
UK Accepted Universities
You have many choices for school in the UK. These schools like your Duolingo score. Here are some top schools that take Duolingo:
Universities Accepting Duolingo in UKMinimum Duolingo English Test Score RequirementImperial College London110-120Kings College London115University College London135University of Birmingham100-120University of Glasgow105University of Edinburgh120+University of Manchester110-120University of Warwick125University of Bristol110Brunel University100
These are just a few schools. Many other UK schools take Duolingo. You can find a good school for your studies.
Score Requirements
Each school has its own score rules. Always check what your program needs. For example, Imperial College London takes 115 for normal classes. They need 125 for harder programs. King’s College London often needs 120 for grad studies. College programs might need 115-120. The University of Warwick takes Duolingo. You must show scores for each part. This shows your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
Visa Implications
The Duolingo English Test helps you get into schools. But for your UK study visa, you need another test. The UK needs Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). These are like IELTS UKVI or TOEFL. A school might take your Duolingo score. But you still need a SELT for your visa. This is a big difference. UK immigration uses SELTs. They check your English skills. This makes sure you can live and study there.
4. Australia: Duolingo Accepted Universities
Australia is a great place to study. Many schools there now take your Duolingo English Test score. This makes applying easier. You can use your duolingo test results to get in.
Australian Institutions
You have many choices in Australia. These universities know the duolingo test. Here are some top duolingo accepted universities in Australia:
University NameLocationUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneUniversity of SydneySydneyMonash UniversityMelbourneUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideMacquarie UniversitySydneyDeakin UniversityGeelong
These are some examples. Many more duolingo accepted universities in australia take your english proficiency test.
Required Scores
Each Australian university has its own score requirements. Always check your program. Most Duolingo English Test scores are in a common range.
InstitutionMinimum DET ScoreUniversity of Melbourne120University of Sydney120Monash University115University of Queensland115University of Western Australia115University of Adelaide115Macquarie University110Deakin University105
Most accepted universities in Australia need a duolingo score from 105 to 120. Some programs may need more. Always ask the university.
Post-Study Work Considerations
The Duolingo English Test helps you enter Australian universities. But for work visas after study, you might need another english language test. Australia’s immigration often asks for tests like IELTS or PTE. Check the Department of Home Affairs website. Look for the newest visa requirements. This guide helps with school entry. But visa rules can be different.
5. Ireland: Duolingo Accepted Universities
Ireland is a good place to study. Many schools there take the Duolingo English Test. This makes applying easier. You can use your Duolingo test results.
Irish Institutions
You have many school choices in Ireland. These universities know the Duolingo test. Griffith College Dublin takes the Duolingo English Test. This is for 2026 admissions. Many universities in Ireland accept it. You will find many top universities here. They welcome your application.
Score Guidelines
Each Irish university has its own score rules. Always check your program’s needs. This guide helps you know common scores. The Duolingo English Test is more accepted. Irish universities accept it. Schools like University College Dublin take it. Dublin City University takes it. NCI and University of Limerick also take it. They usually want scores from 105 to 130. Other schools take Duolingo too. These are Trinity College Dublin and National University of Ireland Galway. Maynooth University, Technological University Dublin, and Cork Institute of Technology also take it. They use it instead of IELTS.
Here are some normal scores for Irish universities:
UniversityDuolingo English Test (DET) Score RangeUniversity College Dublin105-130 (also 105+)Dublin City University105-130NCI105-130University of Limerick105-130Trinity College DublinAccepted (implies 105+)National University of Ireland GalwayAccepted (implies 105+)Maynooth UniversityAccepted (implies 105+)Technological University DublinAccepted (implies 105+)Cork Institute of TechnologyAccepted (implies 105+)
Scores can be different. Always check the exact score. It is for your program.
Visa Recognition
The Duolingo English Test helps you get into Irish universities. But it is not always accepted for visas. The Irish government took the Duolingo English Test. This was for student visas for a short time. This happened during Covid. So, it might not be a lasting rule for visas. You must check with your schools. Also, ask Irish immigration. The Duolingo score is usually 95 to 105. This is for college programs. It is 105 to 130 for grad programs. Always check the newest visa rules. This helps your application go well.
Understanding DET Score Requirements
You need to understand your Duolingo English Test (DET) score. This helps you know where you stand. It also helps you choose the right universities. The Duolingo test measures your English skills.
Score Tiers
The Duolingo English Test uses a score range from 10 to 160. This score shows your English skill level.
Look at this table to see what your score means:
Duolingo Score Range (DET)Skill Level160–155Expert User150–145Very Good User140–135Very Good User130–125Good User120–115Good User110–105Competent User100–95Competent User90–85Modest User80–75Modest User70–65Limited User60–55Limited User
Your score helps you apply to different schools.
- A DET score of 145–160 shows you are very good. You can apply to top universities like Oxford or MIT.
- A DET score of 120–135 means you have strong English skills. Most top programs in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia will accept you.
- A DET score of 95–115 shows good English. You can apply to mid-range universities or foundation courses.
- A DET score below 90 is usually too low for degree programs. You might need more English practice.
Score Interpretation
You can compare your Duolingo score to other English tests. A DET score of 110-115 often equals an IELTS score of 6.5. This is a common minimum score for Master’s programs.
Here is how Duolingo scores compare to IELTS scores:

Duolingo ScoreIELTS Score101.515220-252.530-40345-503.555-60465-704.575-80585-905.595-1006105-1106.5115-1207125-1307.5135-1408145-1508.5155-1609
You can also compare your Duolingo score to TOEFL scores:

Duolingo ScoreTOEFL Score10-250301352-4405-8459-135014-195520-256026-316532-377038-437544-498050-558556-619062-679568-7310074-7910580-8511086-9111592-9612097-102125103-107130108-112135113-115140116-118145119150-160120
The Duolingo English Test gives you a score from 10 to 160. It also gives subscores for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. A score of 120-160 means you have advanced English skills. You can understand complex language. You can use English well in many situations. Scores between 90-115 show you can communicate well on different topics. You can also understand complex writing. A score above 120 is usually strong. A score of 90-119 is often enough for university admissions. What makes a ‘good’ score depends on your goals.
University Score Usage
Universities use Duolingo English Test scores to check your English ability for admission. They set specific score requirements. These usually range from 100 to 120 out of 160. The minimum score varies by school and program. Universities look at your scores with other application items. These include your grades and essays. Some schools might ask for more proof of English, like interviews. The test is easy, fast, and cheap. This makes it good for both students and universities. Higher scores, like 120+, can help you get into top universities. They also help with harder courses. Lower scores, like 90-100, might limit your choices. You might need to meet extra requirements.
Here are typical Duolingo score requirements for UK universities:
Degree LevelDuolingo Score Range (UK Universities)Bachelor’s degrees85 to 120Master’s degree105 to 120University of Edinburgh (Postgraduate)125 (minimum)Elite Universities / Rigorous Courses120 or higherLinguistically Less Demanding Courses90 to 100
Always check the specific score requirements for your chosen program and university.
DET Preparation Tips

Image Source: pexels You can get ready for the Duolingo English Test. Good practice helps you score high. Learn about the test. Practice your skills.
Test Format Familiarity
First, know the Duolingo English Test format. The test takes about 60 minutes. It has an intro part. It has an adaptive test. It has a writing/speaking sample. The adaptive test changes questions. It changes based on your answers. You will see many question types. For example, you will “Read and Select” words. These are real English words. You also “Listen and Type” what you hear. Another type is “Write About the Photo.” You describe a picture. You also “Speak About the Photo.” This is for 30 to 90 seconds. A new part for 2025 is “Interactive Speaking.” You talk with AI characters.
Question Type
Frequency of Questions
What does it Test?
Read and Select
15 to 18 times
Recognizes real English words from fake words.
Read and Complete
3 to 6 times
Fills in missing letters in a sentence.
Listen and Type
6 to 9 times
Writes down spoken words accurately.
Read Aloud
3 to 6 times
Pronounces words correctly by speaking written sentences.
Fill in the Blanks
6 to 9 times
Completes words by choosing correct letters.
Practice Test Usage
Practice is important for the Duolingo English Test. You can find many practice things. Duolingo has small official practice tests. These help you get used to the test. Gurully also gives practice tests. These tests help you get ready. Use these tools. Understand the time. Learn the question styles.
Skill Enhancement
Make your English skills better for the test. Write short essays. Use common topics. This is for the writing part. Study grammar every day. Learn new words daily. Write clearly. For speaking, listen to short English clips. Then, say them out loud. Record your answers. Check your speaking. Check how smooth you sound. Build a strong English base. Watch English movies. Listen to podcasts. Talk with other people. Practice typing fast. The test is on a computer. Take practice tests often. This helps you with the pressure.
The Duolingo English Test is good. It is easy to use. It checks your English skills. Many schools will take it in 2026. More places accept it now. This shows it is helpful. The test is simple for students from other countries. Always check what each school needs. Rules can be different in each country. The DET helps you study abroad. Many countries accept it. It is a top English test.

Sumeet Kundnani
Senior Counsellor
Expert counsellor at Apex Education & Overseas Consultant.
View all posts by Sumeet Kundnani


