Duolingo English Test Score Chart Explained for Study Abroad Admissions

Duolingo English Test Score Chart Explained for Study Abroad Admissions

• Sumeet Kudnani

• January 16, 2026

• Duolingo

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is used more and more. It helps you study in other countries. You can take this test online easily. You get your results fast. It is easy to get to. It does not cost much money. Knowing your Duolingo English Test score chart is important. It helps you apply to colleges. Apex Education & Overseas Consultant (AEOC) helps you. They show you what English skills you need. They help with college applications. This blog makes Duolingo scores clear. It shows how these scores compare to other English tests. It tells you what scores colleges need.

Key Takeaways

• The Duolingo English Test (DET) checks your English. Scores go from 10 to 160. Higher scores mean you are better at English.
• The DET gives four scores. They are Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. These show what you are good at in English.
• You can compare your DET score to other tests. These are like IELTS and TOEFL. A DET score of 105 is like an IELTS 6.5. It is also like a TOEFL iBT 80-85.
• Schools have different DET score rules. Look at each school’s website. Find the score you need there.
• You can get a better DET score. Practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You can take the test again. You can do this two times in 30 days.

Understanding Your Duolingo English Test Score

The Overall Duolingo Score Range

The Duolingo English Test gives an overall score. This score shows your English ability. The Duolingo English Test reports scores from 10 to 160. Higher scores mean better English. Your score goes up by five points. This Duolingo score matches the CEFR. This is a global language standard.

See how your score fits different levels:

Score RangeProficiency Level10-55Beginner60-85Intermediate90-115Upper-Intermediate120-160Advanced

This table helps you understand your Duolingo test results. It shows your English skill level.

Decoding DET Subscores

The Duolingo English Test also gives four subscores. These subscores give more details. They show your language skills. They show how well you do. These scores help you see your strengths.

The four subscores are:

• Literacy
• Comprehension
• Conversation
• Production

Each subscore measures a different part. It measures your English proficiency. You get a score for each area.

What Each Subscore Measures

Each subscore focuses on specific skills. These are combined skills. They test more than one thing.

• Literacy: This subscore measures reading and writing. It shows how you understand written English. It shows how you use it. For example, it checks word choice. It also checks finding main ideas.
  Question TypeWhat it tests?Complete the SentencesChoosing the best words. This is for sentences in a text.Complete the PassageChoosing the best sentence. This makes a paragraph flow.Highlight the AnswerFinding specific information. This is in a text.Identify the IdeaFinding the main idea. This is in a paragraph.Title the PassageGiving a short, clear title. This shows the main point.
• Comprehension: This subscore checks understanding. It checks spoken and written English. It shows how you grasp information.
• Conversation: This subscore measures speaking and listening. It shows your ability to talk. It shows how you communicate.
• Production: This subscore checks writing and speaking. It shows how you express thoughts.

These scores give a full picture. They show your English skills. They show where you are good. They show where you need practice. Your Duolingo English Test results give good insights.

Duolingo English Test Score Equivalencies

You need to know your Duolingo English Test score. See how it compares to other tests. Colleges often take different English tests. Knowing these matches helps you pick the right test. It also shows where you stand.

DET Scores and CEFR Levels

The CEFR is a global standard. It describes how well you know a language. Your Duolingo score matches these levels. This helps you see your general language skill. It shows your skill in a way many people know.

You can see how Duolingo scores match CEFR levels. For example, B2 means good English skills. Many colleges need at least a B2 level. The Duolingo English Test gives a clear CEFR match.

Here is how Duolingo scores relate to the CEFR B2 level:

DET ScoreCEFR Level100 – 125B2

This table shows a Duolingo score. Between 100 and 125 means B2 skill. This CEFR level is good for studying abroad. Your Duolingo test results give this important CEFR info.

DET to IELTS Score Conversion

The IELTS is another popular English test. Many students take it for college. You might wonder how Duolingo compares to IELTS. This helps you see your equal performance.

Many programs need an IELTS score of 6.5. You can get this with a certain Duolingo score. A Duolingo score of 105 matches an IELTS 6.5. This means your Duolingo test shows similar English skill.

Here is a quick look at the match for a common IELTS score:

Duolingo Score Range (DET)Equivalent IELTS Band105–1106.5

This chart helps you compare Duolingo to IELTS. It gives a clear idea of your English ability.

DET to TOEFL iBT Score Conversion

The TOEFL iBT is also a common English test. Colleges worldwide use TOEFL iBT scores. You can compare your Duolingo score to TOEFL iBT. This shows your equal English skills.

Many colleges want a TOEFL iBT score around 80. Your Duolingo score can meet this. A Duolingo score of 105 is like a TOEFL iBT score of 80-85. This helps you know your standing.

You can use this table to see how they relate:

TOEFL iBT ScoreDuolingo English Test Score72 – 81105 – 115

This table shows scores that are alike. It helps you understand your English skill. This is true across different tests. Your Duolingo test score is a good guide.

Duolingo Requirements for Admissions

You need to know the requirements for your chosen programs. Universities set their own minimum Duolingo score. This is for admissions. These requirements can change. It depends on the study level. It also depends on the country. You must check each university’s website. This is for current information.

Typical Minimum Scores for Undergraduate Programs

Many universities accept the Duolingo English Test. This is for undergraduate admissions. The minimum score often varies. In the United States, many top universities look for a Duolingo score of 115 or higher.

Consider these examples for US undergraduate programs:

• Cornell University: 120
• NYU Stern School of Business: 120
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: 120
• University of California Berkeley: 115
• University of Pennsylvania: 120
• Johns Hopkins University: 120

Other universities may accept lower scores. You might find requirements like these:

• George Mason University: 110
• University of South Florida: 110
• Oregon State University: 110
• Baylor University: 110
• Illinois State University: 105
• University of Pittsburgh: 115
• The University of Kansas: 115
• University of Maryland: 115

Some competitive universities have higher requirements:

• Harvard University: 125
• New York University: 125
• Stanford University: 130
• Princeton University: 130
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): 125
• Boston University: 130
• Duke University: 130

The minimum score requirements for admissions vary. They are normally between 100 and 130. Always check the specific programs you want.

Typical Minimum Scores for Graduate Programs

Graduate programs have different requirements. They are different from undergraduate ones. You might need a higher Duolingo score. This is for master’s or PhD programs.

For universities in the United Kingdom, the minimum Duolingo score is between 105 and 135. This is for graduate admissions. This range can help you. It helps you get into top UK universities. Most UK universities accept Duolingo English Test scores. These are between 105 and 120. This is for general admissions to graduate programs. But, competitive courses may need scores of 120 or higher. Specialized programs like Medicine and Law might need even higher scores. They might also prefer other English proficiency tests.

Here is a look at some UK universities. It shows their minimum Duolingo requirements:

UniversityMinimum Duolingo ScoreUniversity of Southampton120University College of London135University of Glasgow120University of Edinburgh130Imperial College, London135University of Bristol110Brunel University100King’s College London115University of Aberdeen105University of Sussex105Aston University90University of Stirling90University of Hertfordshire90Queen’s University Belfast90University of Strathclyde90

For Australia, a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 115 is usually needed. This is with a recorded interview. It is for most postgraduate degree programs. Some universities might accept lower scores. Others require more.

University/Program TypeMinimum Duolingo ScoreGeneral Graduate Admissions105-120Top Universities (Undergraduate & Graduate)Above 115MS and MBA ProgramsAbove 120Swinburne University of Technology (Masters)105-110Monash University (Masters)85-95Carnegie Mellon University in Australia (Masters)105Australian National University (Masters)110 (with interview) or 115 (without interview)

Regional Variations in University Requirements

The country where you apply also affects Duolingo requirements. For example, in Canada, a Duolingo English Test score of 110 or above is generally enough. This is for many good Canadian universities. Top-tier universities in Canada typically need higher scores. These range from 120 to 135. This depends on the specific program. It also depends on the study level.

You will find a Duolingo score between 100-115 is often accepted. This is for undergraduate programs. Many Canadian universities accept this. For top-tier universities in Canada, a score of 120 or higher is usually needed. Universities like the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto often need higher scores (120-125). Institutions such as Dalhousie University and Simon Fraser University accept scores in the 110-115 range.

Always check the specific requirements. Do this for each university and program you like.

How to Send Your Duolingo Test Scores

After you finish your Duolingo English Test, you need to send your results. Send them to universities. The process is simple. It is also free. You can send your Duolingo test scores to many places at once.

Follow these steps to send your score report:

1. Log in to englishtest.duolingo.com. Use the email you used for the test.
2. Go to ‘My Tests’. It is on the left side of the screen.
3. Scroll to your certified test results. Click ‘Share Score’.
4. Say if you are applying to a university. Or a secondary school. Or another type of institution.
5. Start typing the institution’s name. Search for it. Then, pick your choices. Use the checkbox.
6. If your institution uses an application ID, add it.
7. Press ‘Send’.

You can send your Duolingo test results to up to 40 institutions. Do this at one time. If you need to send your score report to more than 40, contact Duolingo support. They will ask for proof. This shows you are applying to these institutions. This makes sure their services are used correctly. Duolingo does not charge extra fees. This is for sending test results. This lets you send them to many institutions for free. This makes the application process easy.

Improving Your Duolingo Test Scores

What Makes a Good DET Score

You want to know what a good Duolingo English Test score is. A score from 10 to 55 means basic English. A score from 90 to 119 is usually good enough. Many universities accept this. If you get 105 or more, your Duolingo score is good. This often meets many programs‘ needs. A score of 120 or more shows strong English. This helps you get into top universities. Your goal score depends on the programs you pick.

Ways to Make Your Score Better

You can make your Duolingo English Test score better. Good practice is important.

Work on areas where you need help.

1. Make Your Writing Better:
   • Write essays often. Pick different topics. Make them clear. Do not use the same words too much.
   • Check your grammar. Check your punctuation. Make sure your ideas connect well.
   • Use writing prompts online. Use a timer. Practice writing fast.
2. Start Reading a Lot:
   • Read English newspapers. Try The Guardian or The New York Times. This shows you different writing. It teaches new words.
   • Read books and articles. Pick ones at your English level. Then read harder ones. Try to get the main ideas.
   • Do reading practice online. This makes you faster. It makes you more correct.
3. Practice Filling in Blanks: Learn to guess broken words. Use sounds and other words to help.
4. Practice Reading Aloud: Read words on the screen. Record yourself. Make your voice sound better.
5. Learn About Fake Words: Know the difference. Some words are not real English. The test has these.
6. Practice Writing What You Hear: Listen closely to audio. You can listen three times. Write what you hear. Do it in 60 seconds. Podcasts are good for this. Write everything. Then check with the text.
7. Read, Then Write and Speak: For writing, read a short text. Answer questions. Start with your main point. Give examples. For speaking, answer all parts of the question.

Regular practice will help your Duolingo score go up.

Score Time Limit and Retake Rules

Your Duolingo English Test results last for two years. This starts from the test day. But, always check the university website. Some places have different rules.

If you do not like your score, you can take the test again. Duolingo lets you retake it. You can take it two times. This is within 30 days. This gives you another chance. Check for any fees. Check for other rules. This helps you plan your practice.

The Duolingo English Test is popular. Many schools accept it. It is easy for foreign students. You now know your Duolingo score. You know what other tests it matches. You know what scores colleges need. A good Duolingo test score is key. It shows you know English well. Getting ready for the Duolingo test helps you score high. Apex Education & Overseas Consultant (AEOC) can help you.

They are a great partner. AEOC helps 95% of students get visas. They work with many schools. These include:

• Asian International University
• Sikkim Skill University
• Subharti University
• Chaudhary Charan Singh University
• North East Frontier Technical University Let AEOC help you study abroad. They help you meet school rules. They help you reach your dreams. Your Duolingo English test score opens doors.