Choosing an English proficiency test is an important part of your study-abroad application.
But the biggest mistake is choosing the test before checking your university requirements.
The Duolingo English Test can be a convenient option for students applying to institutions that recognise it. However, acceptance, minimum scores and other requirements can differ between universities and programmes.
Before booking your test, you need to answer four questions:
This guide helps you understand where DET fits into your university admission and study-abroad planning.
Already looking for detailed information about the DET exam, preparation and scoring? Read our Duolingo English Test Guide.
The right English proficiency test isn’t necessarily the most popular or the cheapest one.
It is the test that fits your actual application requirements.
DET may be worth considering if:
Follow this simple process:
University → Programme → English Requirement → Visa Requirement → Test Choice
This helps you avoid paying for an English test that may not meet your application requirements.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Name | Duolingo English Test (DET) |
| Mode of Exam | Online, from home |
| Duration | Approximately 1 hour |
| Fee | US$70 |
| Result Time | Typically within 2 days (48 hours) |
| Score Range | 10–160 |
| Test Type | Computer-adaptive |
| Skills Assessed | Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking |
| Score Validity | 2 years |
| University Acceptance | 6,500+ programmes worldwide |
| Eligibility | No academic qualification required |
| Test Location | From home, subject to testing requirements |
Visit the official website: englishtest.duolingo.com
This should be your first step.
DET acceptance can vary between:
Even when a university accepts DET, the specific programme may have additional conditions.
Finding your university on a general DET acceptance list is only the starting point.
Open the official university and programme admission page and verify the current English-language requirement.
University-level acceptance does not always mean programme-level acceptance.
There is no single DET score that works for every university.
Your required score depends on your:
For example:
| Programme | Minimum DET Score |
|---|---|
| Programme A | 110 |
| Programme B | 120 |
| Programme C | 125 |
If you are applying to all three, preparing only for 110 may limit your options.
Identify the highest score requirement among your realistic choices.
Then set your preparation target accordingly.
Highest relevant requirement → Target score → Test
This is more useful than choosing an arbitrary target simply because it is commonly mentioned online.
When checking your university requirements, don’t look only at the overall DET score.
DET score reporting includes individual skills such as:
It also provides integrated measures of language ability.
A programme may specify:
Minimum overall score
and potentially:
Minimum score for a particular skill
For example, meeting the overall requirement may not be enough if the programme separately specifies a minimum Speaking or Writing score.
Overall requirement + Individual requirements
before booking your test.
DET can be relevant to students applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes, provided the specific university and programme accept it.
Check:
Check:
Check:
Scholarships may have separate English-language conditions.
Check whether the scholarship:
DET acceptance can vary by university, programme, scholarship and application pathway. Always verify the specific requirement before booking your test.
Before purchasing the test, make sure it fits your complete university application.
Confirm that your specific programme accepts DET.
Identify the overall score and any relevant score requirements.
Check whether DET meets the applicable requirements for your intended visa pathway.
Work backwards from your university deadline.
Leave enough time for another attempt if your first result doesn’t meet your target.
Make sure you are comfortable with the online testing format.
Check Acceptance → Identify Target Score → Check Visa → Set Test Date → Prepare → Take DET → Submit Score
DET may be attractive because of its online format, but convenience should come after acceptance.
The right English test is the one that satisfies your university, programme and applicable visa requirements.
DET is not automatically the best choice for every student.
Your decision should depend on:
The goal is to find the right test for your actual application.
For current test information, registration, requirements and official resources:
Visit the official website: englishtest.duolingo.com
Use the official website to verify the latest information before booking your test.
Acceptance varies by university and programme. Always check the current English-language requirement published by your target institution.
Check the English-language requirement for your specific programme. If you are applying to multiple universities, compare their requirements and plan around the highest relevant score.
Not necessarily. University admission requirements and immigration requirements are separate. Check the latest official visa requirements for your destination.
It is generally better to shortlist your universities first. Once you know which institutions accept DET and what scores they require, you can plan your test more effectively.
Yes, where the specific university and programme accept it. You must still meet all academic and programme-specific requirements.
It can be used where the specific programme accepts it. Postgraduate applicants should also check department-level requirements where applicable.
It can be used where the specific programme accepts it. Postgraduate applicants should also check department-level requirements where applicable.
Convenience should not be the deciding factor. First confirm university, programme and applicable visa acceptance.
Potentially, if all your chosen institutions accept DET and your score satisfies their respective requirements.
Yes. Flying Chalks Overseas can help you understand university requirements and choose an English-language test that fits your study-abroad plan.
Choosing an English proficiency test should be a strategic decision, not simply a test-booking decision.
Before choosing DET, follow this process:
University → Programme → Required Score → Visa → Deadline → Test
If DET meets all of those requirements, it can be a practical option for your study-abroad application.
If it doesn’t, choosing another accepted examination early can save you time, money and application delays.
The most important step is simple:
Check the exact requirements of your university, programme and destination before booking your English test.
Your English proficiency test is only one part of your international education journey.
At Flying Chalks Overseas, we help students connect their English-test decision with their wider study-abroad plans.
Our support can include:
We help you make decisions based on your academic profile, destination, university requirements and career goals.
Not sure whether Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL or PTE fits your university application?
Flying Chalks Overseas can help you understand your requirements, evaluate your options and plan your next steps.
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