- Understand why the Duolingo English Test is gaining popularity for university admission and how it compares to IELTS and TOEFL.
- Discover how the test works, how much it costs, and how long it takes—from registration to results.
- Find out which universities accept Duolingo scores and how to prepare to get your best result.
Thinking of studying abroad and need to prove your English skills? The Duolingo English Test (DET) is one of the easiest, most flexible ways to do just that. It’s fast, affordable, and you can take it from your own room—no travel, no long waits.
More and more universities now accept Duolingo scores alongside traditional exams like IELTS and TOEFL. In this guide, you'll learn how the test works, what it costs, how it’s scored, and how to prepare to get the result you need to unlock your study abroad goals.
What is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online exam that checks your English skills for university admission. It’s mainly used by students who need to prove their English level when applying to universities abroad.
You can take it from home on your computer and get results in just a few days. The test checks your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
What universities accept the Duolingo English Test
Over 5,500 universities and institutions worldwide now list the Duolingo test as an option, along with the two ‘classics’: IELTS and TOEFL. It’s recognised by many schools in popular study destinations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Some well-known universities that accept Duolingo scores include:
- Yale University (USA)
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- University of Glasgow (UK)
- Australian National University (Australia)
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Netherlands)
The list continues to grow, as more schools add Duolingo to their accepted tests. Always double-check the admission requirements on the university’s website.
Find study programmes that accept Duolingo scores on Mastersportal
What is the Duolingo English Test used for?
You can use the Duolingo test to prove your English skills when applying to study abroad. Schools also use the test to ensure you can understand lectures, write essays, and communicate in class.
The Duolingo test is fast and flexible, and more affordable than other tests. You can take it from home and send your scores to as many schools as you want—free of charge.
Eligibility and registration
No restriction exists on who can take the Duolingo English Test (DET), and it is open to anyone who wants to prove their English proficiency. No academic conditions exist; you can take the test regardless of your educational background.
- Age: The DET does not have a minimum age. However, if you are under 13, you'll need parental or guardian consent during registration.
- Nationality: The DET is available worldwide; no nationality restrictions exist.
Registration process and deadlines
The Duolingo test offers flexible scheduling with no fixed test dates. Here's how to register:
- Create an Account: Visit the Duolingo English Test website and sign up.
- Purchase the Test: Choose between a single test or a bundle of two tests.
- Take the Test: You have 21 days to complete the test after purchase. You can take it anytime, 24/7, from a quiet, well-lit room using a computer with a camera, microphone, and internet connection.
- Receive Results: Scores are typically available within 48 hours. An optional "Faster Results" upgrade delivers results within 12 hours for an additional fee.
Exam costs and additional fees
Here’s the information in a clear, easy-to-read table format:
| Item | Details |
| Standard Fee | $65 USD per test |
| Bundle Option | $110 USD for two tests ($55 each) |
| Faster Results | An additional $40 USD to receive results within 12 hours |
| Score Reporting | Free, unlimited score submissions to any number of institutions |
| Financial Aid | Over 10,000 fee waivers offered annually through Duolingo’s partner schools |
The DET's affordability and flexibility make it a convenient option for students worldwide seeking to demonstrate English proficiency for academic purposes.
Exam structure and scoring
The Duolingo English Test takes about 60 minutes and is divided into three parts. The main section is a 45-minute test that adjusts question difficulty based on your answers and covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking. After that, you complete a 10-minute ungraded section with a writing and speaking sample, which universities can review.
Schedule: The test is available 24/7—take it anytime from a quiet, secure location.
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes (no scheduled breaks).
Format: Fully online and computer-based.
Let’s explore what’s on the Duolingo test, together with the exam duration and format in this easy-to-follow table:
| Section | Duration | Format | Skills Assessed |
| Introduction | ~5 minutes | Identity verification | — |
| Adaptive Test | ~45 minutes | Computer-based, adaptive | Reading, writing, speaking, listening |
| Writing & Speaking Sample | ~10 minutes | Ungraded, open responses | Written and spoken communication (for review) |
Score range and difficulty
The Duolingo English Test uses a score range from 10 to 160, with each score increasing in increments of 5. The lowest DET score is 10, and the highest possible score is 160. Your final score reflects your overall English proficiency, combining reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities.
Scores are also reported in percentiles, showing how your performance compares to other test takers. For example, a score of 120 places you around the 75th percentile, meaning you performed better than 75% of others.
| Score Range | Proficiency Level | Percentile Estimate | Interpretation |
| 10–55 | Basic | Bottom 25% | Limited understanding of English |
| 60–85 | Intermediate | 25th–50th percentile | Can understand simple texts and conversations |
| 90–115 | Upper-intermediate | 50th–75th percentile | Meets entry-level university requirements |
| 120–135 | Advanced | 75th–90th percentile | Suitable for most academic programmes |
| 140–160 | Very advanced | Top 10% | Strong English fluency for academic and professional settings |
What is a good Duolingo score?
A good Duolingo score depends on the university and programme you're applying to. Most schools consider 115 to 120 a competitive score.
- Top universities might expect scores between 125 and 135.
- According to Studyportals data analysts, the average Duolingo English Test score is usually around 107.
- Some schools have a minimum passing score of 90 to 100, but highly selective programmes often set higher requirements.
How hard is the Duolingo exam?
If you're wondering how hard the Duolingo English Test is, it's considered easier to access but still rigorous.
- Many students find the speaking and writing sections the most challenging due to the spontaneous, timed responses.
- The adaptive format can also make the test feel more difficult as questions get harder when you answer correctly.
How many times can you take the Duolingo exam?
As for retaking the test, you can take the Duolingo English Test up to three times in 30 days. There’s no lifetime limit, and you're free to decide which score to send to universities—only the ones you choose to share will be visible to institutions.
How to prepare for the Duolingo English Test
Regarding the study plan and timeline, most students need 2 to 4 weeks to prepare for the Duolingo English Test, depending on their English level and target score. If you already speak English well but want a high score (120+), focus on refining your academic writing and speaking fluency. If you’re still building core skills, start earlier and study consistently daily.
A simple plan:
- Week 1: Understand the test format and try a full-length practice test. Focus on your weakest skill.
- Week 2–3: Practice 30–60 minutes daily using sample questions, especially speaking and writing prompts.
- Week 4: Take 1–2 timed mock tests, review your mistakes, and practise short responses under pressure.
Try to study in short sessions rather than long cramming hours. Focus on both accuracy and speed—especially in adaptive sections where timing matters.
Preparation resources and practice tests
Duolingo offers free official prep tools directly on its website, including:
- One full free practice test
- Dozens of sample questions across all skills
- Writing and speaking prompts for self-practice
- Score estimation to track your progress
You can also use:
- Duolingo’s app to strengthen vocabulary and grammar
- Online video guides and walkthroughs on platforms like YouTube
- Forums like Reddit or Quora, where students share prep experiences
- Look for platforms that include automated speaking and writing evaluation, which helps simulate the actual test experience.
How to improve your Duolingo score
- Practise speaking clearly and confidently, even under time pressure. Use a timer and record yourself to improve fluency.
- Read every question carefully. In adaptive tests, one mistake can drop your level.
- Avoid filler phrases in writing—get straight to the point and support your ideas clearly.
- For listening tasks, use headphones during practice and repeat phrases to build accuracy.
- Take full-length mock tests regularly to build stamina and confidence.
- Focusing on your weakest area and training in short-term, realistic test-like conditions will help you progress steadily. Since the format is fast-paced and varied, make sure you’re comfortable switching quickly between question types.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Where can I take the Duolingo English Test?
You can take the Duolingo English Test entirely online from your own home. There’s no need to travel to a test centre. All you need is a computer with a reliable internet connection, a front-facing camera, microphone, and a quiet, well-lit room. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for students worldwide.
How long does it take to get Duolingo results?
Your results are usually available within 48 hours after you finish the test. If you're in a hurry, Duolingo also offers a Faster Results option (for a small fee) that delivers your score within 12 hours.
How long are Duolingo scores valid?
Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the date you receive your results. After that, you’ll need to take the test again if you’re applying to a new programme.
Which is better: Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL?
It depends on what you need. Duolingo is cheaper, faster, and can be taken from home, but not all universities accept it yet. IELTS and TOEFL are more widely accepted, especially for visa purposes and top-tier universities. If your chosen university accepts all three, Duolingo is often the easiest and most flexible option.
