Despite recently introduced travel bans and stricter visa regulations, Nigeria remains third in the world for sending students abroad (UNESCO). The high student mobility reflects the country’s talent outstripping its resources, as high achieving students (like you!) look to challenge themselves at internationally ranked institutions.
If you’re looking to study abroad, you’ll probably have been told that you need to think about English language proficiency tests. A popular option is the Duolingo English Test (DET), which offers fast results and can be completed online. As Nigeria is an English-speaking country, some countries and institutions won’t require a standardised proficiency test, like the IELTS or TOEFL, but it’s still important to check the official government and university websites to see exactly what documentation you might need.
What is the Duolingo English Test?
Now accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online-only, computer-adaptive test that delivers results in 48 hours. It has grown in popularity because of its affordable price, easy accessibility and quick results. For Nigerian students looking to study abroad, the Duolingo English Test offers an easy solution to English-proficiency requirements.
The most important things to know are:
- You can take it at home, on your own computer
- No advance booking or appointment is needed
- Takes 1 hour
- Cost is fixed
- Results are delivered in 48 hours
Our full guide to the Duolingo English Test explains everything you need to know about the exam and we’ve also put together some tips on how to prepare for it!
When and where can I take the Duolingo English Test in Nigeria?
One of the best things about the Duolingo English Test is that it can be taken from anywhere in the world, at any time. You can use your own computer at home, and no appointment is needed.
This means you can take the test at any time that suits you, to fit in around other commitments you might have and to ensure you meet application deadlines.
You don’t need to have an appointment to book the test, so you can decide on the day if you’re ready or not for the English proficiency exam! All you need to do is go to the website and follow the instructions, and you’ll be ready to begin. Our comprehensive setup guide explains how to practically get ready for the exam.
The test only asks for privacy and a good internet connection, making it one of the most accessible English-language proficiency tests available. The website also offers free practice tests for you before taking the official exam.
And, what’s even better is that you won’t have to wait long for the results. The Duolingo English Test gives results in 48 hours so you can move forwards stress free with your visa applications.
Top study abroad destinations for Nigerian students
Recently, America and the United Kingdom have tightened their entry requirements for international students coming from Nigeria. This means students are starting to look at other countries to experience university overseas.
We identified the other major destinations Nigerian students are starting to look towards based on affordability and visa accessibility. Overall, many European countries are starting to compete with the US for Nigerian students, but there are still other options available.
The information below is accurate as of April 2026, but it’s important to always check the official government website yourself for the latest, up-to-date information on visa requirements.
Germany
Is popular because it meets the demand from prospective Nigerian students for strong STEM teaching while also being affordable, with either low or no tuition fees at public universities. They’ve also responded to the UK and US’ tightening rules by making their work pathways clearer and simplifying immigration policies. Germany often waives any English-language requirement exams, as long as students can prove they’ve previously studied in English.
Canada
Many universities in Canada are starting to accept the Duolingo English Test in their admissions process and, for the visa, if you have studied in English at secondary school then the government will waive the English-language requirement entirely.
Turkey
Offering more English-taught programs than any other country in the region, Turkey is growing as a popular destination for Nigerian students because it can offer cultural and religious familiarity while also being slightly closer to home than other parts of Europe.
United Kingdom
Even though visa rules have tightened, the UK remains a popular choice for Nigerian students looking to study abroad as there are many options to remain after studying and financial support is usually available. English-language proficiency visa test requirements in the UK depend on whether or not your university has accepted your admissions and the Duolingo English Test is widely accepted.
Nigeria
While it may seem funny to see Nigeria on this list, we wanted to point out that Nigeria’s Transnational Education scheme is growing, with the country partnering with international universities to offer global education for students without leaving the country. Almost 7,000 Nigerian students are now enrolled in UK transnational programmes based in Nigeria. You can still experience a world-leading university and international network without getting on a plane!
How to check if a university accepts the Duolingo English Test
All universities will have an admissions page on their website which clearly outlines the entry requirements for international students applying. It’s essential to check with the institution you’re applying to directly for their latest documentation requirements.
We’ve highlighted some top university choices in popular destinations and what score is required in the Duolingo English Test to apply.
You can also search the Duolingo English Test’s institution list to see if your chosen university accepts the test! The list can be filtered by destination and highlights where further evidence may be required.
Do I always need an English-language proficiency test?
As English is Nigeria’s official language, sometimes English proficiency tests are waived by governments and institutions for visa and university applications.
It depends on the country and university but, if you can demonstrate you’ve studied at an English-taught school for the majority of your education, then sometimes this is enough evidence to waive any further testing.
As well as this, many places will also accept your WAEC English results, removing the need for any other English-language proficiency tests. Countries that waive English-language proficiency tests for Nigerian students include Canada, Poland, Malaysia, and Hungary.
What if the Duolingo English Test isn’t accepted?
If the Duolingo English Test isn’t accepted for visa or admissions then you can explore other typical options like the IELTS and TOEFL.
You can take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in person in Nigeria. Test dates are available in major hubs and can be booked online through third parties like the British Council. Tests take around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete and must be done on a computer at a test centre (they do have an online option too, and acceptance is not the same). For international students, the IELTS Academic is usually recommended as the test most suitable for degree-level studying.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (internet-based test) is the most popular TOEFL test for prospective students. In Nigeria, there are usually between three and five monthly test dates available in major centres but spots go quickly so it’s highly recommended to book in advance.
Both the TOEFL and IELTS are almost universally accepted globally by admissions offices and immigration centres.
Tips for Nigerian students taking the Duolingo English Test tips
Like for any exam, the most important thing when taking the Duolingo English Test is to make sure you’ve spent time preparing.
Practice makes perfect and while the computer-adaptive component on the exam means it’ll be personalised to you and therefore different each time, make use of the free practice tests offered by Duolingo to revise. This way you can familiarise yourself with the structure of the exam so there are no surprises on the day.
Make sure your test environment is calm and you won’t be interrupted during the exam. There are strict set up requirements outlined, including a secondary camera to ensure no cheating, but you can also adapt wherever you're taking the test so it’s a comfortable space that suits your needs and puts you at ease for the duration.
Don’t be too scared! It’s not the end of the world if you don’t do as well as you hoped on the test the first time around (in fact, you can purchase a two-pack exam so that you can retake it) and there’s no limits on retakes. Trust yourself and your knowledge and that will see you through.
Check out our full preparation guide for more tips!
All in all, the Duolingo English Test is an excellent choice for Nigerian students needing to demonstrate their English-language proficiency for studying abroad. It’s flexible, affordable, accessible and can be taken as many times as needed. Good luck!
