If you're an international student planning to study in the UK, you'll be pleased to know that many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a valid assessment of English language proficiency. This comprehensive guide explains why students choose this test for university admissions and provides an updated list of UK universities that accept it.
About the Duolingo English Test
The DET is a standardized English proficiency test, similar to TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC, that can be taken online from home. It measures your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and achieving a qualifying score serves as proof of your language proficiency. The test is gaining recognition and acceptance by an increasing number of educational institutions worldwide, with over 4,500 institutions globally now accepting DET scores.
Test Overview
- Cost: $49 USD (approximately £39 or ₹4,000)
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Score Range: 10-160
- Results: Available within 48 hours
- Validity: 2 years from test date
- Attempts: Can take the test up to 3 times within 30 days; must wait at least 24 hours between attempts
Why Choose the Duolingo English Test?
1) Language Proficiency Assessment
If you're applying to a university where English is the main teaching language, and English is your second or non-native language, you will be asked to demonstrate your English language proficiency. This requires undertaking an approved test that will assess your language skills and ensure you can fully participate in your chosen programs.
2) Accessibility and Convenience
The DET provides a convenient and accessible option for international students to demonstrate their English proficiency. As an online test, it can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection, using your own computer with a webcam. For some, this makes it a much easier option compared to traditional in-person tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, which require scheduling and traveling to test centers.
3) Validity and Reliability
Universities that accept the DET have reviewed its content, scoring criteria, and methodology to ensure that it accurately measures an applicant's English language abilities. The test uses adaptive technology and includes measures to prevent cheating, making it widely trusted by educational institutions.
4) Alternative to Traditional Tests
By accepting the DET, universities provide flexibility in accepting applications from a broader range of students. The DET offers an alternative to other standardized English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS, which may have certain limitations or scheduling challenges.
5) Fast Results
Unlike TOEFL (6-10 days) or IELTS (3-13 days), Duolingo results are available within 48 hours, making it ideal for students with tight application deadlines.
6) Cost-Effective
At $49 USD, the DET is significantly more affordable than TOEFL ($185-$300) or IELTS ($215-$250), making it accessible to more students worldwide.
Score Requirements for UK Universities
Most UK universities require you to score between 105-135 on the DET, which is roughly equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5-8.0. However, requirements vary significantly by institution and program:
- Undergraduate programs: Typically 105-120
- Postgraduate programs: Typically 115-135
- Competitive programs: May require 130-140+
Important: English language qualifications must typically be no more than 2-3.5 years old from your degree start date at most universities.
UK Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test
Based on the latest information, 132+ UK universities accept the Duolingo English Test. Here's a comprehensive list:
Russell Group Universities
- Imperial College London
- King's College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- University of Leeds
- University of Leicester
- University of Liverpool
- University of Manchester
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- University of Warwick
- University of York
Top-Ranked Universities
- University of Bath
- Cardiff University
- Loughborough University
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- SOAS University of London
- University of East Anglia
- University of Exeter
- University of Kent
- University of Reading
- University of St Andrews
- University of Surrey
- University of Sussex
London Universities
- Birkbeck, University of London
- Goldsmiths, University of London
- Hult International Business School London
- London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA)
- London PT College
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Roehampton
- University of West London
- University of Westminster
Regional Universities
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Arden University
- Arts University Plymouth
- Aston University
- Bangor University
- Bournemouth University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Coventry University
- Elizabeth School of London (ESL)
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- International College Portsmouth
- Keele University
- Leeds Beckett University
- Middlesex University
- Navitas Pathway Colleges
- Newbold College of Higher Education
- Northumbria University
- Queen's University Belfast
- RED Academy London
- Rochester Independent College
- Royal Agricultural University
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- SAE Institute - UK
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Solent University Southampton
- Swansea University
- University of Bolton
- University of Lincoln
- University of Plymouth
- University of The West of England
- University of the West of Scotland
Note: This list is regularly updated as more institutions adopt the DET. Always verify directly with your chosen university for the most current requirements.
Can I Use Duolingo for a UK Student Visa?
If you have received a university acceptance letter which took your DET score into account, you should be able to use your test results to meet the English language requirement of your student visa. However, be sure to check this with a visa agent or embassy as your circumstances may be different.
Looking for something different? Our platform has universities all over the world which you can apply to, many of which also accept Duolingo Language Tests for their language proficiency requirements.
