If you’re dreaming of studying in another country, knowing the Duolingo accepted universities is very important!
Why?
Because the Duolingo English Test (DET) could be your ticket to studying abroad.
It’s a cheap and flexible alternative to traditional (and expensive!) English proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL.
So the only real question is, “Which universities accept the Duolingo English Test?”
If I’m honest, that question is too big for one blog – there are thousands of universities all around the world that accept the DET!
So, in this guide, we’ll narrow it down and focus on which of the top universities in the USA and UK currently accept Duolingo results.
I’ll also give you some tips on how to make your application stand out while making sure you choose the right university for you.
What Is the Duolingo English Test?
Understanding Its Popularity Among Students and Universities
The Duolingo English Test is a speedy online language test that scores your English proficiency. It even breaks it down into these important subscores:
- Production – Writing and Speaking
- Literacy – Reading and Writing
- Comprehension – Listening and Reading
- Conversation – Speaking and Listening
Unlike old-school exams, you can take it in your own home and it only takes about an hour – meaning you could order a takeout and finish your exam before it arrives!
It’s easy to get and won’t break the bank, so it’s no wonder students love it, and over 5,500 institutions worldwide now accept DET Results.
Key Benefits of Taking the Duolingo English Test
- Affordable: The test costs just $70, or $59 if you buy two – that’s way cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL.
- Quick Results: Receive your scores within 48 hours.
- Free Score Reports: You can send your results to up to 15 universities for no extra cost.
- Convenient: Take the test anywhere with a quiet room and a good internet connection!
Why Choose Universities That Accept Duolingo Scores?
Affordability and Accessibility Compared to IELTS and TOEFL
Let’s be honest, studying abroad is pretty expensive.
You have to buy plane tickets, find a place to rent, and live on fast food because your mum isn’t there to cook for you!
The Duolingo English Test helps cut costs by reducing those hefty exam fees.
It also gets rid of the travel expenses that come with other English exams (like traveling across the city to your nearest IELTS test centre).
Faster Results and Simplified Score Submission Process
When you’re applying to universities, you’ll have lots of deadlines to think about.
The Duolingo English Test gets you your results fast, and you can send them straight to universities, which takes a load off your mind when those deadlines are coming quickly.
List of Duolingo Accepted Universities in the USA
Top Universities Accepting Duolingo Scores
Okay, so we know the test is good, now let’s look at some of the universities where you can actually use it!
Here are some of the top universities in the USA that recognize Duolingo English Test scores:
- University of Arizona – Rated in the top 1% of universities in the world – requires a minimal overall DET score of 100.
- Colorado State University – Requires a minimum overall score of 110 for admission.
- New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) – Study in The Big Apple! – You’ll need a minimum score of 105.
- California State University – Fullerton – Depending on the course, you’ll need between 110-140 for a successful application.
- University of New Haven – For a great university with a local feel – for most subjects, you’ll need a score of 105 on the DET.
These universities welcome Duolingo scores for various undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Universities That Accept a Duolingo Score of 90
Okay, but what if you don’t quite meet the criteria?
Don’t be put off – these universities all accept a Duolingo score of 90:
Duolingo Accepted Universities in the UK
Popular UK Institutions Recognizing Duolingo Scores
The UK is famous for having some of the world’s best universities, and many of them now accept Duolingo scores as proof of your English proficiency.
These include:
- University of Bristol
- Coventry University
- University of York
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of Southampton
Score Requirements for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
What score do you need? Well, it varies. But generally, UK universities want a Duolingo score of 110 to 125 for undergraduate courses and 120 or higher for graduate courses.
If you don’t have long to prepare but you need to score 120, here’s a video to help you with just that.
Tips for Choosing the Right University
Factors to Consider Beyond Test Acceptance
While it’s important that the university accepts your test, there’s more to think about:
- Academic Programs: Does the university offer the course you want to study?
- Location and Cost: Can you afford the tuition fees and living expenses, and do you like the location? There’s a big difference between studying in a city university and on a university campus, for example.
- Support for International Students: Does the university offer things like mentoring, language support, and help with housing?
How to Verify Duolingo Score Requirements Directly with Universities
Always double-check the score requirements on the university’s official website or by contacting their admissions office.
Universities often change or update their policies, so it’s essential to have the latest info.
How to Prepare for Admission to Duolingo Accepted Universities
Improving Your Duolingo English Test Score
- Practice Regularly: Use sample questions and practice tests.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Work on subscores like production (speaking and writing), this will boost your score and help with your application too.
- Use Free Resources: Platforms like Last Minute English provide tailored tips and exercises.
Writing a Strong Application with Your Test Results
Your Duolingo score is just one piece of the puzzle.
You also need to:
- Write a killer personal statement.
- Show off your extracurricular activities.
- Provide quality references or letters of recommendation.
- Don’t forget, you DET results will include your writing and speaking sample – so make sure they’re top quality too!
If you’re worried about the Writing Sample, here’s a video to help you prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Duolingo Accepted Universities
Is the Duolingo English Test Widely Accepted by Top Universities?
Yes!
It may have started with smaller institutions, but loads of top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia now accept Duolingo.
Can You Use Duolingo Scores for Scholarships?
Sometimes, yes.
Many universities accepting DET results will also consider them as part of a scholarship. Check with the university you’re interested in to see what their policy is.
You could also consider the Duolingo English Test fee waiver, if you are eligible.
What If a University Doesn’t Accept Duolingo Scores?
You’ve got a few options here:
- You could contact the university directly, you never know what a little charm could do – they might just make an exception.
- If it’s a specific course you want, you could look for an alternative university.
- If you’re set on where you want to study and Duolingo isn’t accepted, consider taking IELTS or TOEFL.
Ready to Apply to Duolingo Accepted Universities?
At Last Minute English, we’re all about helping students like you achieve their study abroad dreams with high-quality test preparation and personalised advice.
So, whether you’re hoping for a top-tier university or looking at some of the budget-friendly options, we’ve got your back.
Check our our Duolingo English Test Complete Preparation Course for more information about how we can help you score 120 (or higher) the first time you take the DET.
Final Thoughts
The number of universities accepting the Duolingo English Test is growing fast, which means more opportunities for students all over the world.
By getting to grips with the test requirements, doing your university research, and preparing well, you’re well on your way to achieving your academic goals.
If you’ve got any questions or need some personalised advice, drop a comment below – we’d love to be part of your journey!
