Duolingo English Test (DET): Where Is It Accepted?

As of 2025, more than 6,000 institutions have accepted the Duolingo English Test (DET), including Ivy League universities, top Canadian schools, and more!

Yet, despite this rapid adoption, many students still wonder: Will my dream school actually accept Duolingo in 2026?

Let’s look more closely at the Duolingo English Test (DET) acceptance 2026 with LUME!

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Key Takeaways

• The Duolingo English Test (DET) is recognized by almost every top U.S. university, most leading Canadian and U.K. schools, and the majority of Irish and New Zealand institutions.
• Some universities admit students with scores as low as 95, but most competitive programs expect 110-120+.

Duolingo English Test (DET) Acceptance 2026: Countries That Accept It

United States

The vast majority of top U.S. universities and colleges accept the Duolingo English Test (DET), including the top 100 ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

All Ivy League institutions, including elite schools such as MIT and Stanford, list the Duolingo English Test (DET) among their accepted exams.

A growing number of graduate programs, including many with large international student populations, also recognize the Duolingo English Test (DET).

When it comes to visas, the U.S. government doesn’t mandate an English test score for an F-1 student visa.

Officially, the Department of State only requires the documents requested by your university.

However, their guidance notes that officers may ask to see the same standard test results your school required, so it’s smart to carry them.

Canada

Around 90% of its top universities by international student numbers accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for undergraduate admissions.

On the graduate side, nearly half of the leading English-language master’s and doctoral programs also include Duolingo English Test (DET) in their list of approved exams.

Still, note that when applying for a Canadian study permit, proof of English ability isn’t required as a standalone document. 

Admission to a recognized Canadian institution is considered sufficient evidence that you meet language requirements.

U.K.

In the U.K., the Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted by major institutions and across full degree programs.

Popular names like the University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, University of York, and University of Warwick all welcome it.

Some common programs to consider include:

• Graduate: University of Leeds, University of York, University of Liverpool, University of Surrey, Loughborough University, etc.
• Undergraduate: Imperial College London, University of Southampton, University of Reading, University of East Anglia, etc.
• ESL: University of Birmingham, Queen Mary University of London, Swansea University, University of Aberdeen, etc.

Ireland

Out of 18 universities nationwide, 15 accept it for admissions.

Beyond that, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is one of the exams formally recognized by the Irish government as proof of language proficiency for the study visa:

• Graduate: Dublin Business School, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, National College of Ireland, Griffith College, University College Cork, etc.
• Undergraduate: University of Galway, National College of Ireland, Holmes Institute Dublin, Maynooth University, etc.
• Community College: Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences, Sligo College of Further Education

Australia

On the one hand, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted across programs at major universities such as the University of Newcastle and Flinders University.

It’s also valid for foundation studies at institutions, including the University of New South Wales and Monash University:

• Graduate: Monash University, University of Newcastle, Flinders University, University of Western Australia, etc.
• Undergraduate: Deakin University, Edith Cowan University, Capital College, James Cook University, etc.
• Other programs: Charles Darwin University, Murdoch University, JMC Academy, etc. 

The visa process, however, is more complicated.

If your visa pathway doesn’t require an English test, and your chosen university accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET), then the DET is enough.

But if proof of English proficiency is mandatory for your visa, you’ll have to go with IELTS.

It’s because Australia currently doesn’t accept remote, at-home tests for visa purposes. 

New Zealand

New Zealand’s universities also include the Duolingo English Test (DET) among their accepted exams:

• Graduate: Massey University, University of Canterbury, University of Waikato, University of Otago, etc.
• Undergraduate: Massey University, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, etc. 
• ESL: Massey University, University of Waikato, Auckland University of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington

When applying for a fee-paying student visa, you can pursue full-time studies for up to four years. 

Even better, the government doesn’t require proof of English proficiency at all.

As long as you’ve been offered a place by a recognized institution, your visa application will not be held up by language requirements.

FAQs

Is a 95 Duolingo English Test (DET) score accepted in the USA?

Yes, a Duolingo English Test (DET) score of 95 can be accepted in the U.S., but it depends entirely on the university. 

It’s always best to check the exact English proficiency requirements of the school you’re applying to.

Does Oxford accept the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

No, Oxford does not currently accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as proof of English proficiency for its degree programs. 

Is the Duolingo English Test (DET) accepted at Yale?

Yes, Yale does accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for applicants whose first language is not English.

That said, competitive candidates tend to have Duolingo English Test (DET) scores of at least 120.

Conclusion

The rise of the Duolingo English Test (DET) acceptance in 2026 reflects a bigger shift in international education.

For students, that means thousands of opportunities have opened up with a single, affordable online exam!

So, start your Duolingo English Test (DET) preparation today!

When done right, it can be the key that unlocks your path to studying overseas.

Related practice resources

• Duolingo English Test Vocabulary List: 500+ Essential Words
• Duolingo English Test (DET) Writing Sample Questions
• Duolingo English Test Cheat Sheet: Tips, Templates, Strategy

Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test (DET) And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)