The Duolingo English Test (DET) has gone from "that app-based exam nobody takes seriously" to a genuinely accepted alternative at thousands of universities worldwide. But the question everyone asks before registering is simple: will my target university actually accept it?
The answer in 2026 is: probably yes, but with important caveats. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of which universities accept the Duolingo English Test, what scores they require, and where you might run into problems.
How Many Universities Accept the Duolingo English Test?
As of early 2026, over 5,000 institutions worldwide accept the Duolingo English Test. That number has grown steadily since the test gained traction during the pandemic, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. The test is now accepted across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and parts of the Middle East.
However, "accepted" doesn't always mean "preferred." Some universities list DET as an option but clearly favor IELTS or TOEFL in their admissions guidance. Others have embraced it fully and even recommend it. Knowing the difference matters.
United States: Broad Acceptance
The US has the widest DET acceptance of any country. Major institutions that accept DET scores include: Yale University (minimum 120), Columbia University (minimum 120), MIT (minimum 120), Stanford University (minimum 115), Duke University (minimum 115), NYU (minimum 115), University of Michigan (minimum 110), Purdue University (minimum 105), University of Texas at Austin (minimum 105), and Arizona State University (minimum 100).
The Ivy League and top-20 universities generally accept DET but set high minimums — typically 120-130. Mid-ranked universities commonly accept scores of 105-115. Community colleges and pathway programs often accept 85-95.
One important pattern: US universities that accept DET almost universally also accept IELTS and TOEFL. The DET is an additional option, not a replacement. If you're applying to highly competitive programs, having an IELTS or TOEFL score alongside your DET can strengthen your application, even if it's technically not required.
United Kingdom: Growing but Selective
UK acceptance has expanded significantly since 2024, but it's patchier than the US. Universities that now accept DET include: University College London (UCL), University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, Queen Mary University of London, University of Glasgow, Brunel University London, and several Russell Group institutions.
However, several top UK universities still do not accept DET: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics still require IELTS, TOEFL, or specific Cambridge exams. For UK student visa (UKVI) purposes, DET is not accepted as proof of English proficiency — you'll still need a SELT-approved test like IELTS for Life Skills.
If you're applying to UK universities, always check the specific department's requirements, not just the university's general policy. Some departments within an accepting university may have their own restrictions.
Canada: Strong Acceptance
Canada has embraced DET broadly. Major accepting institutions include: University of Toronto (minimum 120), University of British Columbia (minimum 115), McGill University (minimum 115), University of Waterloo (minimum 115), University of Alberta (minimum 110), Western University (minimum 110), and most other Canadian universities.
For Canadian immigration purposes (Express Entry, study permits), DET is not yet accepted as proof of language ability. You'll still need IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for immigration applications. DET works for university admissions only.
Australia: Limited Acceptance
Australia has been slower to adopt DET compared to North America. Some accepting institutions include: Monash University, University of New South Wales (select programs), Macquarie University, and several newer or smaller universities.
Major holdouts include the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and Australian National University, which still primarily require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Given Australia's strong PTE culture (Pearson is headquartered in part there), PTE Academic remains the dominant alternative to IELTS.
For Australian student visas, DET is not accepted. You need IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced.
Europe: Varies Widely
European acceptance is a mixed bag. Countries with good DET acceptance include Germany (many universities accept it alongside TestDaF and IELTS), the Netherlands (most research universities accept it), and Ireland (most universities including Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin).
France, Spain, and Italy have more limited acceptance. If you're applying to European programs taught in English, check the specific program's requirements rather than assuming DET is accepted.
Score Requirements: What You Actually Need
DET scores range from 10-160. Here's how they typically map to university requirements:
130-160 (Very competitive): Top-tier universities, highly competitive programs, some PhD programs. Equivalent to roughly IELTS 7.5-9.0 or TOEFL 110-120.
115-130 (Strong): Most undergraduate and graduate programs at well-ranked universities. Equivalent to roughly IELTS 6.5-7.5 or TOEFL 95-110.
100-115 (Adequate): Many undergraduate programs, some pathway programs. Equivalent to roughly IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL 75-95.
85-100 (Basic): Conditional admission, pathway programs, community colleges. Equivalent to roughly IELTS 5.5-6.0 or TOEFL 60-75.
Most competitive universities require 115+ for undergraduate and 120+ for graduate admissions. Always verify the exact requirement for your specific program — different departments at the same university can have different minimums.
How to Check If Your University Accepts DET
The most reliable method: go directly to your target university's admissions page and look for their English language requirements section. Don't rely on third-party lists alone — they can be outdated.
Duolingo maintains an official list of accepting institutions at their website, which is updated regularly. You can search by country, university name, or program type. However, even this list may lag behind recent policy changes.
If the university website is ambiguous, email the admissions office directly. Ask specifically: "Do you accept the Duolingo English Test for [specific program] admissions? What is the minimum score required?" Admissions offices typically respond within a few business days.
The DET Advantage: Speed, Cost, and Convenience
Beyond acceptance, DET has practical advantages that make it attractive: the test costs just $59 (versus $200+ for IELTS or TOEFL), takes only about 1 hour, can be taken from home on your own computer, and results arrive within 48 hours. You can also send scores to unlimited institutions for free.
For budget-conscious students or those on tight timelines, DET is often the most practical choice — as long as your target institutions accept it.
When NOT to Use DET
There are clear situations where DET won't work: immigration applications in most countries (Australia, Canada, UK visa applications), universities that explicitly don't accept it (check before you test), professional licensing bodies (medical, legal, nursing registrations typically require IELTS or OET), and some scholarship applications that specify IELTS or TOEFL only.
If you're unsure, the safest approach is to take IELTS or TOEFL — they're accepted virtually everywhere. DET is an excellent option when you've confirmed your target institutions accept it and you want the cost and convenience benefits.
Our Recommendation
Check your target universities first. If they all accept DET, it's a fantastic choice — cheaper, faster, and no less valid. If even one of your target programs doesn't accept it, either take IELTS/TOEFL instead or plan to take both. The DET's low cost means taking it alongside another exam is financially feasible and gives you more options.
For a broader comparison of all English proficiency exams, check out our guide to IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE.