Is Duolingo Compulsory for Study Abroad?

As more than two million Indian students plan to pursue higher education abroad, demonstrating proficiency in English is a key factor in the process. The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an option that enables this global mobility and opens the door to smoother college acceptance and immigration. Trusted by many universities and millions of students worldwide, DET is a leading digital, high-stakes assessment of English language proficiency. Designed for comfort, speed, affordability, and reliability, this is a great choice for students who are looking for a smooth and successful language assessment experience. 

Meet Student Visa Requirements

When it comes to studying abroad, aspiring students need a student visa to continue their studies. They are often skeptical about whether language proficiency tests will be accepted for visas. 

Duolingo's English test is accepted for visas in the US, UK, and Ireland. For Canada and Australia, the test is accepted, but the process is a bit different. Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is required for a traditional study permit. You may not need to take an additional English test to apply for a student visa if the applicant institution accepts the DET as part of their application process. Students from specific countries can also apply for a student visa using the Student Direct Stream (SDS) process. Currently, IELTS is the only English proficiency test recognized by SDS as part of the application process. To use DET results, students should follow the normal student visa route, instead of using SDS. 

DET Student Visa Requirements by Country 

Here are the requirements for student visas in the top five English-speaking countries: 

• Study Abroad in USA - It is accepted for US student visa applications. Minimum DET scores vary by university. The average DET score requirement for US universities is between 100 and 150. However, top universities generally accept DET scores above 120.

• Study Abroad in UK - It is accepted for UK student visas. However, applicants must ensure that they have met the necessary requirements set forth by the UK government. The UK requires a minimum DET score of 105. Although this can vary depending on the choice of UK university and the program the person is applying to,

• Study in Canada - If a student is accepted into a university, DET can be used for the visa process; DET is not accepted for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) process. To use DET results, students should follow the regular student visa route instead of using SDS. Immigration authorities do not currently accept online English tests.

• Study in Ireland - Duolingo's English test is accepted for visas to Ireland. DET has become a permanent offering as the current minimum English standard for Irish student visas. For high school and basic or preparatory English courses, applicants must have a minimum score of 55, while the minimum score for all other courses is 75.

• Study Abroad in Australia - DET can be used for the visa application process if prospective students are accepted into a university. However, the Australian government may require them to take another language proficiency test, depending on the needs of the applying university. 

DET: A Gateway to Renowned Universities

Currently, university acceptance of Duolingo English tests is on the rise, with an increasing number of institutions trusting the test. More than 4,500 universities and institutions around the world officially accept the DET. Institutions such as Adelphi University, USA; Baylor University, USA; California State University, Los Angeles; Cambrian College, Canada; the University of Windsor, Canada; Kingston University, UK; and the Australian National University, Australia, to name a few, accept DET. Visit the official exam website for a complete list of universities that recognize the Duolingo English test. 

DET Scores are Validated by Institutions

As part of the admissions process, many institutions often set a minimum score threshold for language proficiency tests. Although many universities list English language proficiency requirements on their websites, the easiest way to find out what Duolingo test scores a university accepts is to email their admissions office at this establishment and ask them directly. Along with test scores, it also provides more information about test takers through their speaking and writing samples to create an overall report. 

The Duolingo English Test is a modern assessment of English language skills for today's international students and organizations. The test is available online upon request. You don't need to make an appointment or go to the test center, you; can take the test at home using your computer and webcam. The test is administered using adaptive computer technology, which means that the difficulty of the question adapts to each candidate. The test also incorporates a video interview and sample writing, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you submit your results. The entire testing experience took less than an hour. Test results are certified within two days and can be shared with any organization.