Duolingo English Test (DET) 2026: Format, Scores, Fees & Universities That Accept It

Article Summary

• The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a 60-minute online English proficiency exam that evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Conducted by Duolingo, it costs about USD 70, provides results within 48 hours, and scores range from 10 to 160.
• The Duolingo English Test format includes three sections: introduction and setup (5 minutes), a 45-minute adaptive test with question types like Read and Select, Listen and Type, and Write About a Photo, and a 10-minute video interview and writing sample.
• Thousands of universities worldwide accept the Duolingo English Test for admission, including institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Toronto, and Imperial College London, with most competitive programs requiring DET scores between 115 and 130+.

If you want to study abroad in 2026, you will need to prove your English skills. Many students take exams like IELTS or TOEFL, but now the Duolingo English Test (DET) is also becoming very popular. The reason behind this is that it is easy, affordable, and can be taken from home. You don’t need to visit a test center, and you get your results quickly. Many universities in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada now accept this test. But before choosing it, you should understand its format, scores, fees, and which universities accept it in 2026. In this guide, we will explain everything to help you decide if the Duolingo English Test is right for you.

What is the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an exam for students who want to study or work in another country. It checks your English skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The test is a little different from others. It changes based on how you answer. If you answer correctly, the questions become harder. If you make mistakes, they become easier. So, every student gets a different test. Another good thing is that you get your result very fast, usually within 2 days. The test also uses smart technology to check your answers and give you a fair score.

Category	Details
Exam Name	Duolingo English Test (DET)
Official Website	englishtest.duolingo.com
Accepted For	University admissions and work abroad
Conducted By	Duolingo, Inc.
Mode of Exam	Online (can be taken from home)
Test Duration	60 minutes (45 min test + 10 min speaking/writing + setup)
Test Fee	USD 70 (around INR 6,000)
Score Range	10 to 160
Result Time	Within 48 hours (2 days)
Attempts Allowed	Maximum 3 times in 30 days
Score Validity	2 years
Eligibility	Open to all (no specific requirements)
Device Requirements	Computer/laptop with a camera, a microphone, and stable internet
Exam Availability	Available 24/7 (no fixed dates)
Practice Test	Free practice test available on the official website

Also Read: Duolingo English Test Preparation: Top 5 Tips, Preparation Guide, Test Fee

Duolingo English Test Format 2026

The Duolingo English Test has three sections, and each one checks your English skills. The table below shows all three sections of the test, how long each section takes and what skills are tested in each part.

Section	Duration	What It Tests
Introduction & Setup	5 minutes	System check, ID verification, and test instructions
Adaptive Test	45 minutes	Reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills together
Video Interview + Writing Sample	10 minutes	Your communication skills, confidence, and natural language use

Section 1: Introduction and Setup

This is the first part of the test. It helps you understand the rules and get ready before the exam starts. In this section, you will:

• Check if your camera, microphone, and speakers are working properly
• Show your government ID clearly to the camera

Section 2: Adaptive Test

It is the most important part of the exam because your final score depends on it. It lasts for about 45 minutes. In this section, the questions change based on your answers. If your answer is correct, the next question becomes harder. If you make a mistake, the next question becomes easier. This way, the test can understand your English level more accurately. You will get different types of questions, such as the following:

• Read and Select: Choose real English words
• Fill in the Blanks: Complete missing letters in a sentence
• Interactive Reading: Answer questions based on a passage
• Interactive Listening: Listen and choose the correct answer
• Write About a Photo: Describe an image in your own words
• Listen and Type: Type what you hear

Section 3: Video Interview, Writing and Speaking

This is the last part of the test and takes about 10 minutes. In this section, you will:

• Speak on a given topic
• Describe an image
• Write a short response

Technical Requirements for the Test

Before taking the test, make sure you meet the following requirements:

Requirement	Details
Device	A personal computer or laptop (phones and tablets are not allowed)
Camera	A front-facing webcam is required
Internet	Stable and reliable internet connection
Room	Quiet, well-lit, and private space
Mac Users	Must allow screen recording and keystroke access
Not Allowed	Mobile phones, notes, books, or any external help tools

DET Scoring System: Scale, Subscores & CEFR Levels

The Duolingo English Test (DET) gives scores between 10 and 160. Scores are given in steps of 5, such as 95, 100, or 105. A higher score means better English skills. The test not only gives one an overall score. It also gives separate scores for different English skills. This helps universities understand which areas you are good at and which areas need improvement. There are 4 main skill scores:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

There are also 4 combined scores called integrated subscores.

Subscore	Skills Combined	What It Measures
Literacy	Reading + Writing	How well you understand written English and write clearly
Comprehension	Listening + Reading	How well you understand spoken and written English
Conversation	Speaking + Listening	How well you speak and respond in conversations
Production	Speaking + Writing	How well you express your ideas in speaking and writing

Universities can see all these scores along with your total DET score. This means that if you are very good in one area but weak in another, universities will notice it. Because of this, it is important to prepare for all parts of the test. Below is a table to understand what different DET scores mean:

DET Score	CEFR Level	IELTS Equivalent	What It Means
10–55	Below A2	Below 4.0	Usually not accepted by universities
60–85	A2–B1	4.0–5.0	Good for language courses and foundation programs
90–105	B1–B2	5.0–6.0	Accepted by some colleges and pathway programs
100–110	B2	6.0–6.5	Accepted by many universities for undergraduate courses
115–125	B2–C1	7.0–7.5	Good for top universities and competitive programs
125+	C1–C2	7.5–8.0+	Needed for highly ranked universities
145–160	C2	8.5–9.0	Near-native English level

Countries & Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test in 2026

In 2026, the Duolingo English Test (DET) will be accepted by thousands of universities around the world, including popular study destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. However, the required scores and rules can be different depending on the country and university. Below are some of the popular countries and universities, along with their minimum DET score requirements and approximate tuition fees.

United States of America

The USA is the most DET-friendly country. Almost every major university accepts it, including top-ranked ones. If your goal is the US, DET alone is usually enough for admission (no need for IELTS in most cases). Top universities in the USA include the following: 

University	Minimum DET Score	Approx Annual Fees
Harvard University	125–130	USD 54,000 (INR 45L)
Stanford University	125–130	USD 57,000 (INR 47L)
Yale University	120+	USD 62,000 (INR 51L)
Columbia University	120+	USD 63,500 (INR 53L)
Duke University	120+	USD 60,000 (INR 50L)
University of Chicago	105+	USD 60,000 (INR 50L)
UC Berkeley	115+	USD 45,000 (INR 37L)
MIT	120+	USD 55,500 (INR 46L)
Northeastern University	105+	USD 62,000 (INR 51L)
Arizona State University	95–100+	USD 42,000 (INR 35L)

Canada

Canada is very popular among Indian students because of its good education quality and PR opportunities. Many universities accept DET, but there’s one important thing you should know. Top universities in Canada include: 

University	Minimum DET Score	Approx Annual Fees
University of Toronto	120+	CAD 57,300 (INR 35L)
University of British Columbia	120+	CAD 53,000 (INR 33L)
University of Alberta	115+	CAD 28,000 (INR 17L)
McMaster University	115+	CAD 32,000 (INR 20L)
University of Waterloo	120+	CAD 48,000 (INR 30L)
McGill University	115+	CAD 51,000 (INR 31L)

United Kingdom

The UK has started accepting DET in many universities, including some top ones. However, requirements can change depending on the course and university. Top universities in the UK include:

University	Minimum DET Score	Approx Annual Fees
Imperial College London	125+	GBP 33,200 (INR 30L)
University of Bristol	120+	GBP 23,700 (INR 22L)
University of Liverpool	110+	GBP 21,000 (INR 19L)
University of York	110+	GBP 20,500 (INR 19L)
University of Birmingham	115+	GBP 22,000 (INR 20L)

Australia

Australia is another good option, especially for students looking for work opportunities after study. Many universities accept DET. Some of the universities in Australia include: 

University	Minimum DET Score	Approx Annual Fees
University of Melbourne	115+	AUD 45,000 (INR 22L)
Monash University	115+	AUD 44,000 (INR 21L)
Australian National University	115+	AUD 51,075 (INR 25L)
Flinders University	105+	AUD 35,000 (INR 17L)
University of Newcastle	105+	AUD 32,000 (INR 16L)

Ireland

Ireland is becoming a favourite because it offers good job opportunities in the tech and business fields. One big advantage is that DET is accepted in many cases. Top universities in Ireland include: 

University	Minimum DET Score	Approx Annual Fees
Trinity College Dublin	110+	EUR 26,000 (INR 22L)
University College Dublin	110+	EUR 22,000 (INR 19L)
University of Galway	100+	EUR 16,500 (INR 14L)
National College of Ireland	100+	EUR 13,500 (INR 12L)
Dublin City University	105+	EUR 15,000 (INR 13L)

Also Read: Duolingo Accepted Universities in New Zealand: Minimum Score Requirement, Best Universities and Fees

DET vs IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right English test depends on your goal. If you only need it for university admission, then you can go for options like DET, which are faster and cheaper. But if you also need it for a student visa, then tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE are required because they are officially accepted for immigration. So before choosing, make sure you know your country’s requirements and the university rules.

Feature	DET	IELTS	TOEFL iBT	PTE Academic
Fee	USD 70 (INR 6,000+)	USD 245– USD 275 (INR 21,000+)	USD 235 (INR 20,000+)	USD 200–USD 210 (INR 17,000+)
Duration	60 minutes	2 hours 45 minutes	2 hours	2 hours
Test location	Home (online)	Test centre	Test centre	Test centre
Results	48 hours	3–5 days	4–8 days	48 hours
Score validity	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years
Free score sends	Unlimited	Paid	Paid	Limited
UK visa	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canada visa	No	Yes	No	Yes
Australia visa	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scheduling	Anytime	Fixed dates	Fixed dates	Fixed dates

DET for Indian Students — Everything You Need to Know

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is becoming very popular among Indian students who want to study abroad. It is cheaper, easier, and more convenient than many other English exams.

Why Do Indian Students Choose DET?

Many students in India prefer DET because of its low cost and flexibility. The test fee is about INR 6,200, which is much lower than IELTS, which usually costs around INR 17,000–INR 18,000.

You can also take the test from home, so there’s no need to visit a test centre. Payment is simple too; you can use UPI or your bank card.

Where is DET accepted?

Some Indian colleges and private universities also accept DET, but not all of them. So, it’s always better to check with the college first. Many universities in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany accept DET scores for admission.

Important Thing About Visa

Even if a university accepts DET, it may not be enough for your student visa.

• Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia usually ask for IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for visa approval.
• So, if you are planning to go to these countries, it’s safer to prepare for both the DET and another test.

How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test?

To score well in the Duolingo English Test, you need to understand the test format and practice the right way. With proper preparation and regular practice, you can improve your performance and feel more confident on test day.

Understand the Adaptive Format First

The Duolingo test is a little different from other exams. It changes based on your answers. If you answer correctly, the next question becomes harder. If you make mistakes, it becomes easier. This helps the test understand your exact level. The first few questions are very important, so don’t hurry. Take your time, read properly, and try to answer correctly. 

Practice All Question Types

The test has many types of questions, so you should practise all of them. Don’t focus on just one type. You can take the free practice test on the Duolingo website to understand how the exam works. Practise vocabulary, speaking, writing, and listening regularly. This will help you feel more confident on the test day.

Improve Your Typing Speed

In many questions, you have to type your answers. If your typing is slow, you may not finish your answer on time. So, try to improve your typing speed. At the same time, avoid spelling mistakes. Good speed with accuracy will help you perform better.

Technical Setup 

Since you take the test from home, your setup should be ready. Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection before the test. Sit in a quiet place where no one disturbs you. Also, make sure the room has good lighting so your face is clearly visible.

Video Sample

This section is not included in your score, but universities still check it. They want to see how you speak and how confident you are. So, speak clearly and try to explain your ideas properly. Treat this section seriously.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some students use very casual English or give very short answers. Others speak too fast and make mistakes. Try to avoid these problems. Speak slowly, write clearly, and give complete answers. Also, don’t ignore your weak areas—practise them more.

FAQs

Related Reads: 

Top Asian Universities Accepting the Duolingo English Test for English Proficiency	Duolingo Writing Topics: Question Types, Common Topics and Format
Duolingo Score Chart: Score Scale, Section-Wise Chart, Check-Scores	Duolingo Accepted Universities in Germany: Top 5 Universities, Eligibility Criteria and Best Tips
Learn About the Duolingo English Test: Duolingo Advantages and Disadvantages	Duolingo Daily Writing Topic- Describe the geography of the country where you currently live

This was all about the Duolingo English test. If you’re serious about turning your creativity into a career, this guide should set you on the right path. For more such informative articles, keep following Leverage Edu.