By Zekeria Madadi | September 19, 2026 | 0 Comments

Universities That Accept Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is now accepted by more than 6,500 programmes and institutions worldwide, according to Duolingo’s latest institutional data updated in June 2026. However, acceptance does not mean that every programme at a university accepts the test. Some universities accept the DET for undergraduate admission, while others accept it only for selected master’s, PhD, professional, summer, or pathway programmes.

For this reason, students should not choose a university only because its name appears on a general list of DET-accepting institutions. Before applying, check the specific programme’s current English-language requirement.

This guide explains how DET acceptance works and gives verified examples of universities that currently accept the test for specific types of admission.

What Is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency examination used by universities and other institutions to assess applicants’ English ability.

Unlike traditional test-centre examinations, the DET is designed to be taken online. Duolingo states that the test can be taken on demand and that results are normally available within 48 hours, with a faster review option available for an additional fee.

Universities use English proficiency tests to determine whether international applicants have enough English ability for academic study.

The DET should therefore be viewed as an English-language requirement, not as a replacement for academic admission requirements.

A university may accept the DET while still requiring:

Academic transcripts
A degree or secondary-school qualification
Letters of recommendation
A CV or résumé
A statement of purpose or personal statement
Research documents for some graduate programmes
GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, or other tests where applicable
Proof of financial support
Other programme-specific documents

How Many Universities Accept the Duolingo English Test?

According to Duolingo’s latest published information, more than 6,500 programmes accept the Duolingo English Test in more than 100 countries. Duolingo also reports that the number of programmes accepting the test has more than doubled since 2020.

This is a large number, but it should not be interpreted as meaning that every programme at those institutions accepts DET.

Duolingo itself warns that acceptance can vary by programme or degree level. Universities can also change their English-language policies.

The safest method is therefore:

University → Degree → Programme → Current English requirement → DET score

rather than simply:

University → DET accepted

Universities That Accept the Duolingo English Test

The following universities have current official evidence showing DET acceptance for at least a particular admission category or programme. The required score is included only where the official source clearly provides one.

University	Country	Admission area verified	DET information
University of Toronto	Canada	Undergraduate	120 overall, including 120 Production
University of British Columbia	Canada	Undergraduate and graduate	125 overall for the published requirements
McGill University	Canada	Undergraduate	125; some programmes require 130
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	USA	Selected graduate programmes	Often 135; department requirements vary
University of Pennsylvania	USA	Undergraduate	130 recommended for competitive applicants
Cornell University	USA	Undergraduate	130 minimum competitive score
University of Southern California (USC)	USA	Undergraduate	130 minimum
Rice University	USA	Undergraduate	130 minimum
Purdue University	USA	Undergraduate and graduate	110 undergraduate; 115 graduate general minimum
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	USA	Undergraduate and selected graduate programmes	Programme requirements vary
Columbia University	USA	Selected graduate programmes	DET accepted by selected GSAS programmes
Harvard University	USA	Selected graduate/professional and continuing programmes	Programme-specific
Imperial College London	UK	Undergraduate and postgraduate	115 Standard / 125 Higher
UCL	UK	Selected programmes and study options	Requirement depends on level/programme
University of Queensland College	Australia	Foundation/pathway programmes	100–110 depending on pathway

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The table is intentionally not presented as a universal ranking. It is a verified selection of examples, because DET acceptance is programme-specific.

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto accepts the Duolingo English Test for eligible undergraduate applicants.

For tests completed on or after July 1, 2024, the published requirement is:

Overall DET score: 120
Production: 120

The university also specifies how applicants should submit their results through the Duolingo system.

This does not mean every University of Toronto programme has identical English requirements. Applicants should check the requirements for their particular admission category.

University of Toronto English language requirements

2. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia (UBC) provides current DET requirements for both undergraduate and graduate admission.

For undergraduate admission, UBC lists:

Overall: 125
Reading: 115
Listening: 115
Writing: 120
Speaking: 120

UBC’s graduate admissions page states that the DET will be accepted for May and September 2027 admissions, with the same published minimum scores for the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Some graduate programmes may require higher scores.

This is an important example of why applicants should check the admission cycle. The graduate policy specifically identifies the 2027 admission cycle.

UBC undergraduate English requirements

UBC graduate English requirements

3. McGill University

McGill University currently accepts the Duolingo English Test for undergraduate admission.

Its undergraduate admissions page lists:

DET: 125 or better
130 for certain programmes, including B.Ed. (TESL) and B.Com. according to the published requirement.

However, students must be careful with graduate admission.

McGill’s current graduate admissions information states that the Duolingo English Test is not accepted for admission to graduate programmes.

This is a good example of why the statement “McGill accepts Duolingo” is incomplete. A more accurate statement is:

McGill accepts DET for undergraduate admission, but its general graduate admissions policy does not accept DET.

McGill undergraduate English proficiency requirements

McGill graduate English proficiency requirements

4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is another university where DET acceptance depends strongly on the graduate programme.

MIT Graduate Admissions states that some graduate programmes accept DET scores and that each department can establish its own minimum. MIT Graduate Admissions recommends a minimum of 135, but the department’s requirement takes priority.

For example:

MIT Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences lists a minimum DET score of 135 for its PhD and SM programmes.
MIT Linguistics lists 135.
MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science accepts DET and lists a minimum of 130.
MIT Technology and Policy lists 140.
MIT Civil and Environmental Engineering lists 135 for its September 2026 application cycle.

Therefore, applicants should never assume that one MIT department’s DET score applies to all MIT graduate programmes.

MIT Graduate DET requirements

5. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) accepts the Duolingo English Test for international undergraduate applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.

Penn states that competitive applicants should have an overall DET score of 130 or above, with consistency across the subsections.

The university also states that DET scores must be valid for two years from the test date.

Importantly, Penn’s published wording describes 130 as a competitive score, rather than saying that 130 guarantees admission.

Penn international undergraduate admissions

6. Cornell University

Cornell University accepts the Duolingo English Test for applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.

Cornell lists:

DET minimum competitive score: 130
IELTS: 7.5
TOEFL requirements vary according to the date and scoring system.

Cornell also explains that applicants may be exempt from an English proficiency examination under certain circumstances, such as having English as their native language or having studied for at least four years where English was the primary language of instruction.

Cornell English proficiency requirements

7. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California (USC) accepts the Duolingo English Test for international undergraduate applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.

USC states that applicants using DET must achieve a minimum score of 130.

USC also has an additional requirement for international students admitted using only the DET: they must take the International Student Exam offered through USC’s American Language Institute after matriculation.

This is an important example of a policy difference that can easily be missed when students look only for the words “DET accepted.”

USC international undergraduate admission requirements

8. Rice University

Rice University accepts the Duolingo English Test for international undergraduate applicants.

Rice lists a minimum DET score of 130.

Applicants whose first language is not English can demonstrate proficiency either through qualifying English-medium study or by submitting one of the accepted English tests.

Rice also has graduate admissions policies that accept DET, but applicants should check the specific graduate programme because graduate requirements can differ.

Rice international undergraduate requirements

9. Purdue University

Purdue University accepts the Duolingo English Test for both undergraduate and graduate applicants, with different requirements.

For undergraduate admission, Purdue generally expects:

DET: 110 or higher
At least 110 in each individual subscore, according to the current undergraduate guidance.

For graduate admission, Purdue’s Office of Graduate Studies lists:

Comprehension: 115
Conversation: 115
Literacy: 115
Production: 115
Overall: 115

Individual graduate programmes can require higher scores.

Purdue undergraduate English proficiency requirements

Purdue graduate application requirements

10. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) accepts the Duolingo English Test for undergraduate applicants and for selected graduate programmes.

Illinois explains that international first-year applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency and lists the DET among accepted tests.

Its current admissions information also indicates that DET results used for English proficiency must normally be taken within two years of enrolment.

For graduate admission, individual departments can set their own requirements. For example, Illinois graduate programmes state that DET is accepted, while also noting that programme requirements may be higher.

Illinois also publishes admitted-student score information showing that the middle 50% DET range for its recent undergraduate class profile was 135–145. This is not a minimum admission requirement; it is descriptive information about admitted students.

University of Illinois undergraduate admissions

11. Columbia University

Columbia University accepts the Duolingo English Test for some graduate programmes.

For example, Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences programme pages state that applicants whose undergraduate degree is from a country whose official language is not English can satisfy the English proficiency examination requirement with TOEFL, IELTS, or DET.

Columbia’s Teachers College also accepts DET and currently lists a minimum score of 130 for its degree programmes.

The important point is that Columbia is a large university system with different schools and programmes, so applicants should verify the exact school and degree.

Columbia Teachers College English requirements

12. Harvard University

Harvard is another example where DET acceptance is programme-specific.

Harvard Summer School accepts DET for certain programmes and lists 135 as a successful application score in its published Summer 2026 guidance.

Harvard’s Graduate School of Education also accepts TOEFL, IELTS, or DET for eligible applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health currently lists a minimum DET score of 140 for its degree applications.

Harvard Extension School separately lists DET with a minimum score of 125 for its English proficiency requirement.

Therefore, there is no single “Harvard DET score” that applies to every Harvard school.

13. Imperial College London

Imperial College London officially accepts the Duolingo English Test for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Imperial currently publishes two English language levels:

Standard: DET 115 overall, with at least 105 in each integrated subscore
Higher: DET 125 overall, with at least 115 in each integrated subscore

The required level depends on the course. Imperial states that DET results are considered valid when taken within two years of the intended course start date.

Imperial also provides instructions for applicants who use DET to satisfy an offer condition.

Imperial College London English language requirements

14. University College London (UCL)

University College London (UCL) has used the Duolingo English Test in some of its study options, but applicants should be especially careful here because acceptance and requirements can depend on the particular programme.

For example, UCL Summer School lists DET as an accepted qualification, with different scores depending on the academic module.

UCL’s MBA programme also lists DET with an overall score of 125, including specified subscores.

However, the current general UCL graduate English requirements page does not simply provide one universal DET score for every graduate programme. UCL uses different English proficiency levels and applicants are instructed to check their specific degree programme.

This makes UCL another university where programme-level verification is essential.

UCL English language requirements

15. University of Queensland College

The University of Queensland College accepts the Duolingo English Test for certain pathway programmes.

For its Standard Foundation Program, the current published requirement is:

DET overall: 100
Speaking: 85
Listening: 85
Reading: 85
Writing: 80

For the Accelerated Foundation Program, the published DET requirement is 110, with higher component requirements.

The university makes an important distinction: these DET results are currently accepted by UQ College and cannot be used for direct entry to The University of Queensland degree programmes.

This is exactly why students should check whether they are applying for a degree programme or a pathway programme.

Other Universities and Programmes

The examples above are only a selection. Duolingo reports that more than 6,500 programmes worldwide accept DET.

Other institutions and programmes with documented DET acceptance include universities and schools in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and other regions.

For example, Duolingo’s current institutional information identifies DET acceptance at institutions including:

University of Toronto
Imperial College London
University of Western Australia
Trinity College Dublin
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania
Purdue University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Acceptance can differ by programme, so these names should be treated as starting points for further verification rather than a universal admission list.

Does Every Programme at a DET-Accepting University Accept Duolingo?

No.

This is one of the most important points for applicants.

A university can accept DET for:

Undergraduate programmes
Selected master’s programmes
Selected PhD programmes
Business programmes
Law programmes
Summer programmes
Foundation programmes
Pathway programmes

while another department at the same university may require IELTS, TOEFL, or another test.

MIT provides a clear example. Its Graduate Admissions office says that some graduate programmes accept DET, and individual departments establish their own minimum scores.

McGill provides the opposite example: DET is accepted for undergraduate admission, while the general graduate admissions policy says DET is not accepted for graduate admission.

Therefore:

Never rely only on a university-wide DET list. Check the exact programme.

What DET Score Do Universities Usually Require?

There is no universal minimum score.

Current official examples show how much requirements can vary:

University / Programme	Published DET requirement
University of Toronto undergraduate	120 overall + 120 Production
UBC undergraduate	125 overall + component minimums
McGill undergraduate	125; 130 for some programmes
Purdue undergraduate	Generally 110+
USC undergraduate	130
Cornell undergraduate	130
Rice undergraduate	130
MIT selected graduate programmes	Common examples 130–140
Imperial Standard	115
Imperial Higher	125
UQ College Foundation	100
UQ College Accelerated Foundation	110

These figures are examples, not a general DET admission scale. Requirements can change and individual programmes may impose higher thresholds.

Is 120 a Good Duolingo Score?

A DET score of 120 may satisfy the minimum English requirement at some universities, but it does not automatically satisfy all universities or programmes.

For example:

University of Toronto lists 120 for its published undergraduate requirement.
UBC’s undergraduate requirement is 125.
Cornell lists 130 as its minimum competitive score.
USC lists 130.
Rice lists 130.
Some MIT programmes require 135 or higher.

Therefore, a student should choose a target score based on the universities and programmes on their shortlist.

Is 130 a Good Duolingo Score?

A score of 130 meets the published DET threshold at several universities in this article, including Cornell, USC, Rice, and some Columbia programmes.

However, it does not automatically meet every requirement.

For example, some MIT programmes require 135 or 140, while UBC’s published undergraduate requirement is 125 with component minimums.

The practical lesson is simple:

Do not ask only, “Is 130 enough?” Ask, “Is 130 enough for my exact programme?”

Can You Use Duolingo Instead of IELTS?

If a university or programme officially lists the Duolingo English Test as an accepted English proficiency test, applicants can generally use DET instead of IELTS for that particular requirement.

But DET acceptance is not universal.

For example, Imperial officially lists DET alongside IELTS and TOEFL.

McGill undergraduate admissions lists DET and IELTS among accepted tests, while its graduate admissions policy does not accept DET.

Therefore, “Duolingo accepted” should always be understood as programme-specific unless the university clearly states otherwise.

Does Duolingo Acceptance Mean You Do Not Need IELTS?

Not necessarily.

If your chosen programme accepts DET as an alternative English test, you may not need IELTS for that programme’s English proficiency requirement.

However, other reasons may still require a different form of English evidence.

For example:

A programme may accept DET but require a higher score.
A department may have a different policy from the central university.
A scholarship may have separate requirements.
A professional licensing body may have separate language rules.
A visa or immigration process may have requirements separate from university admission.

The last point is particularly important for students planning to study in the United Kingdom.

Does UK University DET Acceptance Automatically Solve the UK Visa Requirement?

No.

University admission and immigration requirements are separate questions.

Current UK government guidance states that students normally need to meet an English-language requirement for the Student visa. For degree-level study, the required level is generally CEFR B2.

However, a student studying at degree level with a higher education provider that has a qualifying compliance record can have English assessed by the university itself. The university must record the relevant assessment information on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

This means that:

A university accepting DET does not by itself mean that DET is a separate UK visa test requirement for every student.

Before relying on DET for a UK application, check both:

The university’s current English requirement.
The current UK Student visa rules and the information on your CAS.

Can International Students From Afghanistan Use DET?

The DET is designed as an online English proficiency test and is used by universities around the world.

For an Afghan applicant, however, the most important question is not simply whether DET can be taken online. The applicant should verify:

Whether the target university accepts DET.
Whether the specific degree accepts DET.
The minimum overall score.
Minimum component scores.
How old the test can be.
Whether the university requires official electronic score submission.
Whether the programme has additional English requirements.
Whether the destination country’s visa process has separate language requirements.

For example, UBC requires official DET results to be sent electronically through the Duolingo system for its applicable graduate admissions.

How to Find Universities That Accept Duolingo

The most reliable starting point is the official Duolingo English Test institution directory.

Search Duolingo English Test accepting institutions

But the directory should not be your final verification step.

Use this process:

Step 1: Choose Your Degree

Decide whether you are applying for:

Bachelor’s
Master’s
PhD
MBA
Diploma
Foundation
Pathway
Professional programme

Step 2: Choose the Exact Programme

Do not stop at the university name.

For example:

University → Faculty → Master’s → Specific programme

The English requirement may be different from another programme at the same university.

Step 3: Find the Official English Requirement

Search the university’s official website for:

English language requirements

International admission requirements

Step 4: Check Whether DET Is Listed

Look specifically for:

Duolingo English Test
DET
Duolingo
English proficiency tests

Step 5: Check the Score

Look for:

Overall score
Literacy
Comprehension
Conversation
Production
Reading
Listening
Writing
Speaking

Do not assume that an overall score alone is enough.

Step 6: Check Test Validity

Some universities require scores to have been taken within a certain period.

For example, Penn states that TOEFL, IELTS and DET scores are valid for two years from the test date.

Imperial similarly states that accepted test scores are considered valid when taken within two years of the intended course start date.

Step 7: Check the Application Cycle

English requirements can change between admission cycles.

This is especially important when applying for:

2026 entry
2027 entry
2028 entry

Do not use an old university page simply because it appears in a Google search.

Important Difference Between “Accepted” and “Minimum Score”

These are two different things.

Accepted test means the university allows DET as an English proficiency option.

Minimum score means the applicant needs to achieve at least a stated score to satisfy that requirement.

For example, Imperial accepts DET but uses different thresholds for Standard and Higher English levels.

Similarly, MIT accepts DET in some graduate programmes, but departments establish their own minimums.

Therefore, a university can accept DET while still requiring a score that is much higher than another university.

Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

Both can be accepted by many universities, but applicants should compare the requirements of their target programmes rather than assuming one test is universally better.

Point	Duolingo English Test	IELTS
Delivery	Online test	Test-centre and some online options depending on country/institution
University acceptance	More than 6,500 programmes according to Duolingo	Very widely accepted
Score scale	10–160	IELTS band scale
University requirements	Vary by programme	Vary by programme
Test acceptance	Must be verified	Must be verified
Visa use	Depends on destination and immigration rules	Depends on destination and test type
Best choice	Depends on target institutions	Depends on target institutions

The practical question is not simply “Which test is better?”

It is:

“Which test is accepted by all or most of the programmes I plan to apply to, and what scores do they require?”

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Checking only the university name

A university may accept DET for one programme and reject it for another.

2. Using an old score requirement

English-language policies can change.

3. Looking only at the overall score

Some universities require minimum component scores.

4. Assuming undergraduate and graduate requirements are identical

They are often different.

McGill is a clear example: its undergraduate admissions page accepts DET, while its general graduate admissions policy does not.

5. Assuming “DET accepted” means “no IELTS required”

This is only true if DET is accepted as an alternative for the exact requirement you need to satisfy.

6. Ignoring visa requirements

Admission requirements and immigration requirements are not always the same.

7. Trusting third-party scholarship websites without checking the university

A university’s official admissions page should be the final authority for its own current English-language requirements.

8. Assuming a high DET score guarantees admission

It does not.

English proficiency is normally only one part of an admission application. Academic preparation, programme requirements, documents, deadlines, and other factors can also matter.

Does a High Duolingo Score Guarantee Admission?

No.

A DET score demonstrates English proficiency. It does not by itself guarantee admission, a scholarship, or a visa.

For example, Penn describes 130 as a competitive score, while Cornell also describes its DET threshold in terms of competitive applicants. These statements do not mean that reaching the score guarantees admission.

Applicants should therefore treat DET as one part of the application, not as a guarantee of success.