Duolingo English Test 2026: Score Chart, Accepting Universities & Tips
The Duolingo English Test explained — format, score chart vs IELTS/TOEFL, which universities accept it, and how to score higher.
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The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a cheaper (~$65), faster (results in ~2 days) at-home English test scored 10–160. It's accepted by 5,500+ institutions including many top universities, but not all — and rarely for visas. Confirm your universities accept it and their minimum score before booking.
Score chart (approximate)
DET 120 ≈ IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 95; DET 105 ≈ IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80; DET 135 ≈ IELTS 7.5+. Most universities ask for 105–120. Use the free Score & Eligibility converter for exact equivalents.
Format
The DET is adaptive — questions get harder or easier based on your answers — and mixes reading, listening, speaking and writing tasks, plus an interactive interview and writing sample reviewed by the institution. The whole test takes about an hour.
Who accepts it
Thousands of universities in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland and Australia accept the DET for admission. Always check the specific program page; some competitive programs still prefer IELTS/TOEFL.
Tips to score higher
Speak clearly and at length (don't stop early), use varied vocabulary and grammar, manage the strict timers, and prepare your quiet, well-lit room to meet the test's proctoring rules.
Practise free
Take free Duolingo-style practice on LandingPrep and convert your target score to IELTS/TOEFL with the free Score & Eligibility tool.