Duolingo English Test
An online English test you take at home, accepted by many universities for admission. It is cheaper and more convenient than centre-based tests, but acceptance varies and it is not a UK approved secure English test, so confirm every programme and your visa route first.
Platform
Career Growth
Duolingo
About 1 hour
All
Free
What it is
The Duolingo English Test is an adaptive English test taken online on your own computer, with remote proctoring. It combines short tasks in reading, writing, listening and speaking and reports an overall score and sub-scores. Its official site has a search of institutions that accept it.
Why students consider it
It removes the need to travel to a test centre, which matters for students far from a city with test dates, and it is usually cheaper than centre-based tests. Results come back quickly. For many universities, especially in the United States and Canada, it is accepted for admission alongside IELTS and TOEFL.
The important limits
Acceptance is the whole question. Some universities and programmes do not accept it, some accept it only for certain courses, and visa systems have their own rules. As of 2026-09 it is not on the UK Home Office list of approved secure English language tests; for degree-level Student visas, UK universities can assess your English themselves and may accept it for their own offer, but that is their choice. Australia publishes its own list of accepted tests for student visas. Check the accepting institutions search, each programme's English page and your visa route's official page before booking.
How to prepare
- Take the free practice test on the official site to see the format and a rough score.
- Read the official guide to question types, since some tasks are unusual.
- Check the technical and room requirements for the proctored test in advance, because breaking them can invalidate your result.
- Book with time for a retake.
Is it worth it?
Yes, if every programme on your shortlist and your visa route accept it. It saves money and travel. If even one key programme or your visa needs a different test, you may end up paying for two tests; in that case take the one everyone accepts.
Free or paid
The official test has a fee; check the current price on the official site, since it can change. Practice tests are free.
Common questions
Is it accepted for scholarships? Some scholarships specify tests. Read the scholarship's own requirements.
Can I use it for a UK visa? Not as a secure English language test as of 2026-09. Your UK university may accept it for admission and assess English itself; follow its instructions.
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