Is the Duolingo English Test Valid for Student Visas?

While planning to study abroad, proving your English proficiency is a key requirement. The Duolingo English Test has become a popular alternative to traditional exams like TOEFL and IELTS due to its affordability and speed of score delivery. But is it accepted for student visa applications? Whether you want to study or work in an English-speaking country, you can take the DET to prove your English language proficiency. If your school accepts the Duolingo English Test and your spoken English is solid, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to your student visa.

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Canada: DET is Accepted for Student Permit

An English test score is not listed as a required document for the Canadian Study Permit application. So, if you are admitted to a Canadian university, you can secure a student visa with only the letter of acceptance.

Note: As of November 8, 2024, Canada has officially discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which allowed students from certain countries to get study permits faster. SDS required in-person tests only. So now that SDS is gone, there is no special advantage in taking IELTS over the Duolingo English Test.

UK: If You are Admitted to a UK university, You are All Set.

The Duolingo English Test is accepted for all programs at top universities in the UK. These universities include Imperial College London, University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, University of Warwick, and University of York.

If you are admitted to a UK university that accepts DET, then you do not need to submit additional English proficiency test scores for UK student visa. However, applicants from certain countries, including India, are required to prove English proficiency. You can also take the SELT, or Secure English Language Test, required by the UK government for certain visas and immigration. DET is not a current SELT test provider.

Ireland: DET is Officially Listed for Student Visa

The Duolingo English Test is officially listed as an English language test requirement for the Irish Student Visa. Check the screenshot below from the official Irish Immigration Department website.

Australia: Not Accepted for Applicants from Certain Countries

The situation of acquiring an Australian Student Visa is less straightforward than the rest. Many Australian universities, like the Australian National University and the University of Newcastle, accept the Duolingo English Test for admissions. However, DET is not officially mentioned in the list of English language tests accepted for student visa applications. Applicants from certain countries need to take an additional English proficiency test, which has to be conducted in a physical test center.

You are recommended to first check if you need additional English proficiency proof. If you do not need additional proof, and the universities accept the DET, then take the DET. If you do need additional English proficiency proof, take the IELTS.

New Zealand: Valid and Accepted for Student Visa

For a New Zealand Student Visa, neither any English language test score is or any other score is required. With only the acceptance letter from your university, you will be able to secure a student visa.

Overview of the Countries That Accept DET For Student Visa

The table below gives an overview of which countries accept the Duolingo English Test for university admissions and student visas.

The Duolingo English Test is accepted by many universities and is valid for student visas in countries like the USA, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. In the UK, it works if your university accepts it. But Indian students may need other tests. In Australia, DET is not accepted for visa purposes for many applicants, so check the requirements carefully before applying.