Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager
Highlights:
- Score range - Most of the top UK universities accept Duolingo scores from a range of 120-135, apart from other ELP scores.
- Score sending - You can choose to send your DET scores to 40 UK universities without any additional fee.
- Affordability - Duolingo English Test is very cost-effective at only $65 (INR 5425).
- Score comparison - If you score between 135-140 in DET for UK universities, it is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 8 and a TOEFL score of 110-114.
Duolingo English Language test is an ELP (English Language Proficiency) test that measures your language proficiency at an academic level. The test is conducted online and lasts approximately one hour. This test has been preferred by UK universities and students owing to its affordability with a fee of $65, making it more accessible than tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Availability of results within two days is also an important factor for its preference. Over 5500 universities globally accept the Duolingo English Test as a language competency criterion. In the UK alone, around 132 universities recognize the test for admissions.
The overall Duolingo score range is 10-160. Duolingo accepting university in UK requires a score between 105 and 120. As an applicant, you must remember that if you score 120 or above, you are eligible to apply to some of the top UK universities. Duolingo accepted universities in UK calculate the scores, keeping them at par with the CEFR level scores. After taking the test, you can select up to 40 universities in UK to share your scores, without any additional fees. International students can take the Duolingo test for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs and diploma courses in the UK.
Read More: Exams required to study in UK
Reasons for Choosing Duolingo to Study at UK Universities
Apart from the worldwide acceptance of IELTS, and TOEFL as proof of English language requirements, Duolingo accepted university in UK are available for the following reasons -
- You can take the Duolingo test anywhere online, depending on your convenience. There are no hassles of visiting a test center.
- Duolingo test results are out within 48 hours (about 2 days) of taking the test, making the test an ideal choice for submitting results before deadlines.
- You can schedule the test according to your convenience and readiness. The flexibility of choosing a date is higher in Duolingo than similar other tests.
- Duolingo test costs you only $65 (INR 5,425.78) as an application fee. This is more affordable to most students than other English tests.
Table of Content
Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK: Top Universities
The following table displays the UK universities accepting Duolingo and their respective scores-
| QS World University Rankings 2024 | University Name | Minimum Duolingo Score Required |
|---|---|---|
| #6 | Imperial College London | 125 with no less than 115 in any band score |
| #9 | University College London | 135 |
| #40 | King's College London | 115 overall A minimum of 100 for each subscore |
| #81 | University of Southampton | 120 |
| #76 | University of Glasgow | 120 |
| #84 | University of Birmingham | 100-109 (for students progressing to degrees in law or literature) 90-99 (for all pathways, except for law and literature) |
| #154 | Cardiff University | 90 overall- (20-week courses for online pre-sessional) 100 overall and 90 in all components-(12-week online pre-sessional course) 120 overall and 110 in all sections (10-week online course) 110 overall and 100 in all components (8-week course) |
Also Check: UK Universities with High Acceptance Rates
Understanding the Duolingo English Test
Duolingo English Test gives scores between 10 and 160, reflecting the overall proficiency level of the student. To improve the below skills, you must solve Duolingo practice papers. Every student is scored based on the following four subscores:
- Literary
- Production
- Comprehension
- Conversation
Duolingo English Test Exam Pattern
Duolingo English Test uses adaptive computer technology, making the exam level difficult if you answer right and make it easier if you answer wrong. Following is the description of the Duolingo Exam Pattern:
| Section | Duration of the test section (in minutes) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction and onboarding | 5 | Ensure your computer's system and camera are functioning properly. | Submit your government-issued photo ID. |
| Adaptive test | 45 | Measure your English skills through a series of different question types Like MCQs, and Fill in the Blanks. |
| Writing and speaking sample | 10 | You will be given a prompt and asked to respond at length. | Speaking Sample: 1-3 minute response | Writing Sample: 3-5 minute response. |
Check Out:
Other Universities Accepting Duolingo in UK
Duolingo accepted universities in UK list below has a score range between 90-105. Let's look at the list below to make your preparation and choice of university accordingly -
| QS Ranking | Universities | Duolingo Scores |
|---|---|---|
| 218 | University of Sussex | 120 overall and 100 |
| 368 | Brunel University | 100-120 |
| 900 | University of Lincoln | 115 |
| 67 | University of Warwick | 125 |
| 167 | University of York | 120 |
Check Out: UK Universities Accepting Backlogs
Alternatives in UK for the Duolingo English Test
Apart from the Duolingo English Test, there are other English proficiency tests as well, accepted by UK universities. There are IELTS-accepted universities, TOEFL-accepted universities, and PTE-accepted universities in UK. The minimum IELTS test required by UK universities is 6.5 overall or an equivalent TOEFL score of 90+.
Alternatives English Proficiency Test Score Comparison
Even though IELTS, TOEFL are widely accepted forms of test, Duolingo is better than IELTS. Its adaptive format and AI-driven assessment provide a personalized experience. This makes it a flexible and efficient alternative to traditional IELTS testing. The following table draws a comparison between the score requirements for Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL scores by UK universities:
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | IELTS Score | TOEFL Score |
|---|---|---|
| 95-100 | 6 | 60-78 |
| 105-110 | 6.5 | 79-93 |
| 115-120 | 7 | 94-101 |
| 125-130 | 7.5 | 102-109 |
| 135-140 | 8 | 110-114 |
| 145-150 | 8.5 | 115-117 |
| 155-160 | 9 | 118-120 |
Duolingo Score For UK Student Visa
If you want to apply for a UK student visa, you must note that you can’t do it only with Duolingo test scores. Many universities accept Duolingo in UK as a criterion to admit students. But, the UK government doesn’t acknowledge the exam. But, if you get an admission offer from the university, you can apply for a visa. The minimum Duolingo English Test score for acceptance in universities is 105-120. This may differ based on the institution and level of study. You must check your eligibility for the Duolingo test before applying to UK universities.
Check Out: Best Courses to Study in UK
Duolingo English Test or DET has become popular among international students planning to study in UK due to the ease of taking the exam and the reasonable test fees compared to other tests like IELTS or TOEFL. DET is beneficial for students who do not have the resources to go to a test center and take the exam or have some time constraints.
FAQs
Ques. What is Duolingo's role in UK university admissions?
Ans. Duolingo offers an English proficiency test accepted by many universities in the UK for international applicants.
Ques. Which universities in the UK accept Duolingo English Test scores?
Ans. Various universities across the UK accept Duolingo scores, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and many others.
Ques. How do I register for the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. You can register for the test on the official Duolingo website, choose a test date, and complete the online registration process.
Ques. Can I take the Duolingo English Test online?
Ans. Yes, the test is taken entirely online, allowing you to take it from the comfort of your own home.
Ques. What is the format of the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. The test consists of a series of sections, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening, designed to assess your English language proficiency.
Ques. How long is the Duolingo English Test valid for UK university admissions?
Ans. Typically, universities accept Duolingo English Test scores that are no more than two years old at the time of application.
Ques. What score do I need on the Duolingo English Test to apply to UK universities?
Ans. Score requirements vary by university and program. However, scoring between 105-120 will make you eligible to apply for the top UK universities.
Ques. How soon will I receive my Duolingo English Test scores?
Ans. You will receive your scores within 48 hours of completing the test.
Ques. Can I send my Duolingo English Test scores directly to universities?
Ans. Yes, you can send your scores directly to universities during the registration process or afterward for a fee.
Ques. Are there any preparation materials available for the Duolingo English Test?
Ans. Duolingo offers official practice tests and study materials on its website to help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are many third-party resources available to assist with preparation.



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