Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities 2026 — Top Countries, Colleges & Score Requirements
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If you want to study abroad but don’t want the hassle, cost, or long preparation time of IELTS or TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has become a game-changer. In 2026, thousands of universities worldwide accept DET scores for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
For Indian students especially, DET offers a faster, cheaper, and fully online pathway to top institutions.
This complete guide covers Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities 2026, score requirements, country-wise lists, benefits, and admission strategy — updated with the latest verified data.
Why Duolingo English Test Is So Popular in 2026
The DET is no longer just a pandemic alternative — it’s now widely recognized across top study destinations.
Key reasons students choose it:
Fully online (take from home)
Low cost compared to IELTS/TOEFL
Results within 48 hours
Unlimited free score reports
Short duration (~1 hour)
Accepted by thousands of institutions
In 2026, over 6,000 universities and programs across 110+ countries accept DET scores, showing massive global adoption.
Global Acceptance Overview — DET in 2026
Feature | Details |
Test Format | Online (Home-based) |
Duration | ~1 hour |
Score Range | 10–160 |
Results Time | ~48 hours |
Cost | ~$59–$70 |
Countries Accepting | 110+ |
Universities Accepting | 5,000–6,000+ |
DET is accepted by many prestigious institutions worldwide, including Ivy League universities and top global rankings.
🇺🇸 Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities 2026 — USA
The United States leads in DET acceptance. Thousands of colleges — including elite universities — accept the test.
More than 3,100 U.S. institutions accept Duolingo scores, covering both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Top US Universities Accepting DET
University | Typical DET Score |
New York University | 135+ |
Columbia University | 135+ |
University of California, Irvine | 115+ |
Northeastern University | 120–145 |
Arizona State University | 105+ |
University of Washington | 105+ |
Purdue University | 110–120 |
Penn State University | 105+ |
Many top institutions including Harvard, MIT, Yale, and Stanford accept DET for admissions.
Most competitive programs (Engineering, CS, Business) require scores above 115–125.
🇬🇧 Duolingo Accepted Universities in the UK
The UK has rapidly embraced DET, especially for international postgraduate students.
Leading UK Universities Accepting DET
University | Typical DET Score |
Imperial College London | 110–120 |
University College London (UCL) | ~135 |
King’s College London | ~115 |
University of Warwick | ~125 |
University of Glasgow | ~105 |
University of Birmingham | 100–120 |
University of Sheffield | 110–120 |
Many Russell Group universities accept DET for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
Central London universities like UCL, King’s College London, and Queen Mary University also recognize DET scores.
🇨🇦 Canada — Universities Accepting Duolingo
Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for Indian students.
Around 150 top Canadian universities accept DET scores, including many top-ranked institutions.
Major Canadian Universities Accepting DET
University | Notes |
University of Toronto | Top-ranked globally |
University of British Columbia | Strong research programs |
McGill University | Highly selective |
University of Alberta | STEM-focused |
University of Waterloo | Engineering & tech leader |
Western University | Business & health programs |
University of Ottawa | Bilingual environment |
Many Canadian universities require DET scores between 105 and 125 depending on the program.
🇦🇺 Australia — DET Accepted Universities 2026
Australia has expanded DET acceptance across major universities.
Top Australian Universities Accepting DET
University | Typical DET Score |
University of Sydney | 115–125 |
University of New South Wales | 110–125 |
Australian National University | 110+ |
Monash University | 115–125 |
University of Queensland | 105–120 |
University of Adelaide | 105–120 |
University of Technology Sydney | 100–115 |
These universities accept DET across many undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
🇪🇺 Europe — Growing Acceptance
European universities increasingly accept DET due to the rise of English-taught programs.
Examples include:
University | Country | Score Range |
University of Amsterdam | Netherlands | 110–120 |
LMU Munich | Germany | 105–115 |
Sciences Po | France | 120+ |
University of Mannheim | Germany | 115+ |
Eindhoven University of Technology | Netherlands | 105–120 |
European institutions are rapidly adopting DET as a simplified admission route.
Countries Accepting DET for Study Abroad in 2026
Popular destinations include:
USA
Canada
UK
Australia
Ireland
Germany
France
New Zealand
Singapore
Netherlands
These countries collectively host thousands of DET-accepting universities.
What Is a Good Duolingo Score in 2026?
Score expectations vary by university tier.
Score Range | Admission Chances |
90–100 | Mid-tier universities |
100–110 | Good universities |
110–125 | Top universities |
125+ | Elite institutions |
Top programs typically expect 115–125 or higher.
Advantages of DET Over IELTS & TOEFL
Feature | DET | IELTS | TOEFL |
Test Mode | Online | Test Center | Test Center |
Duration | ~1 hr | ~2h45m | ~2 hr |
Results | ~48 hrs | 3–5 days | 4–8 days |
Cost | ~$70 | ~$215 | ~$200 |
Score Reports | Unlimited free | Limited | Limited |
DET is especially useful for last-minute applicants and budget-conscious students.
Popular Courses Available with DET Scores
Most DET-accepting universities offer high-demand programs such as:
Computer Science & IT
Data Science & AI
Business & Management
Engineering
Finance & Economics
Public Health
Hospitality & Tourism
Media & Communications
How to Check If Your University Accepts DET
Follow these steps:
Visit the official university website
Check English language requirements
Look for “Duolingo English Test”
Verify minimum score
Confirm program-specific rules
Some programs may still require IELTS/TOEFL even if the university accepts DET.
FAQs — Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities 2026
Q1. How many Duolingo English Test accepted universities are there in 2026?
More than 5,000–6,000 institutions worldwide accept DET scores across 110+ countries.
Q2. Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by top universities?
Yes. Many Ivy League and top-ranked universities now accept DET as proof of English proficiency.
Q3. What score is required for Duolingo English Test accepted universities 2026?
Most universities require scores between 105 and 125, while elite institutions may expect 130+.
Q4. Is DET valid for student visas?
In many countries like the USA, UK, Ireland, and Canada, DET is accepted for admissions, though visa requirements may vary.
Q5. Can I study abroad without IELTS using Duolingo?
Yes. Thousands of universities allow admission based solely on DET scores.
Final Thoughts
The Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities 2026 list continues to expand every year, making it one of the easiest pathways to study abroad.
For students who want :
✔ Faster admission
✔ Lower exam cost
✔ Online convenience
✔ Flexible deadlines
DET is a powerful alternative to traditional English tests.
🚀 CTA — Start Your Study Abroad Journey Today
Ready to apply to universities accepting the Duolingo English Test?
👉 Register for the test:https://englishtest.duolingo.com
👉 Explore universities worldwide:https://www.topuniversities.com
👉 Official US study information:https://educationusa.state.gov
👉 UK study portal:https://www.study-uk.britishcouncil.org
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