Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK 2026: Complete List, Scores & Tips

The UK is joining the global shift toward flexible English testing, and Duolingo is leading the way.

By 2026, over 150 UK universities now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET), giving international students a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional exams like IELTS or TOEFL. Conducted fully online, the test allows applicants to prove their English proficiency from home and receive results within 48 hours, a major advantage for those managing tight deadlines or limited budgets.

For Indian students planning the 2026 intake, understanding which institutions recognise Duolingo is key to simplifying the admission and visa process. This guide lists the top Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK, along with their minimum DET scores, visa considerations, and practical tips to help you build a strong application with confidence.

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A score of 105–120 is widely accepted for postgraduate programs, while 95–110 is sufficient for most undergraduate degrees.

These universities recognise Duolingo for postgraduate admissions, especially in business, technology, and social sciences.

For highly selective UK master’s programs, aim for 120–130 DET to stay competitive in 2026.

These Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK recognise the Duolingo English Test (DET) for undergraduate admissions, making it easier for international students to meet English language requirements without needing IELTS or TOEFL.

Note: For high-demand courses like Computer Science, Engineering, or Business Analytics, universities often prefer scores above 120.

Certain universities in the UK recognise DET across all levels - undergraduate, postgraduate, and pathway programs.

List of DET-Accepting Universities for All Programs:

Why It Matters:
These institutions simplify the admission process by allowing one test to serve all academic and visa requirements.

In 2026, more than 6,000 global institutions, including over 150 universities in the UK, officially recognise the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a valid measure of English proficiency.
The UK’s growing acceptance reflects its focus on accessibility, flexibility, and digital evaluation.

Key Advantages for Students:

• Quick results: Receive scores within two days.
• Affordable: Costs less than IELTS or TOEFL.
• Flexible: Can be taken from home with only a webcam and stable internet.
• Global recognition: Accepted for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

As a counsellor, I recommend confirming acceptance on the university’s official site before applying, since requirements may vary by course.

When applying for a UK student visa, English proficiency is a mandatory requirement.

However, it’s important to note that the UK Home Office does not currently accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for visa purposes. This means that even if a university accepts Duolingo for admission, you might still need to meet the visa language requirement through another approved test.

To qualify for a UK student visa, applicants typically need to take one of the following UKVI-approved SELT exams:

• IELTS Academic (UKVI)
• PTE Academic (UKVI)
• Trinity College London’s ISE

These are the only English proficiency tests officially accepted by the UK Home Office for visa purposes.

Several UK universities have introduced more flexible pathways. If a university conducts its own internal language assessment and confirms that your Duolingo score meets its academic standards, it may issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter based on that evaluation.

In this case:

• If your CAS letter is issued using Duolingo results, you can apply for a student visa directly.
• If your university requires an SELT, you must take IELTS UKVI or another approved test before the CAS is issued.

While the Duolingo English Test is increasingly accepted for university admissions in the UK, visa approval depends on institutional policy and compliance with UKVI regulations. Always verify requirements with your university’s international admissions office to ensure your test results meet both admission and visa conditions.

To achieve your target score and secure admission to a top Duolingo Accepted University in UK, preparation is key.

1. Familiarise yourself with the DET format and timing.
2. Take at least two full-length mock tests.
3. Build vocabulary through English podcasts or news articles.
4. Strengthen grammar and sentence structure daily.
5. Record and review your speaking practice.
6. Write short essays and practice summarising passages.
7. Read academic articles aloud for fluency.
8. Track your progress using the Duolingo app dashboard.
9. Use reliable online courses for guided practice.
10. Stay calm on test day, ensure good lighting, stable internet, and no background noise.

The growing acceptance of the Duolingo English Test by UK universities reflects a major shift towards accessibility and inclusivity in global education. Students can now prove their English proficiency through a faster, affordable, and entirely online method without compromising on credibility.

However, every university has its own score requirements and updated policies for 2026, so careful research and expert guidance are essential before applying.

Need help selecting the best UK universities that accept Duolingo and meet your career goals?
LeapScholar’s counsellors can help you understand admission criteria, prepare for the test, and simplify your visa process all at no cost.