Duolingo Score to IELTS Conversion : Latest Guide 2026

For students aiming to study abroad, one common question in 2026 remains: what Duolingo score equals a particular IELTS band? With many universities now accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET), understanding how it compares to the IELTS exam is crucial.

According to Duolingo’s official data (2026 update), over 5,500 universities worldwide now accept the test for English proficiency, including top institutions in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Yet, most universities continue listing IELTS bands as their official requirement. This creates a gap that students taking the Duolingo test need to know how their DET score translates to an IELTS equivalent to make better admission decisions.

Let’s break down the complete Duolingo score to IELTS conversion, explore both exams, and understand what your score means for studying abroad.

The Duolingo English Test is a modern, computer-based proficiency exam that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking all in under an hour. Designed for accessibility, the test can be taken anytime, anywhere, using a webcam and a stable internet connection.

• Test Duration: 60 minutes
• Format: Adaptive – difficulty adjusts to performance
• Scoring Scale: 10 to 160
• Cost: USD 59 (around ₹5231)
• Result Time: Within 48 hours
• Validity: 2 years
• Accepted by: Over 5,500 institutions globally (Duolingo, 2026 data)

The score reflects overall language proficiency, with detailed subscores in Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production.

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) remains one of the oldest and most widely accepted English proficiency tests. It’s available in two formats – IELTS Academic (for higher education) and IELTS General (for migration or work).

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• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Scoring Scale: 1.0 to 9.0 bands
• Cost (India): ₹16,250–₹17,734 (approx. USD 200)
• Result Time: 3–5 days (computer-based)
• Accepted by: 12,000+ institutions globally, including immigration authorities

IELTS measures language ability across four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, giving an overall average as the band score.

While Duolingo’s acceptance is growing, many universities, especially in the UK, Canada, and Australia still primarily publish IELTS requirements. Converting your Duolingo score helps you:

1. Understand Eligibility:
   Know whether your DET score meets a university’s IELTS band requirement.
2. Plan Retakes:
   If your DET equivalent band is lower, you can plan another attempt.
3. Compare Test Options:
   Helps in deciding whether to take IELTS or Duolingo based on your target course or country.
4. Assess Visa Compliance:
   Some countries, such as the UK, require IELTS Academic for visa applications understanding conversion helps manage this distinction.

The following table shows the Duolingo English Test (DET) to IELTS band conversion, updated for 2026 using data from official and institutional correlation reports.

• A Duolingo score of 120 roughly equals an IELTS 7.0 band, which is the standard requirement for many postgraduate programs abroad.
• A score of 105 aligns with an IELTS 6.5 band, the minimum for undergraduate admission at most universities.

This comparison allows students to estimate where they stand and which institutions they can target with their current DET performance.

Understanding equivalency helps in more than just meeting minimum scores. It shows how close you are to your target proficiency level.

• DET 145–160 (IELTS 8–9): Exceptional performance. Competitive for top-tier universities like Oxford, MIT, or Toronto.
• DET 120–135 (IELTS 7–8): Strong command of English. Meets eligibility for most top programs in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
• DET 95–115 (IELTS 6–6.5): Moderate proficiency. Good for mid-range universities or foundation courses.
• DET <90 (IELTS ≤5.5): Below the academic threshold for most degree programs. Consider test improvement or preparatory English courses.

Duolingo offers unmatched convenience and affordability, while IELTS remains the gold standard for immigration and visa processes.

1. Affordable and Accessible: Can be taken from home at a fraction of IELTS’s cost.
2. Quick Results: Ideal for last-minute applicants needing faster turnaround.
3. Adaptive Testing: Provides a more personalized assessment.
4. Global Acceptance Growth: Rapidly gaining ground among universities in the US and Canada.

1. Visa Restrictions: Not accepted for UK or Australian visa applications.
2. Institutional Variability: Some universities still require IELTS or TOEFL for specific programs.
3. Perceived Rigor: IELTS is still considered a more traditional, comprehensive evaluation by many academic boards.

Acceptance for the Duolingo English Test continues to rise in 2026, especially among institutions adapting to remote testing. Here’s how key study destinations treat it:

• USA: Over 1,200 universities now accept Duolingo, including New York University, University of Arizona, and Purdue.
• Canada: Widely accepted for 2026 intakes, including University of Calgary, Dalhousie, and Memorial University.
• UK: Accepted by select universities like University of Glasgow, Birmingham, and Bristol but not valid for UK visa applications.
• Australia: Growing acceptance in private institutions, but still secondary to IELTS or PTE for immigration.

Expert Tip: Always check university-specific score requirements. Some institutions may demand a minimum subscore (e.g., 120 overall, with 100 in Production).

1. If you’re applying mainly to the US or Canada:
   Duolingo is widely accepted and faster to complete.
2. If applying to the UK or Australia:
   IELTS is safer since it’s approved for visa purposes.
3. If you’re short on time or budget:
   Duolingo’s online convenience makes it ideal for last-minute or multiple applications.
4. If aiming for scholarships:
   IELTS scores may carry more weight in competitive or research-heavy programs.
5. Always cross-check requirements:
   Even within one country, universities may differ in accepted tests.

Both Duolingo and IELTS serve the same purpose to demonstrate your English language proficiency but the right choice depends on your study destination and institutional requirements. While Duolingo provides a faster, affordable, and convenient option, IELTS remains indispensable for countries that link it with visa applications.

If you’ve already taken Duolingo, use the conversion chart above to estimate your IELTS equivalent and shortlist universities accordingly. And if you’re still preparing to apply abroad, expert guidance can help you choose the right test and institution.

For those aiming to achieve high scores on IELTS, expert guidance and structured preparation can make all the difference. Leap Scholar offers comprehensive IELTS prep courses designed to help you excel. With experienced instructors, personalised feedback, and a wealth of resources, Leap Scholar ensures you are well-prepared to meet and exceed your goals.