Duolingo Accepted Universities in Europe 2026: Complete Guide for International Students

What do you do when European university deadlines are closing and booking an IELTS or TOEFL slot becomes difficult or too expensive? 

This is why many applicants are turning toward Duolingo Accepted Universities in Europe for the 2026 intake.

The Duolingo English Test has expanded significantly in the last two years. Duolingo’s 2025 updated data confirms that more than 6,000 institutions and academic programmes worldwide now accept DET scores, and Europe continues to see steady adoption as universities increase English-taught courses and simplify their admission routes. For Indian students entering in 2026, this growth matters because universities in Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Nordic region now use DET for selected undergraduate, postgraduate and pathway options.

This guide provides clear and verified insights on acceptance patterns, score requirements, and visa considerations so you can plan applications with confidence and accurate information.

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European countries vary in how widely they accept DET. Some use it across many UG and PG programmes, while others restrict it to selected departments or pathway routes. The lists below highlight where DET is officially used in admissions and mention leading institutions that reference DET on their admissions pages.

The UK has over 160 universities that offer English-taught degrees, and a growing number list DET on their admissions pages for UG and PG programmes. Acceptance is strongest among modern universities and research institutions that want faster score verification.

Ireland has seen steady growth in English-taught programmes, with over 35 higher-education institutions receiving DET scores according to Duolingo’s accepting institutions list. Public universities frequently publish clear DET score bands for UG and PG entry.

Germany offers more than 1600 English-taught programmes according to DAAD, but DET acceptance is selective. Most public universities still prefer IELTS or TOEFL, while several private universities list DET clearly for international admissions.

France has over 500 English-taught programmes curated by Campus France. DET acceptance is most common in private business schools and grandes écoles offering management or international programmes.

The Netherlands has one of the highest concentrations of English-taught programmes in Europe, with more than 2100 courses taught in English according to Study.eu. As a result, many universities list DET for both UG and PG admissions.

Spain offers 300+ English-taught programmes, with growing DET acceptance in business schools and international faculties. Institutions with large non-EU student enrolments are more likely to use DET because of its fast score turnaround and straightforward verification process.

Italy offers 350+ English-taught degrees and continues to expand programmes aimed at international students. DET is commonly listed in business, humanities and international relations degrees that attract global applicants.

Nordic countries collectively offer more than 1600 English-taught programmes, but DET acceptance remains selective. Institutions with large international cohorts are more likely to publish DET requirements.

Switzerland’s English-taught degrees are concentrated in private business and hospitality schools. DET is most common in these institutions, aligning with their international admissions frameworks.

Eastern Europe is a growing destination for English-taught degrees, offering more than 700 such programmes according to Study.eu. DET acceptance is strongest in international faculties and private universities.

Organising DET accepting universities by tiers helps students quickly understand which institutions match their academic profile and score range. The tiers below reflect typical competitiveness, global ranking presence and programme selectivity across Europe.

These institutions appear in major global rankings (QS, THE, ARWU) and accept DET for selected UG or PG programmes. They usually expect higher DET bands, especially for business, STEM and research-heavy courses.

• University of Southampton (UK)
  
• University of York (UK)
  
• Tilburg University (Netherlands)
  
• University of Twente (Netherlands)
  
• LUISS University (Italy)
  
• NEOMA Business School (France)
  
• SKEMA Business School (France)
  

Who this suits:
Students with strong academics and a DET score typically above 110–120, depending on programme difficulty.

These universities offer high-quality English-taught programmes and appear in regional or subject rankings. They accept DET across many UG and PG courses with moderate score expectations.

• Maynooth University (Ireland)
  
• TU Dublin (Ireland)
  
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
  
• Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands)
  
• Jönköping University (Sweden)
  
• LUT University (Finland)
  
• Constructor University (Germany)
  

Who this suits:
Students with consistent academics and a DET score typically between 100–110, depending on study level.

These institutions focus on employability, industry links and flexible admissions. They tend to accept a wider DET range and offer faster processing for international students.

• EU Business School (Spain, Germany, Switzerland)
  
• ESIC Business School (Spain)
  
• EAE Business School (Spain)
  
• John Cabot University (Italy)
  
• Università IULM (Italy)
  
• Geneva Business School (Switzerland)
  
• IU International University (Germany)
  

Who this suits:
Students with varied academic backgrounds who want English taught programmes and have DET scores in the 90–105 range.

Most European universities accept the Duolingo English Test for admissions, but visa approval depends on each country’s immigration rules. Some countries rely entirely on the university’s confirmation of English proficiency, while others require government-approved tests for the visa stage. 

Sending DET scores to European universities is straightforward because the score report is digital, and universities receive it through Duolingo’s secure portal. Most institutions in Europe require applicants to send official scores directly from their Duolingo account rather than uploading PDFs.

1. Log in to your Duolingo English Test account
   Open your DET dashboard using the same email you used to book the test.
   
2. Go to the “Send Results” section
   This is where you choose the universities you want to send scores to.
   
3. Search for the university by name
   Type the university exactly as it appears on Duolingo’s official accepting-institutions list.
   If you do not find it, it usually means the university does not officially accept DET for your programme.
   
4. Select the correct campus or programme
   Many European universities have more than one campus or department.
   Choose the option that matches your application (for example, “University of Groningen – Faculty of Science and Engineering”).
   
5. Check university confirmation timelines
   Most European institutions receive DET scores instantly, but some update application portals within 24–48 hours.

• Avoid uploading screenshots or PDFs. Universities only accept scores sent directly through the “Send Results” option in your Duolingo account.
  
• Ensure your name on the DET profile matches your passport.
  
• Send scores to the exact school or department (e.g., Business School vs. Main University).
  
• Do not send outdated scores if applying for 2026; many institutions only accept scores taken within the last 2 years.
  

How Universities Receive Your Score

• Universities get your results through Duolingo’s secure portal after you send it using the “Send Results” option. Once sent, they instantly see your verified identity, test date and subscores.
  
• No additional steps are required from students once the score is sent.

Your DET score gives you a practical starting point for choosing universities in Europe. When you match your score with programme requirements, budget and academic goals, it becomes easier to shortlist institutions that genuinely fit your profile.

• 115+ works for competitive programmes in the Netherlands, Ireland, Sweden and selective business schools.
  
• 100–110 fits most public universities and applied sciences institutions.
  
• 90–100 is suitable for pathway routes and private universities that offer flexible entry.
  

• Affordable options: Italy, Spain, Eastern Europe, Cyprus (lower fees and living costs).
  
• Higher-cost destinations: Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland (higher living costs but strong job prospects).
  Use Euro and INR conversions to plan total yearly expenses.
  

Different countries specialise in different fields:

• Tech and Engineering: Germany, Finland, Netherlands
  
• Business and Management: France, Spain, Ireland
  
• Media, Arts and Design: Italy, Netherlands, Spain
  Choosing a country known for your field improves programme relevance and career options.

If your DET score is slightly below a requirement, look for universities that provide conditional offers, foundation years or pathway programmes.

Divide your options into three groups:

• Safe: Your score is above the entry requirement.
  
• Match: Your score meets the requirement.
  
• Aspirational: You may need a higher score or stronger supporting documents.

European universities use Duolingo English Test (DET)  differently depending on the country, study level and programme. Ireland and the Netherlands have broad acceptance, while countries like Germany, France and Italy apply DET more selectively.

1. Direct entry in countries with many English-taught programmes
   Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Finland accept DET for full UG and PG admission in business, engineering, computing and social sciences.
   
2. Higher DET bands for postgraduate courses
   PG programmes in Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden usually demand higher scores, especially in data science, management and policy-related fields.
   
3. Lower DET scores for pathway and foundation routes
   Pathway providers in Germany, Spain and Italy accept lower DET ranges because English training is part of the programme.
   
4. Conditional offers for strong academic profiles
   Universities like TU Dublin, University of Limerick, Tilburg University and UC3M issue conditional offers when academic requirements are met, but the DET score needs improvement.
   
5. Secure verification through Duolingo’s portal
   European universities validate scores directly through Duolingo’s results system, which speeds up processing and prevents altered submissions.

DET can be taken from home at any time, which helps students who struggle to find IELTS or TOEFL test dates during peak European admission periods.

Duolingo’s official test data shows that scores are usually available within 48 hours. Faster results help students submit applications early and avoid deadline pressure.

DET costs about 60 EUR (approx 6,179 INR) using the 1 EUR equals 102.99 INR conversion. This is significantly cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL fees in India, which are usually higher and may include extra charges for score reporting.

Duolingo allows students to send scores to multiple European universities at no additional fee. This is particularly useful for applicants applying to several countries.

Many universities updated their admissions pages in 2024 and 2025 to include DET for selected UG, PG and pathway courses. This trend is expected to continue as English taught programmes increase across Europe.

If you’re comparing scholarships, tuition ranges or country-wise eligibility, you can refer to our Study in Europe for International Students 2026, which explains funding options, living costs and entry requirements across all major European destinations.

The Duolingo English Test is now a practical entry route for many European universities, especially for students planning the 2026 intake. 

With focused DET preparation and a clear understanding of programme-specific score requirements, you can target courses that match your profile. Admissions remain strong across major European destinations, and visa steps are straightforward in countries that rely on university-issued English confirmation. When you check country rules early and plan your budget well, Europe offers accessible and flexible study options.

For personalised help with DET-friendly universities and applications, you can connect with LeapScholar for one-to-one guidance.