The Duolingo English Test (DET) continues to gain widespread acceptance across U.S. universities as a trusted alternative to IELTS and TOEFL. As of 2026, more than 5,800 institutions worldwide, including 2,200 colleges and universities in the United States, are listed as Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA.
For Indian students applying for undergraduate and graduate programs, DET offers a quicker, more flexible, and affordable route to proving English proficiency, especially when compared with traditional tests. However, it’s essential to understand that each university sets its own Duolingo score requirement, which can vary across departments and programs.
The test evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills on a scale of 10–160, with 160 being the highest. Knowing how scores correspond to university expectations will help you plan your applications strategically and meet target scores efficiently.
Key Highlights: Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA (2026)
- Over 3,300 U.S. universities now accept Duolingo scores for international admissions.
- Both top-ranked and state universities welcome DET for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Typical DET requirements:
- Undergraduate: 105–120
- Master’s: 115–130+
- Score reports are delivered within 48 hours and remain valid for two years.
- Program-specific cut-offs may vary for MBA, STEM, or Health Sciences programs.
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Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for Masters Programs (2026)
Here are some leading U.S. universities that accept Duolingo for graduate admissions in 2026:
| University | Minimum Duolingo Requirement | Program-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 105 | Accepted for most master’s programs |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 105–120 | Varies by department (e.g., 120 for Engineering) |
| University of Washington | 105 (min), 125+ (recommended) | Preferred 125+ for competitive programs |
| Purdue University | 110 | Minimum requirements for graduate admissions |
| Lehigh University | 110 | MBA requires 125 |
| Rice University | 115 | Some programs have higher cut-offs |
| University of California - Santa Barbara | 115 | Minimum requirements for graduate programs |
| Wichita State University | 115 | MBA requires 125 |
| University of Notre Dame | 120 | Accepted for graduate programs |
| University of Rochester | 120 | Accepted for all graduate programs |
| Harvard University | 120 | Accepted for select schools (e.g., Harvard Medical) |
| Yale University | 120 | Competitive applicants score 120+ |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 120 | Accepted for graduate programs |
| University of Maryland | 120 | Scores 115–119 may require English Bridge Program |
| The Ohio State University | 120 | Minimum 120 for most master’s |
| New York University | 125 | 125+ for Tandon School of Engineering |
| Princeton University | 125 | Accepted for Ph.D. and MSE in CS |
| Vanderbilt University | 130 | Accepted for Guarini School graduate programs |
| Dartmouth College | 135 | For Guarini graduate school applicants |
Expert Tip: For top STEM or MBA programs, aim for a Duolingo score of 120+ to stay competitive.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA for Undergraduate Programs (2026)
Several top U.S. universities accept Duolingo scores for undergraduate admissions. The requirements usually range from 105–135, depending on the selectivity of the institution.
| University | Minimum Duolingo Score | Program-Specific Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | 105 | Accepted for undergraduate admissions |
| University of California - Berkeley | 115 | Minimum requirement |
| Rice University | 115 | Minimum required |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 120 | Accepted for UG programs |
| Yale University | 120 | Preferred 120+ |
| Caltech | 120 | Accepted |
| Johns Hopkins University | 120 | Preferred sub-scores: Literacy 125, Conversation 120 |
| Stanford University | Not specified | Accepted, check program page |
| The University of Chicago | Not specified | Accepted, no stated minimum |
| University of Pennsylvania | 130 | Must send score directly |
| Duke University | 130 | Recommended score |
| Brown University | 130 | Expected for most cases |
| Cornell University | 130 | For admissions consideration |
| University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) | 130 | Competitive cut-off |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | 135 | Required for admission |
Note: For 2026 intakes, most Ivy League and UC schools now prefer 120+ scores, especially for business and engineering programs.
Universities in USA Accepting Duolingo (2026): 90–100 Score Range
If your Duolingo score is between 90 and 100, you still have excellent options for mid-ranked universities that provide quality education and career outcomes.
| University | Minimum DET Score (2026) |
|---|---|
| Temple University | 90–95 (CAP eligible) |
| Indiana University – Indianapolis | 90 |
| University of New Orleans | 100 |
| University of Texas of the Permian Basin | 100 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | 100 |
Tip: Strengthen your SOP, LORs, and GPA (2.5+) to improve your chances of acceptance with a 90–100 score.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA (2026): Score 100–115
Universities in this range often include strong public research institutions and private universities.
| University | Minimum Score Required (2026) |
|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 105 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 115 |
| University of Washington | 105 |
| University of Chicago | 105 |
| Duke University | 115 |
Note: A Duolingo 110+ score is generally sufficient for non-STEM master’s and business courses.
Top Universities Accepting Duolingo 120 & Above in USA (2026)
Achieving 120+ opens doors to several Ivy League and globally ranked U.S. universities.
For those targeting specific Duolingo English test scores, universities in the USA that accept a Duolingo score of 110 usually include programs with higher academic demands.
| University | Minimum Duolingo Score (2026) |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 125 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 120 |
| University of Maryland | 120 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 120 |
| New York University | 125 |
A score above 125 significantly boosts your admission chances for MBA, MS in Data Science, and Finance programs.
Visa Acceptance for Duolingo in USA (2026 Update)
The U.S. student visa (F-1) process does not require applicants to submit English proficiency test scores directly to the embassy.
Instead, the visa approval depends on admission to a SEVP-certified institution, and many of these universities and colleges now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for admissions.
This means that if your university recognises Duolingo and has issued you an admission or I-20 letter based on your DET score, your application is considered valid for visa purposes.
The U.S. embassy accepts the university’s offer of admission as sufficient proof of English proficiency.
In short, Duolingo is accepted for U.S. student visas as long as it is accepted by your admitting institution. Always confirm with your university’s admissions office that your program recognises the Duolingo English Test before applying.
Duolingo English Test (DET) Requirements
1. Eligibility
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 13 years old to take the DET.
- Parental Consent: If you are under 13 years old, you must obtain parental or guardian consent during registration.
- Identification: A valid, government-issued photo ID is required for verification.
2. Internet Setup
- Connection Speed: A stable internet connection with at least 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed is required.
- Connection Type: A wired Ethernet connection is recommended over Wi-Fi for stability.
- Avoid Mobile Hotspots: Using mobile hotspots is not recommended due to potential instability.
3. ID Requirements
- Accepted IDs: You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as:
- Passport
- Driver's License
- National ID Card
- ID Criteria: The ID must include:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Photograph
- Expiration date
- Country of issuance
- Valid expiration date
4. Registration
- Process:
- Visit the official DET website: Duolingo English Test
- Click on “Take the Test”.
- Sign up or log in to your account.
- Fill in personal details, including your full name and date of birth.
- Upload a clear photo of your valid ID for verification.
- Schedule your test at a convenient time; the test is available 24/7.
Note: Ensure all information is accurate to avoid issues during the test.
5. Test Fee
- Cost: The standard fee for the DET is $70 USD(₹6,168)
- Payment Methods:
- Credit/Debit Card
- PayPal
- Validity: The test fee covers one attempt.
6. Attempt Policies
- Frequency: You can take the DET once every 30 days.
- Retake: If you're unsatisfied with your score, you may retake the test after the 30-day waiting period.
- Score Validity: DET scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.
Tips to Score High on Duolingo Test
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET) effectively can help you secure admission to top US universities. Follow practical Duolingo tips and tricks to strengthen reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Start your preparation well before your planned Duolingo exam date, use practice tests to track progress, and focus on areas where you need improvement.
- Understand the Exam Format – Know the structure, timing, and question types.
- Take Mock Tests Weekly – Track performance and simulate real test conditions.
- Strengthen Listening & Speaking – Listen to English podcasts and record responses.
- Focus on Grammar and Vocabulary – Write 100–150 word responses daily.
- Use the Duolingo App Tools – Custom exercises and feedback help target weak areas.
- Review Subscores – Aim for balance: 120+ in all skill areas.
- Read Academic Content – News, essays, and research papers enhance comprehension.
- Set a Study Routine – 45–60 minutes daily yields steady improvement.
- Seek Expert Guidance – Mentorship helps structure your prep effectively.
- Practice Under Exam Conditions – Helps improve pacing and confidence.
By applying these Duolingo tips and tricks, managing time efficiently, and practicing consistently, Indian students can maximize their DET scores and improve their chances of admission to top US universities.
Conclusion:
With Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA (2026) increasing every year, the test has become a reliable, fast, and affordable way to showcase English proficiency. Whether you're aiming for Ivy League schools or state universities, a strong DET score can help unlock exceptional opportunities across the U.S.
LeapScholar can help you identify universities that match your Duolingo score, guide you through SOPs, financial planning, scholarships, and prepare you for visa interviews all with expert 1:1 counselling.
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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
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Is Duolingo a reliable exam for language proficiency?
Yes, Duolingo is considered a reliable exam for language proficiency. It’s widely accepted by over 5500 institutions worldwide and has been validated by various countries, affirming its credibility as a trusted language proficiency test.
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Which University accepts the Duolingo test?
Over 5,500 institutions worldwide accept the Duolingo English Test as a valid measure of English language proficiency. Some well-known institutions that accept Duolingo include New York University, Yale University, and Columbia University in the United States, the University of Toronto in Canada, and the University of Adelaide in Australia.
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Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?
Duolingo's English Test (DET) is often considered easier than the IELTS because of its adaptive format and shorter duration. The DET adjusts its difficulty based on the test taker’s performance, while the IELTS has a fixed structure with separate sections for listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Moreover, the Duolingo test is typically completed in about 60 minutes, compared to the IELTS, which can take up to 3 hours.
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Can I retake the Duolingo English Test to improve my scores?
Yes, you can retake the Duolingo English Test to improve your scores. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. However, you must note that some universities may consider only your highest score, while others may consider your most recent score or provide guidelines on score reporting.
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What is the validity of Duolingo test scores?
Duolingo English Test score validity is for two years. However, universities may have their own policies regarding the validity period of test scores. Always verify with the universities you are applying to regarding the expiration of scores.
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How many times can a student take Duolingo?
You can give the Duolingo Test as many shots as you want to get your best score. But here's the deal: you can't go crazy and take it more than three times in just 30 days. They have this rule to keep things fair and ensure folks aren't overdoing it with retakes. So, practice, but remember to pace yourself within that limit!
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Q. Who conducts the Duolingo Test?
Duolingo administers the Duolingo Test, a language learning platform that offers a credible alternative for students to demonstrate their English skills. Accepted by over 5500 institutions globally, the Duolingo English Test (DET) provides a convenient and accessible option for individuals seeking to validate their English proficiency, further emphasising its reliability in assessing language skills.
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