Do some UK or Ireland universities accept Duolingo instead of IELTS?

Yes, you can use the Duolingo English Test instead of IELTS at many universities in both the UK and Ireland, though your specific course decides whether it counts. Check your exact program page before you book any test, since acceptance is rarely university-wide.

Duolingo Acceptance by Country

Before You Book Your Test

• Look up your specific degree program's English language requirements page rather than assuming your whole university accepts Duolingo.
• Check your individual subscores too, since universities often review Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production separately, not just your overall score.
• If your UK course requires a pre-sessional English program, confirm whether you need a UKVI-approved SELT like IELTS instead.

My Advice

Email your target department's admissions office directly to confirm whether Duolingo satisfies both your course and your visa requirements, since relying on a general university-wide claim is exactly how students end up needing to retake IELTS at the last minute.