Which countries and universities accept the Duolingo English Test for student visa and admission purposes?
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide. The USA, Canada, Ireland, the UK and New Zealand accept it for both admission and student visas. Australia is the exception, where visa rules are strict and often need IELTS or PTE. Competitive courses usually want higher scores.
The Duolingo English Test has become widely accepted for admissions, but its validity for a student visa depends entirely on each country's immigration policy. That distinction matters, so let me separate university acceptance from visa acceptance clearly for the major destinations, then show you the score bands top universities expect.
Country-By-Country Admission And Visa Acceptance
| Country | Admission Acceptance | Student Visa Validity |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Near-universal, around 95 percent of top 100 | Accepted, the DET supports your I-20 and F-1 visa |
| Canada | High, around 90 percent of top universities | Accepted for standard study permit applications |
| Ireland | Near-universal, 15 of 18 universities | Officially recognised by Irish visa authorities |
| United Kingdom | Strong across many universities | Conditional, valid if a licensed sponsor accepts it |
| New Zealand | Widely accepted by key universities | Accepted for standard fee-paying student visas |
| Australia | Growing, mainly specific universities | Strict, often needs an added IELTS or PTE |
Typical Score Ranges At Top Universities
| University | DET Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard and Stanford (USA) | 120 plus recommended |
| University of Toronto (Canada) | 120 minimum |
| McGill and UBC (Canada) | 125 minimum |
| Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) | 120 to 130 |
| Victoria Univ of Wellington (NZ) | 105 to 130 |
My Advice
Always confirm two things separately, whether your specific program accepts the DET and whether the country's visa authority does too, because a university offer does not automatically clear the visa. Competitive courses usually want 110 to 130, so aim comfortably above the minimum. If Australia is on your list, plan for a backup IELTS or PTE from the start, since the Department of Home Affairs rules are rigid. Check the official Duolingo Accepting Institutions Index for your exact program.
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