For international students, one of the most common questions during the application process is: Do schools actually prefer TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
The short answer: No, they don’t.
Most universities list several accepted tests on their official admissions websites – TOEFL, IELTS, the DET and others. Once a test is listed, it means the school recognises it as a valid and reliable measure of English proficiency. In other words, there’s no hidden bias in favour of one over the others.
Equal acceptance: TOEFL, IELTS and the DET
Universities are more flexible than you think. This is the result of deliberate efforts to make higher education more accessible. Schools understand that students come from all over the world, with different levels of access to testing centres, technology and financial resources.
While legacy tests like TOEFL and IELTS have been the default in the past, many universities now accept newer options like the DET – and not as an afterthought. Since its launch in 2016, the DET has been adopted by over 5,700 programmes worldwide, including 95 per cent of U.S. News top 100 universities. That level of recognition doesn't happen by chance – it reflects growing confidence in the DET’s reliability, security and accessibility.
It’s important to note that some universities haven’t updated their websites, so even if the DET isn’t listed, you can often email the admissions office to confirm. Many will accept it if it meets their standards, even if it’s not yet published on the site.
Familiarity doesn’t equal preference
Some admissions officers might be more familiar with legacy tests simply because they have been around longer. But this doesn’t mean they prefer them.
Universities go through a rigorous vetting process before accepting any new test. The DET is widely accepted at top institutions across the US, UK, Canada and beyond. It wouldn’t be listed unless the school had full confidence in its reliability and academic relevance.
Your score, not the test name
The test name matters far less than the score itself. For example, if a university requires a TOEFL score of 80, an IELTS score of 6.5 or a DET score of 120, then your focus should be on meeting or exceeding that score. Admissions teams won’t favour one over the other as long as your score clears the bar.
In fact, a strong DET score (say, 140+) might be more impressive than a borderline TOEFL or IELTS score. It shows you didn’t just meet the requirement; you surpassed it.
Flexibility in testing means more access for students
By accepting a variety of English tests, universities are promoting access and diversity. Tests like the DET, which can be taken from home, have made it possible for talented students in underrepresented or resource-limited regions to apply without facing extra hurdles.
For schools trying to broaden their international reach, offering multiple testing options isn’t just convenient, it’s strategic.
Universities don’t have a preference for English tests. What they care about is whether you meet their standards. Your score matters more than the brand name of the test. Choose the exam that works best for your situation, study hard and aim for a strong score.
Comments