Blogs

Leadership doesn’t always begin with a title. Sometimes it begins with a question: “Can I make a difference?” When I joined the University of London’s Student Ambassador programme, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. As a law student based in Bangladesh, studying via distance learning, I knew I wanted to stay engaged and give back to the global student community. What I didn’t know was just how transformative this journey would be, not only for those I supported but for me as well.

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.

In recent years, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has become one of the most convenient and affordable options for students to prove their English proficiency. But the question on many students’ minds remains: Is the DET accepted by universities and visa authorities worldwide? The answer is yes – with some caveats depending on the country. 

Here’s a breakdown of DET acceptance of F-1 visas in the United States, study permits in Canada, the UK’s student visa and more.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, but misconceptions still surround it. Whether you’re applying to a university or a visa programme, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. We debunk four of the most common myths about the DET and set the record straight.

Myth 1: Universities don’t accept the DET

Fact: More than 5,700 programmes around the world accept the DET, including many of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

Sponsored content: created in partnership with Ho Chi Minh City Open University

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Sponsored content: created in partnership with the University of Limassol.

The University of Limassol (UoL) is redefining the future of higher education in Cyprus and neighbouring regions. Emerging from the legacy of the Cyprus International Institute of Management (CIIM) – one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious business schools – UoL stands as a dynamic, research-driven institution committed to innovation, academic excellence and transformative education.

Sponsored content: created in partnership with the Duolingo English Test.

Sponsored content: created in partnership with the Duolingo English Test.