Blogs

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

Read in English.

Read in Spanish.

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.

I was raised in a small village in northern India as part of a family of five. My parents instilled a strong desire to learn. Facing daily challenges strengthened my resilience, adaptability and determination. With their unwavering support, I successfully passed the entrance exam for Vidyagyan School, an opportunity that reshaped my confidence and ambitions.