🦉 Duolingo English Test — DET

Duolingo English Test (DET)

Affordable, At-Home English Testing — Accepted by 5,500+ Institutions

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a modern, fully online English proficiency exam that can be taken from home — anytime, anywhere — without visiting a test centre. At just $70 (~NPR 9,500), it is significantly cheaper than IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

Accepted by over 5,500 universities and institutions worldwide — including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, University of Toronto, and McGill — DET has become one of the fastest-growing English proficiency tests for Nepali students.

5,500+

Institutions accepting DET globally

$70

Affordable test fee worldwide

48 hrs

Standard score delivery time

11,000+

Institutions accepting TOEFL globally

10–160

DET scoring scale

WHY DUOLINGO

Why Choose the Duolingo English Test?

Take the Test from Home

No need to visit a test center. The Duolingo English Test can be taken from anywhere with a computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection.

Affordable Test Fee

Duolingo is one of the most affordable English proficiency tests available, costing significantly less than IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.

Unlimited Score Reports

Send your official test results to an unlimited number of universities worldwide at no additional cost.

Fast Results

Receive certified results within 48 hours, making it easier to meet university application and admission deadlines.

Adaptive Test Format

The test adapts to your skill level in real time, providing an accurate measurement of your English proficiency.

Detailed Score Breakdown

Receive scores for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production along with detailed performance insights.

🌍 DET Global Acceptance

Where is DET accepted in 2026?

The Duolingo English Test continues its rapid global expansion. More than 5,500 institutions now accept DET, making it one of the fastest-growing English proficiency tests for Nepali students.

📌 DET now accepted by 5,500+ institutions worldwide

Acceptance has expanded significantly across the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and Europe. While most universities now recognize DET for admissions, visa requirements may differ depending on the destination country and immigration regulations.

Country	University Acceptance	Visa Acceptance	Notable Institutions
🇺🇸 USA	95% of Top 100 universities + 1,700+ institutions	✅ Accepted for F-1 visa applications	Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, NYU
🇨🇦 Canada	90% of leading universities + 400+ institutions	✅ Accepted by IRCC	Toronto, McGill, UBC, Waterloo, Alberta
🇬🇧 UK	130+ universities including Russell Group members	⚠️ Depends on visa route and institution	Imperial, King's College, UCL, Bristol, Durham
🇮🇪 Ireland	15 of 18 universities accept DET	✅ Accepted for student visas	Trinity College Dublin, DCU, UCC
🇦🇺 Australia	90+ institutions and pathway programs	⚠️ Verify visa requirements carefully	Monash, Flinders, Newcastle, selected UNSW pathways
🇳🇿 New Zealand	Growing acceptance among major universities	⚠️ Institution-specific	Several public universities now recognize DET
🌍 Europe	Rapid expansion in Germany, Netherlands & Switzerland	Varies by country	TU Munich, University of Amsterdam, EHL Switzerland

⚠️ Important for Nepali students

DET is widely accepted for university admissions, but immigration authorities may have separate English language requirements. Australia and New Zealand often require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for visa purposes, while the UK's SELT requirement does not currently accept DET. Always verify both university admission criteria and student visa requirements before registering for the test.

⏱️ DET Test Structure

Duolingo English Test Format 2026

The Duolingo English Test is fully computer-based, adaptive, and can be completed from home in about one hour. Questions adjust in difficulty based on your performance, providing a fast and accurate assessment of English proficiency.

📌 Complete the entire test in around 60 minutes

Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, DET combines Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking into an integrated adaptive experience. Results are typically available within 48 hours and can be shared with institutions at no additional cost.

Component	Duration	What You'll Do
Adaptive Test	~45 Minutes	Read and Select, Listen and Type, Read Aloud, Complete the Sentences, Interactive Reading, Interactive Listening, Interactive Writing, Interactive Speaking, Write About the Photo, and Speak About the Photo.
Writing Sample	~10 Minutes	Write a response to an open-ended prompt. This section is shared directly with universities but is not included in the 10–160 DET score.
Video Interview	~5 Minutes	Answer speaking prompts on camera. Universities can review your spoken English ability, but this section is not scored.

💡 Why students like the DET format

DET is significantly shorter than IELTS and TOEFL and can be taken from home using a computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Because the test is adaptive, each student receives a unique question sequence, making preparation focused on English proficiency rather than memorising question patterns.

📊 DET Scoring System

DET Score Guide & University Requirements

Duolingo English Test scores range from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments. In addition to the overall score, universities receive four subscores that provide a detailed view of your English proficiency.

📌 Four subscores included in every DET result

Since 2024, DET reports four skill areas alongside the overall score: Literacy (reading and writing), Comprehension (reading and listening), Conversation (listening and speaking), and Production (writing and speaking). Universities can use these subscores to assess specific language strengths.

DET Score	IELTS Equivalent	CEFR Level	English Proficiency
140–160	8.5–9.0	C2	Expert level / Near-native fluency
120–135	7.5–8.0	C1–C2	Very strong for highly competitive programmes
110–120	7.0–7.5	C1	Good score for most leading universities
100–110	6.5–7.0	B2–C1	Competent level for standard university admission
90–100	6.0–6.5	B2	Suitable for many undergraduate programmes
75–90	5.5–6.0	B1–B2	Common for pathway and foundation programmes
Below 75	Below 5.5	Below B1	Additional English preparation recommended

🎯 Typical DET score requirements in 2026

Most undergraduate programmes generally require scores between 90–105. Competitive universities in the USA, Canada, UK, and Ireland often expect 110–125+. Highly selective institutions, including Ivy League and top-ranked global universities, may look for scores of 130+. Always verify the latest requirements directly with your chosen university.

⚖️ Test Comparison

DET vs IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE

Choosing the right English proficiency test depends on your study destination, visa requirements, budget, and preferred testing format. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the four most popular options for Nepali students in 2026.

📌 DET remains the most affordable international English test

With a lower registration fee, at-home testing, fast results, and unlimited free score reporting, DET is becoming increasingly popular among students applying to universities in the USA, Canada, Ireland, and selected institutions worldwide.

Feature	Duolingo (DET)	IELTS	TOEFL iBT	PTE Academic
Fee (Nepal)	~NPR 9,500	~NPR 27,000	~NPR 27,000	~NPR 32,000
Duration	~60 minutes	~3 hours	~90 minutes	~2 hours
Test Location	At home	Test centre	Test centre / Home Edition	Test centre
Results Time	~48 hours	3–13 days	~72 hours	~48 hours
Score Validity	2 years	2 years	2 years	2 years
Score Reporting	Unlimited & Free	Additional fee required	Additional fee required	Unlimited & Free
Visa Acceptance	USA ✅ Canada ✅ UK ⚠️ Australia ⚠️	Global acceptance ✅	Global acceptance ✅	Global acceptance ✅
University Acceptance	5,500+ institutions	11,000+ institutions	11,000+ institutions	3,900+ institutions
Best For	Budget-conscious students targeting university admission	Maximum acceptance worldwide	USA-focused applications and academic environments	Australia, New Zealand, and fast result seekers

🎯 Which test should you choose?

Choose DET if you're applying mainly to universities in the USA or Canada and want the most affordable option. Choose IELTS if you need the widest acceptance for both admissions and visas. TOEFL remains highly respected for academic study, especially in North America, while PTE Academic is a strong choice for Australia and New Zealand due to its fast results and broad immigration acceptance.

🚀 How to Take DET

How to Take the Duolingo English Test

Taking the Duolingo English Test is simple and fully online. Follow these five easy steps to complete your test and send scores to universities worldwide.

👤

Create Account

💳

Pay the Fee

Pay the $70 test fee online using an international debit or credit card.

💻

Prepare Setup

Arrange a quiet room, webcam, microphone, stable internet, and a valid ID.

📝

Take the Test

Complete the adaptive test, writing sample, and video interview in about 60 minutes.

🎯

Get Results

Receive results within 48 hours and send scores to unlimited institutions for free.

🎯 Why Choose Alora

Duolingo English Test support at Alora

We help Nepali students determine whether the Duolingo English Test is the right choice for their study destination, university requirements, and visa pathway — while providing expert guidance for success.

🎓 Test selection counselling

Compare DET, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE to choose the best option for your goals.

🧠 DET preparation guidance

Practise the adaptive format and all question types before test day.

📊 Score requirement verification

Confirm DET acceptance and required scores for your target institutions.

🌍 University application support

Expert assistance with applications and score submissions to universities worldwide.

🛂 Visa documentation advice

Understand whether DET is accepted for your chosen visa pathway.

💰 Affordable preparation packages

Budget-friendly coaching options for one of the most affordable English tests available.

Prepare confidently with Alora Education Foundation — expert DET guidance, university admissions support, and personalised counselling to help you achieve your international study goals.