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.
Institutions accepting DET globally
Affordable test fee worldwide
Standard score delivery time
Institutions accepting TOEFL globally
DET scoring scale
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.
Duolingo is one of the most affordable English proficiency tests available, costing significantly less than IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.
Send your official test results to an unlimited number of universities worldwide at no additional cost.
Receive certified results within 48 hours, making it easier to meet university application and admission deadlines.
The test adapts to your skill level in real time, providing an accurate measurement of your English proficiency.
Receive scores for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production along with detailed performance insights.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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. |
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
Sign up at englishtest.duolingo.com using your email and ensure your name matches your passport.
Pay the $70 test fee online using an international debit or credit card.
Arrange a quiet room, webcam, microphone, stable internet, and a valid ID.
Complete the adaptive test, writing sample, and video interview in about 60 minutes.
Receive results within 48 hours and send scores to unlimited institutions for free.
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.
Compare DET, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE to choose the best option for your goals.
Practise the adaptive format and all question types before test day.
Confirm DET acceptance and required scores for your target institutions.
Expert assistance with applications and score submissions to universities worldwide.
Understand whether DET is accepted for your chosen visa pathway.
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.
At Alora Education Foundation, we are committed to shaping bright futures by providing expert guidance and tailored solutions for students aiming for top universities.