Top UK Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey towards foreign education frequently begins with a critical step: demonstrating your English competence. In recent years, the landscape of language evaluation has changed, with new alternatives to established exams such as IELTS and TOEFL. Among these alternatives is the Duolingo English Test (DET), a modern solution designed to match the needs of today’s global learners.

This detailed tutorial delves into the complexities of the Duolingo English Test, including its format, benefits, and acceptance by prestigious universities, particularly in the United Kingdom. Understanding the subtleties of the DET can have a big impact on your academic journey, whether you plan to study abroad as an undergraduate or postgraduate.

Join us as we learn everything you need to know about the Duolingo English Test, from its structure and benefits to tactics for getting the best result. Prepare to embark on a path of linguistic mastery, which will lead to a world of educational prospects.

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A banner with an image of a trophy depicts top UK universities accepting the Duolingo English Test for international students.

Need guidance? Let us help you.

Introduction:

Embarking on a journey towards foreign education frequently begins with a critical step: demonstrating your English competence. In recent years, the landscape of language evaluation has changed, with new alternatives to established exams such as IELTS and TOEFL. Among these alternatives is the Duolingo English Test (DET), a modern solution designed to match the needs of today’s global learners.

This detailed tutorial delves into the complexities of the Duolingo English Test, including its format, benefits, and acceptance by prestigious universities, particularly in the United Kingdom. Understanding the subtleties of the DET can have a big impact on your academic journey, whether you plan to study abroad as an undergraduate or postgraduate.

Join us as we learn everything you need to know about the Duolingo English Test, from its structure and benefits to tactics for getting the best result. Prepare to embark on a path of linguistic mastery, which will lead to a world of educational prospects.

Table of Contents

What is Duolingo English test (DET)?

The Duolingo English Test assesses your ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English. As you proceed through this computer-adaptive test, the complexity of the questions increases or reduces depending on your answers to previous questions. In addition to multiple-choice questions, you are asked open-ended questions to measure your spoken and written English skills. The computer grades every question you answer. You will also have the opportunity to film a video interview and write an example.

If you want to study abroad, numerous international colleges and universities require confirmation of English language proficiency for prospective international students. This test has gained popularity as an alternative to the IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL for this reason.

How To take Duolingo English Test?

To take the Duolingo English Test, you will need a computer with a stable internet connection and a front-facing webcam. The full test is administered online, and an invigilator reviews your recording to ensure you follow the guidelines. As a result, you must be in a well-lit environment with the computer’s video camera, microphone, and speakers turned on. If you take the test on a Mac, you must first provide permission to record your computer screen and keystrokes.

The Duolingo English Test takes around one hour to complete. It’s divided into three segments:

Introduction and Setup (5 minutes)

Adaptive test (45 minutes).

Video interview (10 min.)

You will receive your findings within 48 hours, and they are valid for two years.

Duolingo has severe testing guidelines that all test-takers must obey. These regulations include:

  • Keep your ears and face exposed and visible to the invigilator at all times.
  • Keep any mobile devices, notes, and textbooks away from the testing area.
  • Throughout the test, keep your eyes on the device’s screen.
  • Stay in the test window at all times.
  • Avoid utilising predictive text input tools or webcam software.

Benefits of Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test has various advantages over similar assessments such as the TOEFL and IELTS. As long as the organisation validating your language proficiency accepts the Duolingo test, these benefits may be the determining reason for you to take the test.

It is cost-effective

As of September 2023, the Duolingo English Test costs 59 USD plus applicable taxes, and your scores can be sent to up to 40 universities at no additional cost. In instance, the TOEFL test can cost roughly $200 USD, depending on your testing location, plus $20 USD for each additional score report you want to send. Meanwhile, IELTS charges more than $200 USD every exam, depending on your region.

It is convenient

The Duolingo English exam can be taken from any calm, secluded, and bright location with a well-equipped computer and internet connection. You can take the exam at any time within the next 21 days after purchasing it; no appointment is required. In addition, if you had a horrible test day, you can easily purchase and retake the test up to two more times within 30 days.

It’s quick

Because a machine assesses all sections of the Duolingo English test, you will receive your results promptly. They should be available within 48 hours of submitting the test, which is especially helpful if you have an application deadline.

Mock tests

Before taking the actual test, you can take one of several mock tests on Duolingo. It helps you prepare better for the final test.

Acceptance

This test is accepted in over 3000 institutes throughout the world, 68 of which are in the UK.

Duolingo Exam Pattern

Before we go into the top Duolingo recognised institutions in the UK, let’s take a short look at the exam structure. Duolingo’s test is an adaptive test, which implies that it becomes more difficult as the number of correct answers increases, and vice versa. The test evaluates various parts of the English language, including:

  • Filling in missing letters from a portion of text
  • Identifying actual English words from false ones.
  • Type the statement that the applicants hear.
  • Describe an image.

Following that, candidates must participate in a video interview in which they can discuss any of the two topics, and the same approach applies to writing. Within two days of completing the exam, you will receive your score on a scale of 10-160. Aside from that, colleges accepting Duolingo scores benefit from a considerably broader applicant pool, allowing them to take a more holistic approach to evaluating individuals by reviewing their video interviews, written samples, and scores.

Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK for PG Programs

  • Arts University Plymouth
  • ARU College
  • Cardiff University*    
  • Hult International Business School London
  • Imperial College London
  • International College Portsmouth     
  • Leeds Beckett University
  • London Business School
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  • Loughborough University
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
  • Sheffield Hallam University 
  • SOAS University of London – Postgraduate*
  • Solent University Southampton
  • University of Bath
  • University of East Anglia
  • University of Glasgow*
  • University of Leicester (Postgraduate Research)
  • University of Liverpool (Postgraduate Taught/Research programmes)
  • University of Reading
  • University of Roehampton* (Postgraduate)
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Surrey
  • University of Warwick – MBA*       
  • University of Warwick- Postgraduate*
  • University of York

Institutions marked with * accept the Duolingo English Test and use results in the admissions process, but some applicants may be required to submit additional proof of English proficiency. Check the institution’s website for details.

Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK for UG Programs

  • Anglia Ruskin University London
  • Arts University Plymouth
  • Arts University Plymouth – Pre-Degree
  • ARU College – Undergraduate
  • Birkbeck, University of London
  • Glasgow Caledonian University*
  • Imperial College London
  • International College Portsmouth
  • Leeds Beckett University – Undergraduate
  • London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA)
  • London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
  • Loughborough University
  • Regent College London
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
  • Sheffield Hallam University — Pre-sessional courses
  • SOAS University of London*
  • Solent University Southampton – Undergraduate
  • St Mary’s University London
  • University of Bath
  • University of Bolton
  • University of East Anglia
  • University of Huddersfield – China Campus
  • University of Lincoln*
  • University of Liverpool
  • University of Portsmouth
  • University of Reading
  • University of Roehampton*
  • University of Southampton
  • University of Surrey
  • University of Warwick*
  • University of York

Institutions marked with * accept the Duolingo English Test and use results in the admissions process, but some applicants may be required to submit additional proof of English proficiency. Check the institution’s website for details.

Minimum DET Score Required by UK Universities

The scores required for Duolingo approved institutions in the United Kingdom differ by institution and programme of study.

The average Duolingo score approved by UK universities ranges from 105 to 120. If you score 120 or higher, you can get into elite universities that offer the most rigorous courses in the UK, as well as a variety of competitive courses.

For example, the University of Edinburgh demands a minimum score of 125 for postgraduate study.

If your score falls between 105 and 115, you can still get into some of the best universities.

A score between 90 and 100 is sufficient for linguistically less demanding courses. However, there will be fewer course and university alternatives. These scores may not be sufficient on their own. To get admitted, you must meet additional requirements.

Here is an overview of the UK’s minimal Duolingo scores:

  • Bachelor’s degrees: 85 to 120
  • Master’s degree: 105-120

UK Universities Accepting Duolingo: 120+ Score

Duolingo accepted universities in UK

Minimum Duolingo Score

University of Southampton

120

University College of London

135

University of Glasgow

120

University of Edinburgh

130

Imperial College, London

135

UK Universities Accepting Duolingo: 100-115 Score

Duolingo accepted universities in UK

Minimum Duolingo Score

University of Bristol

110

Brunel University

100

King’s College London

115

University of Aberdeen

105

University of Sussex

105

UK Universities Accepting Duolingo: Minimum Score of 90

  • Aston University
  • University of Stirling
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • University of Strathclyde

How to Achieve an Ideal Duolingo Score?

Although UK universities accept students with low Duolingo scores. However, in order to advance in your career, you must raise your grades. Here are some tips for getting the best Duolingo score.

  • Determine your areas of weakness and focus on strengthening them.
  • There are several practice examinations accessible. Use these example test papers to assess your level of language proficiency.
  • Look through magazines, books, blogs, and online newspapers. Examine different grammatical structures and how they are used in different writing genres.
  • Make sure to check where your practice resources are coming from.
  • Practice talking to native English speakers and watching films or TV shows with subtitles.

Not the Score You Wanted? Some Alternatives!

If you struggled with the Duolingo exam, you need to improve your English. Take a course, practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing, then retake the exam to improve your language skills. No restriction has been set for Duolingo exam attempts, however, one can only take it three times in 30 days.

If you have failed the Duolingo test, not meeting expectations shouldn’t demotivate you. Alternatives can help you prove your language skills and meet university requirements:

Choose another language competence exam: Most UK colleges recognise TOEFL IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications, and the Pearson Test of English. Alternative examinations to Duolingo might demonstrate your English proficiency.

Need professional IELTS, PTE, TOEFL coaching?

Global Campus’s Test Prep course is a one-stop shop for studying abroad.

Join our IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL prep courses & get the desired score to actualize your study abroad dream.

A few UK universities may not require an English language competence exam, especially if you did well in the 12th grade English subject. Many UK universities provide IELTS waiver if the student has studied Grade 12 from a recognised board & scored 75%+ in English. Contact our team of counsellors to learn more about it.

FAQs

Duolingo is widely used in the UK for language learning. Many universities, language schools, and jobs accept Duolingo certificates as proof of English competency.

Good Duolingo scores are 120 or higher. A Duolingo score of 120 is equivalent to a 7 or higher IELTS grade, according to the conversion.

You may retake Duolingo as often as you want, however, you can take the test three times in 30 days.

Create a Duolingo account to take the English Test. You can include the score in your university application and required documentation.

The test costs USD 59 & the test taker can make the payment online.

The UK government does not recognise Duolingo English test for visas, however, If UK universities accept your DET results and provide you with CAS letter, visa applications should be easy.

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