Duolingo Accepted Universities in Australia – Complete 2025 Guide

A growing number of institutions now feature among the Duolingo accepted universities in Australia, offering students a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional English tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Pearson Test of English (PTE). As of 2025, over 60 Australian universities and colleges accept the Duolingo English Test (DET), including top institutions such as the University of Sydney, Macquarie University, University of Queensland, and Deakin University.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online, AI-driven English proficiency exam designed for international admissions. Known for its at-home format, quick 48-hour results, and budget-friendly fee, DET is increasingly used by students seeking flexible and widely recognised testing options for academic entry.

In this guide, you’ll find a list of Top Universities in Australia accepting DET, course-wise score requirements, visa-related policies, a test comparison with IELTS and PTE, and application steps for Australia.

Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in Australia

Many Australian universities now recognize the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a valid proof of English proficiency. From globally ranked Go8 universities to flexible pathway colleges, DET scores between 85 and 115 are generally accepted, depending on the institution’s requirements. 

The table below provides a quick snapshot of universities in Australia that accept Duolingo, along with their minimum score expectations for 2025.

University Name	Type	Minimum DET Score
Macquarie University	Public	120
Deakin College	Private Pathway	100
Flinders University	Public	72
Australian National University (ANU)	Public (Go8)	110
Griffith University	Public	130
University of Queensland (UQ)	Public (Go8)	105
University of Sydney	Public (Go8)	79
Swinburne University of Technology	Public	80
Charles Darwin University	Public	94
Kaplan Business School	Private	100

Want to Know If Your Duolingo Score Is Eligible? Check the official DET requirements for top universities in Australia.
👉 View Duolingo Eligibility Criteria

Course-Wise Duolingo Requirements for Australia 2025

Duolingo English Test (DET) score requirements vary by university and course level in Australia. MBA and Nursing programs usually require higher scores compared to general UG and PG courses.

Here’s a list of universities in Australia and the minimum Duolingo scores required for undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and health-related courses in 2025.

University	Minimum Score for UG/PG	Minimum Score for MBA	Minimum Score for Nursing/Health
Macquarie University	95	105	100
Flinders University	90	100	100
Griffith University	95	105	105
University of Queensland (UQ)	100	110	110
University of New South Wales	105	110	110

NOTE: Score requirements may vary by program or intake. Always confirm with the university before applying.

Is Duolingo Accepted for Australian Visa?

The Duolingo English Test is not accepted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for student visa (subclass 500) applications. Students planning to study in Australia should be aware of visa-approved English tests, even if their chosen university accepts Duolingo for admission.

Duolingo Test Validity for Australia Student Visa

• The Duolingo English Test (DET) is not accepted for Subclass 500 student visa applications in Australia.
• Visa applications require proof of English from approved testing bodies only.
• DET can still be used for university admission, but not for visa processing.

Approved English Tests for Australian Student Visa

To apply for a student visa, you must submit results from one of the following tests:

• IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System – Academic)
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English – Academic)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (now known as C1 Advanced)
• OET (Occupational English Test) – Accepted only for healthcare-related programs

Why Duolingo Test Is Not Accepted for Visa Applications

• The DET is an online, AI-proctored test without in-person supervision.
• It does not meet the Department of Home Affairs’ test security and identity verification standards.
• For immigration purposes, only center-based, high-security tests are recognized.

Benefits of Duolingo Test for Australia

While not valid for visas, the Duolingo English Test offers several practical advantages for students applying to Australian universities, especially during the admission stage.

Low cost:  Priced at approx. USD 59 (INR 4,940.48), it's cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL.

Quick results: Scores are available within 48 hours, speeding up the admission process.

Home-based convenience: The test is fully online and can be taken from anywhere.

Accepted by many universities: Over 50+ Australian institutions accept Duolingo scores for UG and PG courses

Useful for conditional offers: Some universities may issue conditional admissions based on Duolingo scores.

Find the best programs across Australian universities—from business to engineering and more.
👉 Browse Courses in Australia

How to Apply to Australian Universities with DET

Many Australian universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as part of their admission process. Here's how international students can apply using DET scores effectively and confidently.

1. Check University Acceptance
   Visit the official website of your target university to confirm if they accept Duolingo for your course and level (UG/PG).
2. Register for Duolingo Test
   Sign up at englishtest.duolingo.com, pay the fee (~USD 59; INR 4,940.48), and complete the test online at home.
3. Receive and Review Scores
   Get your certified Duolingo scores within 48 hours. Ensure your score meets the minimum requirement of the university.
4. Send Scores to Universities
   Use the Duolingo platform to send your official scores directly to selected Australian institutions.
5. Complete Online University Application
   Fill out the university application form and upload required documents (academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, etc.).
6. Wait for Admission Decision
   Universities may grant full or conditional offers. A conditional offer means you may need to submit a visa-approved test later for final enrolment.
7. Prepare for Visa Application
   Since Duolingo is not accepted for visas, plan to take an approved English test (like IELTS or TOEFL) once your admission is secured.

How Can upGrad Help with Duolingo Admissions in Australia?

If you're applying to Duolingo-accepting universities in Australia, upGrad can support you throughout the process, from test guidance to admission and visa preparation.

• Personalised 1:1 Counselling
  Get expert advice on universities in Australia that accept Duolingo scores, based on your profile and goals.
• SOP and Application Support
  upGrad helps you craft a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) and ensures your application is complete and well-structured.
• Shortlisting DET-Compatible Universities
  Receive curated lists of top Australian institutions that currently accept the Duolingo English Test for UG/PG programs.
• Scholarship and Conditional Offer Guidance
  Get help in identifying scholarship options and understanding conditional admission policies related to Duolingo.
• Visa Preparedness Planning
  Since Duolingo is not accepted for the visa, upGrad helps you plan when and how to take an approved English test post-admission.

Start Your Duolingo-Accepted Australia Application with upGrad . Get 1:1 support for university shortlisting, SOP writing, and post-admission visa planning.
👉 Talk to a Counsellor Now

Duolingo vs IELTS vs PTE – Which Is Best for Australia?

With several English proficiency tests available today, finding the right one depends on your goals, timelines, and preferred learning style.

Whether you're aiming for university admission, a visa application, or both, it's important to understand how each test compares.

The table below gives you a side-by-side view of Duolingo, IELTS, and PTE to help you decide with confidence.

Criteria	Duolingo (DET)	IELTS Academic	PTE Academic
University Admission	Accepted by 50+ Australian universities	Accepted by all Australian universities	Accepted by all Australian universities
Student Visa Approval	Not accepted	Accepted by Australian Immigration	Accepted by Australian Immigration
Test Format	Online from home	Paper or computer at the test centre	Computer-based at the test centre
Duration	~1 hour	~2 hours 45 minutes	~2 hours
Result Time	48 hours	3–5 days	1–5 days
Test Fee (approx.)	₹4,900 (USD 59)	₹15,500 (USD 245)	₹14,000 (USD 220)
Score Range	10–160	1.0–9.0 band	10–90
Retake Policy	2 times per 30 days	Unlimited (3-day gap)	Unlimited (5-day gap)
Best For	Quick admission to DET-accepting unis only	Admission + Visa	Admission + Visa

Each test serves a different need—choose the one that best fits your timeline, purpose, and study goals in Australia.

Conclusion

In 2025, more students are considering the Duolingo English Test as a faster, affordable alternative for studying abroad. With a growing number of Duolingo accepted universities in Australia, this test can simplify the admission process, especially when speed and flexibility matter. However, always verify each university's latest language requirements and check visa eligibility carefully. Whether you’re comparing it with IELTS or PTE, the right choice depends on your goals.