Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK in 2025: Scores, Rankings, and More

Latest Update: On February 11, 2025, the DET fee increased from $65(INR 5.4K) to $70 (INR 6K), though it remains one of the most affordable English proficiency tests

The Duolingo English Test (DET) was taken in nearly 40,000 locations worldwide last year, highlighting its growing popularity and accessibility. Additionally, the DET is now accepted by over 5,500 academic programs globally, including numerous Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK. ​

This guide provides comprehensive information on Duolingo english test accepted Universities in UK, including required scores, exam patterns, preparation tips, and application processes. Whether you're planning to study in UK or exploring your options, this resource will help you steer through the DET and its role in UK university admissions.

Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK: Overview

The Duolingo English Test measures your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through adaptive questions. The test adjusts difficulty based on your responses, ensuring accurate scoring. Tasks include reading passages, describing photos, and speaking on topics. 

Top Universities in the UK trust this test because of its efficiency and accuracy. Scores are aligned to international proficiency levels, giving admission teams a clear view of your language abilities.

Before moving ahead, take a look at the key highlights of the Duolingo English Test below.

Particular	Details
Test Duration	1 hour
Test Mode	Online, it can be taken anytime.
Result Timeline	2 days after the test
Exam Fees	US $70 (INR 6K)
Minimum score	B1 Level: 60–95 B2 Level: 100–125 C1 Level: 130–150 C2 Level: 155–160​
Question Types	Objective and Descriptive.

Knowing the test structure gives you clarity. Now, it is time to discover which universities in the UK accept Duolingo and what scores they need.

Top 14 Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK in 2025

In the UK, universities require international students to demonstrate English language proficiency. Many institutions now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a valid measure. For instance, the University of York accepts Duolingo scores for various programs, with specific score requirements depending on the course.

The following table lists 14 UK universities that accept Duolingo scores for admissions in 2025, along with their QS World Rankings and minimum DET score requirements.

University	QS Rankings 2025	Minimum Duolingo Score
Imperial College London	2	105-115
University of Southampton	80	120
University of Birmingham	80	100
University of Bath	150	120
University of Liverpool	165	120
University of Reading	172	135
University of York	184	120
Loughborough University	224	120
University of Surrey	285	110
Swansea University	298	85+
University of Roehampton	251-300	110-115
University of East Anglia	332	100
Anglia Ruskin University	501-550	100
Sheffield Hallam University	1001-1200	100-130

Also Read: Top Universities in UK for Masters – Ranking, Fees & More

Now that you know which universities accept Duolingo, it's time to focus on the test itself. Understanding the exam pattern will help you prepare better and avoid surprises.

Duolingo English Exam Pattern For UK

The Duolingo English Test offers a quicker and more convenient option compared to other popular exams. While IELTS and TOEFL take around 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours to complete, and PTE requires approximately 2 hours, Duolingo finishes in just 1 hour. 

This short duration reduces stress and helps you stay focused throughout the test. Many Duolingo-accepted universities in the UK value this efficient format, as it reliably measures your English proficiency across key skills, including Duolingo speaking topics and writing abilities assessed through the Duolingo writing test.

The test comprises three main sections. Understanding each section's format and expectations is crucial for effective preparation.

Section	Duration	Description	Question Types
Introduction	~5 minutes	Provides an overview of test rules and requirements.	No questions; setup and instructions.
Adaptive Test	~45 minutes	Computer-adaptive section that adjusts question difficulty based on responses.	Read and Complete​ Read and Select​ Listen and Select Listen and Type Read Aloud Write About the Photo​ Speak About the Photo Speak About the Topic Write About the Topic
Writing and Speaking Sample	~10 minutes	Open-ended writing and speaking tasks on given prompts.	Write a passage (50–100 words) on a given topic.​ Speak for 1–3 minutes on a given topic.

Also Read: Duolingo Eligibility 2025: Who Can Take the Duolingo English Test?

Understanding the structure of the DET is the first step toward effective preparation. With this knowledge, you can now focus on strategies to enhance your performance.

How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is widely accepted by top UK universities, with 92% of test-takers meeting the entry requirements. 

Known for its flexibility and high evaluation standards, it's a great choice for you if you're looking for a convenient and accessible test. To succeed, you'll need to focus on all four skills like reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Follow the steps below to prepare for DET strategically and improve your test readiness.

1. Start with official sample questions

Use the free practice tools on the Duolingo website. Focus on tasks like:

• Read and Select (identify real English words)
• Write About the Photo (write short, on-topic responses)

These will help you get familiar with real test formats and time limits.

2. Build your vocabulary and grammar

To increase your performance, you need to use strong vocabulary and correct sentence structures. Read and listen to resources like BBC News or The Guardian.

Tip: Learn 5–7 new words every day and use them in your speaking or writing tasks.

3. Practice speaking fluently and clearly

Record yourself for 1 to 3 minutes on random topics. For example:

• Describe your favourite movie
• Explain a daily routine or how to cook something simple
• Play it back to check for clarity, pronunciation, and confidence.

4. Work on typing speed and accuracy

• Typing is a key part of the DET. Use free platforms like 10FastFingers or Keybr to build accuracy and speed.
• Practice the "Listen and Type" section without looking at your keyboard.

5. Take full-length practice tests

Simulate real test-day conditions by sitting for a complete 1-hour DET mock test without breaks. This builds focus, stamina, and mental readiness.

6. Review your mistakes carefully

• After each practice session, note where you lost points—especially in grammar, listening, and spelling.
• Create a small error log to track common patterns and avoid repeating them.

7. Stay calm and confident

• Over 70% of top performers credit their results to staying relaxed during the test. Try deep breathing techniques before you begin.
• Example: Take five slow, deep breaths before starting the speaking tasks to calm your nerves.
• With consistent effort and the right preparation, you’ll be ready to reach or exceed the 110 average DET score accepted by top UK universities.

Once you are ready with these steps, you can face the Duolingo test without hesitation. Each step takes you closer to the score needed by Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK.

Now that preparation techniques are clear, it is time to understand why taking the Duolingo exam is a smart choice.

Benefits of Taking Duolingo Exam

The average Duolingo English Test (DET) score among test takers is 110, aligning closely with the minimum requirements set by many Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK. This statistic shows the test's accessibility and the attainability of scores needed for admission. ​

Here are the key benefits that make the Duolingo English Test a practical option for students targeting Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK.​

Take the test from anywhere: 

The DET can be taken online from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to travel to a test center. This flexibility is especially beneficial for students in remote areas or those with limited access to testing facilities.​

Affordable testing option: 

Priced at approximately UD$ 70 (INR 6K), registering for DET is significantly more affordable than other English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL, which can cost upwards of $200 (INR 16K). This cost-effectiveness makes it accessible to a broader range of students.​

Quick results: 

Test results are typically available within 48 hours, allowing you to meet application deadlines promptly. This rapid turnaround is advantageous for students applying to Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK with tight admission schedules.​

Unlimited score submissions: 

You can send your DET scores to an unlimited number of institutions at no additional cost. This feature is particularly useful if you're applying to multiple universities.​

Comprehensive skill assessment: 

The DET evaluates all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, through an adaptive testing format. This comprehensive assessment ensures that your English proficiency is accurately measured.​

These benefits collectively make the Duolingo English Test a practical and efficient choice for students seeking admission to Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK.

Duolingo Test Alternatives

Although the Duolingo English Test (DET) is widely recognized, UK universities still prefer other established English proficiency exams. Each year, over 1 million students choose the PTE to support their study abroad plans.

Understanding the minimum score requirements for these alternatives can help you make informed decisions when applying to Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK.​

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS	6.0–7.5
TOEFL	80–100
PTE	51–67

Also Read: Documents Required to Study Abroad: A Complete List

These tests are recognized by many institutions and can serve as viable alternatives to the DET. Ensure you check the specific requirements of each university to determine the most suitable test for your application.

How Can upGrad Help You Prepare for a Duolingo Test for the UK?

You can access free Duolingo exam preparation resources through upGrad, including practice materials, mock tests, and expert-led webinars. These resources help improve your skills and boost your confidence to meet the scores required by Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK.

Book a free one-on-one counselling session with upGrad experts and get personalised support for SOPs, LORs, visa requirements, and university applications. With expert guidance, every step of your study abroad journey becomes simpler and more organized.