Duolingo English Test Validity in 2025

Updated on 17 June, 2025

Bulbul Sharma

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

Is Duolingo English Test accepted in 2025? What is the Duolingo English Test validity? If you plan to study abroad in 2025, it’s something you should check before booking your test. The Duolingo English Test is a fast, affordable option accepted by over 5,000 institutions across the US, UK, Canada, and more. You can take it from home, get results in 2 days, and send scores to as many universities as you want. The score does expire after a set period. Plan your test date with the Duolingo English Test validity in mind to avoid delays or reappearing.

Explore universities and programs accepting English proficiency tests like Duolingo:

Duolingo English Test Validity Period

The Duolingo score validity period is fixed at 2 years from the date of the test. If you're applying for the Fall 2025 intake, your score must be dated after August 2023.

Universities will reject expired score reports—even if you meet the cut-off. This rule applies across most Duolingo accepted universities 2025, including top destinations like the US, UK, and Canada. If you're applying from India, make sure your Duolingo English Test validity in India aligns with the university deadlines and admission rounds.

For students applying to multiple intakes or reapplying after a gap year, retaking the test may be necessary. To avoid reappearing, plan your test date based on both the university’s intake window and the official Duolingo English Test validity policy.

Understand the test first:

Duolingo English Test Score Requirements by Country and Program Type

Top Duolingo accepted countries 2025—including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia—each have unique score cutoffs. These vary not only by country but also by program type. Top-ranked universities set clear Duolingo English Test score thresholds based on whether you're applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study.

Undergraduate programs usually accept scores between 100 and 110, while postgraduate degrees—especially in competitive fields like business, health sciences, and STEM—often require 115 or above. Many institutions also expect minimum subscores in speaking, literacy, and writing. This is especially true in North America, where DET for US/UK/Canada admissions is widely used for conditional and direct offers.

Here’s how the score expectations break down in Duolingo accepted countries 2025:

Minimum Duolingo Scores by Country and Degree Type (2025)

Country

Required Score (UG & PG)

Subscore Rules

USA

UG: 105–110

PG: 115–120

Some require 100+ in conversation & writing

UK

UG: 95–105

PG: 110–120

Subscores often mandatory for postgraduate programs

Canada

UG: 100–110

PG: 115+

PG diplomas may accept 105+ with specific conditions

Australia

UG: 100–105

PG: 110–115

Mostly accepted for PG and pathway-level courses

These ranges are valid only if the Duolingo English Test validity hasn’t expired at the time of submission.

For example, NYU and University of Toronto require a minimum of 120 for competitive graduate programs. In contrast, public colleges in Canada may accept 105 for diploma courses. If you're still asking, "Which universities accept Duolingo in 2025?", always refer to official score pages—not just the general admissions page—to confirm the exact criteria.

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When to Take the Duolingo Test for 2025 Admissions

The ideal window to take the Duolingo English Test for 2025 admissions is between August 2024 and March 2025, especially for the September/Fall intake. This timeline works well for most Duolingo accepted universities 2025 across the US, UK, and Canada. Testing early gives you enough time to retake the exam if needed. Delaying the test too close to application deadlines increases the risk of expired scores or submission issues.

Here’s what Indian students should keep in mind:

  • University deadlines: Most close between January and April 2025
  • Score delivery time: DET results are available in 48 hours, but universities may take up to 2 weeks to verify
  • Retake policy: You can retake the test twice in 30 days if the score is unsatisfactory or rejected
  • Peak season issues: Delays in proctoring or account verification may happen between Dec–Feb

Recommended Duolingo Testing Timeline (Fall 2025 Intake)

Action

Ideal Timeframe

First test attempt

Aug–Dec 2024

Retake buffer (if needed)

Jan–Feb 2025

Final deadline for most programs

March–April 2025

Tip: Don’t wait till the last month before your university deadline. Leave room for technical errors, invalid scores, or program-specific test retake rules.

Score, results, and fee info:

Does Duolingo English Test Validity Apply for Student Visas?

Duolingo English Test validity applies for university admissions, but not for student visa approval in most countries. Immigration departments often follow different English test policies than universities. This is where the Duolingo vs IELTS for university admission decision becomes crucial for Indian applicants.

Here’s how the Duolingo English Test for student visa is handled across major study destinations:

Duolingo English Test for Student Visa

Country

Duolingo for Admission

Duolingo for Visa

USA

Accepted widely

Accepted indirectly (via SEVP admission)

UK

Accepted by many

Limited use (not on SELT list)

Canada

Accepted for admission

Not accepted (SDS requires IELTS)

Australia

Accepted by some

Not accepted (only IELTS, TOEFL, PTE allowed)

Even if DET is accepted for admission, visa approval depends on whether the test fits local Duolingo English Test validity and recognition rules.

Important Reminders:

  • DET is not a substitute for visa-required tests in most countries
  • Some Duolingo accepted universities 2025 may admit you, but immigration officers still need IELTS or equivalent
  • Always confirm with official embassy or visa authority websites before finalizing your application

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Duolingo English Test Validity for Multiple Applications

Yes, one Duolingo English Test score can be reused for multiple universities. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, Duolingo allows you to send your result to unlimited institutions for free. This is a major advantage for students applying to several programs or even different countries under one cycle.

This feature is especially useful if you're targeting universities across Duolingo accepted countries 2025 like the US, UK, or Canada.

How Duolingo Score Sharing Works:

  • You can select universities directly from your Duolingo dashboard
  • Scores are usually delivered within minutes
  • There is no limit on how many times you share your score
  • Each institution receives an official copy via Duolingo’s verified portal

Benefits of Taking Duolingo English Test Early:

  • Helps you meet multiple deadlines across countries
  • Gives you time to shortlist and apply to backup options
  • Allows you to use the same score for Fall, Spring, or rolling intakes (as long as the Duolingo English Test validity is still active)

Feature

Duolingo

IELTS/TOEFL

Score Sending Limit

Unlimited (Free)

Limited (Fee-based)

Score Delivery Time

Instant to 2 days

5–7 days average

Reuse Across Intakes

Yes, if valid

Yes, within 2 years

Just make sure your Duolingo English Test validity covers the intake you're applying for.

Download these guides to read Offline

Duolingo Syllabus
Duolingo test pattern

How to Check If Your Target University Accepts DET in 2025

Before booking the test, confirm whether your chosen colleges are on the list of Duolingo accepted universities 2025. Not every institution or program accepts DET, and policies may vary by department or intake.

Here’s how to check if your university accepts the Duolingo English Test in 2025:

Option 1: Duolingo's Official Website

  • Visit englishtest.duolingo.com
  • Filter by country, intake year, or program level
  • Check if your institution is listed for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Option 2: University Admissions Page

  • Go to the official website of your target university
  • Search for “English language requirements”
  • Look for Duolingo English Test, DET, or “alternative tests accepted”
  • If unclear, contact the admissions team directly

Step

What to Look For

Duolingo Portal

Name listed with 2025 intake accepted

University Website

DET mentioned under English requirements

Admission Emails

Written confirmation from admissions

If you confirm Duolingo test recognition 2025 in advance, it would prevent wasted effort and will let you align your test prep with the right university shortlist.

Practice for free with upGrad’s language prep courses – includes speaking and grammar modules.

Talk to an advisor to check Duolingo test acceptance and plan your university shortlist.

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FAQs About Duolingo English Test Validity in 2025

Is Duolingo English Test accepted for January 2025 intake in Canada?

Yes, many Canadian colleges and universities accept Duolingo English Test scores for 2025, including the January intake. Always verify with the program’s official page.

What happens if my Duolingo score expires before the university decision?

The validity of Duolingo English Test in India is two years. If they expire before your admission or visa process ends, you’ll need to retake the test.

Can I take the Duolingo English Test from India for Australian universities?

Yes. You can take the Duolingo English Test in India for admissions to select Australian universities that accept Duolingo in 2025.

Do US universities accept Duolingo scores taken in 2023 for 2025 entry?

Not usually. Most US universities accepting Duolingo require valid scores at the time of application—within a two-year window.

How do I know if a Duolingo score meets course-specific requirements?

Check the program’s English proficiency section. Course-specific Duolingo requirements can vary—even within the same university.

Can Duolingo scores be verified by immigration authorities?

Some countries accept Duolingo for admissions but not for student visa applications. Confirm whether immigration bodies recognize it for your destination.

Is there a limit to how many times I can attempt the Duolingo test in 2025?

You can take the Duolingo test twice in 30 days. Plan accordingly if you're targeting a higher score for Fall 2025 admissions.

What is the earliest I can take Duolingo for Fall 2025 admissions?

Since Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years, you can take the test as early as mid-2023 and still apply for Fall 2025.

Do UK universities accept Duolingo for postgraduate programs in 2025?

Some do, especially for non-visa-sponsored courses. However, Duolingo is not always accepted for UK student visa purposes.

Can I combine two Duolingo test scores for different skills?

No. Duolingo does not allow combining scores from different attempts. You must submit a single, valid test score.

How long does Duolingo take to send scores to universities in 2025?

Scores are usually available within 48 hours and can be sent instantly to universities through your Duolingo dashboard.

Will expired Duolingo scores be saved in my account for future use?

Yes, expired Duolingo scores stay in your account, but you can’t use them for university applications after the two-year mark.

Can I take the Duolingo test on a tablet or mobile device in 2025?

No. As of now, Duolingo English Test can only be taken on a computer with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet connection.

What should I do if my Duolingo score report is rejected by a university?

Contact the admissions office to understand why it was rejected. Then check if your Duolingo English Test score met all technical and academic requirements.

Does Duolingo provide a physical certificate for visa or college submission?

No. Duolingo scores are shared digitally. Universities verify them directly via the Duolingo portal, and no printed certificate is issued.

Which universities accept Duolingo in 2025?

You can find the full list on Duolingo’s official website. Filter by country and intake to check current eligibility.

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!

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