- What Is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online, adaptive English proficiency exam designed to assess Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Launched in 2016, it’s accepted by over 5,500+ institutions worldwide, including universities like Harvard, MIT, Imperial College, and McGill
Its rise during the pandemic—thanks to its convenience and affordability—has led to sustained acceptance by universities even post‑COVID
- Test Types & Format
Unlike tests with multiple versions, the DET offers a single, standardized adaptive test, suitable for academic or immigration use. Overview of its structure:
- Intro & Tech Check (5–10 min): System setup, identity, and room check
- Adaptive Section (45 min): Interactive tasks such as fill‑in‑blanks, read‑aloud, listen‑type, photos, essays, and speaking prompts
- Sample Speaking & Writing (10 min): Ungraded sections shown to institutions
Total Duration: ≈ 60 minutes
Scoring Range: 10–160 (in 5‑point increments), valid for 2 years .
- Fees & Cost‑Saving Options
DET is far more affordable than TOEFL or IELTS:
- Standard Test Fee: $65 USD worldwide
- Two‑Test Bundle: $98 USD (≈ $49 each)
- Rush Results: +$40 for 12‑hour turnaround
- Fee Waivers: Available via partnering schools/nonprofits—about 10,000 recipients annually
- Unlimited Score Reports: Free to all institutions globally (duolingoguides.com)
- Global Acceptance & Minimum Scores
The DET is widely recognized across top-tier universities worldwide:
- USA: Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, Cornell, UC Berkeley
- UK: Imperial College, UCL, University of Bristol
- Canada: University of Toronto, McGill, UBC
- Australia: ANU, UNSW, Adelaide DET is also accepted for some student visas (e.g., Ireland) (unicreds.com).
- Advantages Over Traditional Tests
- Fully online, 24/7 availability—no test centers needed
- Quick results within 48 hours
- Cost-effective, with bundles and no extra score-sending fees
- Adaptive format ensures personalized difficulty and efficient assessment
- Preparation Tips
To perform best:
- Visit the official DET site for practice tests and setup guide
- Simulate 60‑minute timed tests, including tech checks
- Work on typing speed since it’s part of the platform
- Practice adaptive-style prompts, e.g., read‑write/listen‑speak combos
- Eligibility: Anyone non-native English speaker aiming for international study or work
- System Requirements: Desktop/laptop with webcam, mic, stable internet, latest Chrome/Firefox/Safari
- Retake Policy: Up to 3 attempts within 30 days
- DET vs TOEFL/IELTS at a Glance
| Feature | Duolingo | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Cost | $65 | $185+ | $240+ |
| Test Duration | ~60 min | ~3 hrs | ~2 hrs 45m |
| Result Time | ≤48 hrs | 4–10 days | 5–7 days |
| Format | Adaptive & online | Fixed slots | Fixed slots |
| Score Reports | Unlimited | Fee-based | Fee-based |
| Accepted Institutions | 5,500+ | 11,000+ | 12,000+ |
- Visit the official DET website
- Create an online account
- Select single test or bundle
- Pay ($65/$98) via card or PayPal
- Choose test time within 21 days of purchase
- Complete tech check, test sections, and sample responses 10. Final Thoughts
The Duolingo English Test offers a fast, fair, and affordable path to proving English proficiency — perfect for Pakistani and other international students aiming to study abroad. With the DET, you get:
- Modern, adaptive online format
- Global acceptance by top universities
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Swift results for faster application
To learn more or register, start at the official Duolingo English Test site.