Guides
Is the Duolingo English Test actually enough now?
A few years ago, DET was a convenient but limited alternative. That's changed fast, acceptance is now near-universal at the undergraduate level. But "widely accepted" and "sufficient for your specific program" aren't the same claim, and graduate admissions haven't caught up to undergraduate acceptance yet.
How widely it's actually accepted now
Near-universal undergrad, still catching up at grad level
The majority of top-ranked undergraduate programs, including every Ivy League school, now accept DET directly. Graduate admissions tell a different story, acceptance sits closer to three in four programs with significant international enrollment, not the near-total coverage undergrad has reached. If you're applying to a graduate program specifically, confirm DET acceptance for that program directly, don't assume undergrad-level acceptance carries over.
What score actually matters
The score bar shifts a lot by university tier
A DET score in the 90 to 105 range typically covers foundation programs and community colleges. 100 to 110 generally works for mid-tier universities. 115 to 125 positions you for well-ranked research universities. Above 125 is what competitive graduate programs and the most selective undergraduate programs tend to expect. Each university sets its own threshold independently, there's no single national minimum, so a score that clears one school's bar can fall short at another.
FAQ
Is DET as respected as IELTS or TOEFL?+
It's now recognized on par with them at most universities, though a handful of schools still only accept it as a supplement rather than a full substitute. Check your specific program's policy.
Will DET work for my student visa, not just admission?+
In the US, DET isn't an official government requirement, if your school accepts it for admission, it typically supports your visa application too, but the interview itself is still what matters most for the visa decision.
Is DET accepted for graduate programs the same way as undergrad?+
Not quite as universally. Roughly three in four graduate programs with significant international enrollment accept it, a real majority but not the near-total acceptance undergrad programs have reached.
How much does the score requirement vary between schools?+
Significantly, a foundation program might accept 90, while a highly selective graduate program might expect 125 or higher. Always check the specific number your target program publishes.