In today's globalised world, learning a new language is becoming increasingly crucial, especially if you want to pursue higher education abroad. Due to the fact that studying in the UK is becoming more and more popular every day, many international students are eager to improve their English language skills before starting their academic journey.

As a result, the language-learning platform Duolingo has recently gained a lot of recognition, and there are now many UK universities that accept Duolingo tests instead of the IELTS and TOEFL.

We'll examine the world of UK universities that accept Duolingo in this blog post. We will discuss the DET's objectives and how it differs from other assessments of language proficiency and study techniques. Additionally, we will offer a comprehensive list of UK universities that accept the DET as evidence of English proficiency, along with their requirements and average scores.

This post will provide you with useful information about language testing and the growing use of Duolingo in British universities, whether you're an international student considering pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom or simply want to improve your English language proficiency. So let's get started.

The Duolingo English Test is what?

The Duolingo English Test is a tool for determining a non-native English speaker's level of proficiency in the English language. There are numerous universities in the UK, US, Canada, and other nations that accept students from abroad who are interested in studying there.

In Duolingo's computer-based assessment, the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are all measured.

The advantages of a Duolingo test

International students who wish to pursue their studies in English-speaking nations have shown a preference for the Duolingo English Test (DET) over more conventional tests of language proficiency. The following are just a few of the benefits of taking the Duolingo test:

Widely accepted: Academic institutions of higher learning all over the world, including the UK, are gradually opening up to the Duolingo test. When applying to universities that accept it, students can use the test as proof of their English proficiency.

Convenience: One of the best things about the Duolingo exam is how simple it is. Students can take the test at home rather than in a testing facility by finding UK universities that accept Duolingo. They only require a computer, a webcam, and internet. Students may benefit from this since they will save money on transportation costs and can take the exam whenever it is most convenient for them.

Cost: The Duolingo test's affordability is yet another benefit. The test costs $49, which is considerably less than the fees for language proficiency tests like the TOEFL and IELTS.

Testing that is adaptive: The Duolingo exam's questions are adaptive, which means that their level of difficulty changes in response to the student's performance. As a result, questions that are either too easy or too difficult do not discourage or demotivate students.

Results quickly: Within 48 hours of taking the Duolingo test, you can view your results. Since they are not required to wait several weeks for their test results, this is very beneficial for students who must submit their test results for the purpose of their application.

Conditions for a Duolingo Test

Students are expected to have at least a basic command of the English language because of the test's format. A series of questions will be used to assess your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills as well as your reading comprehension. The Duolingo English Test (DET) has some requirements in order to be taken at UK universities that accept Duolingo.

The following are the most significant ones:

Valid identification: Before the exam, students must present government-issued identification with a photo, such as a passport or a driver's licence.

Students taking the DET must do so from a computer with a webcam, a microphone, and an active internet connection. The exam is taken online, and students' webcams and microphones are used to record the test session and verify their identities.

Technical requirements: Students must have access to a computer with a current web browser and operating system in order to take the exam. Information on which web browsers and operating systems are allowed can be found on the DET website.

Exam location: Exams should be taken in a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free setting. They are not permitted to enter the testing room alone, and they are not allowed to leave it at any time.

Payment: Each student must pay $49 to take the exam. Payments can be made using a debit or credit card.

Generally speaking, you won't need to spend much time preparing for the Duolingo English Test. Students only need a government-issued photo ID, access to the internet, and a quiet place to take the exam.

United Kingdom Universities that Accept Duolingo

The Duolingo English Test is accepted as documentation of English language proficiency by a number of universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. The following institutions' required minimum Duolingo English Test scores for enrolment are listed below.

University Name & Minimum Score

  • Bangor University & 85
  • University of East Anglia & 115
  • University of Bristol & 110
  • Queen’s University Belfast & 95
  • University of Southampton & 120
  • Middlesex University & 75
  • University of Lincoln & 100
  • University of Portsmouth & 105
  • University of Glasgow & 105
  • University College London & 135
  • University of Surrey & 120

Duolingo's English test's scoring methodology

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has a score range of 10 to 160. On a scale from 5 to 160, the reading, writing, speaking, and listening portions of the exam are each given a separate score. A final score is given after the scores for each section have been computed.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a standard for proficiency in languages that is widely accepted, served as the foundation for the scoring system for the DET. The CEFR consists of a total of six levels, starting with A1 (beginner) and moving up to C2 (proficient).

The DET scoring system operates as follows:

Each section of the reading and writing tests is graded on a scale of 5 to 160. Your grade is determined by how correctly you respond.

Speaking: The speaking portion is graded on a scale of 5 to 160. The accuracy, fluency, and clarity of the student's speech are taken into consideration as certified human graders record and evaluate their responses.

Listening: A scale from 5 to 160 is used to grade the listening portion of the exam. Points are given for accuracy on multiple-choice questions based on audio recordings.

To calculate the overall score, the scores from each section are added together and rounded up to the nearest whole number. If a student, for example, received scores of 130 in reading, 140 in writing, 140 in speaking, and 150 in listening, their overall score would be 560. 560/4 = 140 would be the result when rounded up.

English Test Pattern for Duolingo

You can finish the Duolingo English Test in a single sitting. A total of 60 minutes are spent on the adaptive test and video interview. 45 minutes in the first half, 10 in the second. The test's guidelines, expectations, and format are explained to candidates during the first five minutes of the test.

How to Present a Passport for the Duolingo Test

You must follow a few steps before applying to universities in UK that accept Duolingo. Your passport may be required as an additional form of identification for the Duolingo language test. First, confirm that you have a valid passport that has not expired.

As soon as you've logged in and started the exam, just follow the directions. You must submit an ID photo along with your photo in order to prove your identity. When prompted, take a good photo of your passport. Maintain your passport's front cover and photo page facing the camera to ensure they are photographed.

Make sure the accompanying text and photo are both legible. After sending the passport photo, wait for verification.

Taking the Duolingo English Test registration

  • It's easy to register for an English exam on Duolingo. Those who wish to take the DET exam in order to apply to UK universities that accept Duolingo may do so by going to the test's official registration page.
  • To register for the Duolingo English test, simply follow the instructions below and take the exam no later than 90 days after purchasing.
  • You can create an account on the Duolingo English test website by providing your name, email address, and password. Pick the "next" option to move on.
  • After this page, you'll be asked, "What are you interested in?" And depending on what you want to do, you have to make the best choice.
  • Making your choice, click the Create Account button.
  • After creation, purchase the test and finish the payment.

Final Reflections

Finally, a number of UK universities that accept Duolingo accept their English test as evidence of English proficiency. This gives international students desiring to enrol in a UK university another way to demonstrate their command of the language. Numerous universities that accept Duolingo are available to international students. Opportunities for students are anticipated to increase as more UK universities start to accept Duolingo as a valid method of evaluating English language proficiency.