Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Did you know that many UK universities have started accepting Duolingo? Kudos to all those Duolingo users who have been prepping their English proficiency on the app. For those who don't know, Duolingo is a free language learning platform preparing international students who want to study in English-speaking countries.
The Duolingo English Test is a standardized online English language proficiency test accepted by over 4,000 universities worldwide, including many in the UK. It's a convenient and affordable alternative to IELTS and TOEFL. So, let's look at the Duolingo accepted universities in UK.
The Duolingo English Test, or DET, is an online standardized English language proficiency test that is accepted by over 4,000 universities worldwide. It offers many advantages over other English language tests.
The Duolingo English Test is one of the most accessible and flexible English language tests available. It’s accessible to international students worldwide because you can take the test anywhere with an internet connection. It is a significant advantage for students who live in remote areas or who do not have access to a testing centre.
DET is also absolutely flexible. It can be taken at any time of day or night, and students can take the test simultaneously or in two parts. This flexibility hugely benefits students with busy schedules or who have difficulty concentrating for long periods.
The DET is also among the most cost-effective English language tests available. The test fee is only $49, significantly less than the fees for other English language tests such as the IELTS and TOEFL. This cost difference can be a significant factor for students on a budget.
Duolingo English Test is also a good value for money. It’s comprehensive and covers all four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The DET also gives students a detailed score report showing their strengths and weaknesses.
Another great advantage of the DET is that students receive their results quickly. DET scores are generally available within 48 hours of taking the test. This is much faster than other English language proficiency tests, which can take weeks or months to release scores. Its quick results are ideal for students who must submit their test scores to universities or visa applications quickly.
The Duolingo English Test is a comparatively new English language proficiency test that has quickly gained acceptance worldwide. As we already know, it is now accepted by over 4,000 universities and institutions in over 100 countries.
The DET is particularly popular in North America and Europe. In North America, it is accepted by many top universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and New York University. In Europe, the DET is accepted by many universities in the UK, Germany, France, and Spain.
The DET is also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world, including Asia and South America. In Asia, the DET is accepted by many universities in China, Japan, and South Korea. In South America, the DET is accepted by many universities in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
With its rapid growth and increasing popularity, DET is also widely accepted in the UK. More than 60 UK universities accept the DET, including many top universities, such as the University of Manchester, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow.
Some UK visa applications also accept it. For example, the DET is accepted for the Tier 4 student visa and the Tier 2 skilled worker visa in the UK. However, you must understand that not all UK universities and visa applications accept the DET. You must check with the specific university or visa office to see if they accept the DET before you take the test.
The University of Oxford is one of the world's most prestigious universities and the oldest in the English-speaking world. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various subjects.
The University of Oxford requires a DET score of 120 or higher for most undergraduate programs. However, some programs may have higher requirements. So, applicants should check with the specific program they are interested in to confirm the DET score requirements.
The application deadline for Oxford University varies based on the program. Usually, the deadline is October 15th of the year before admission. However, some programs may have earlier or later deadlines. You should check with the specific program you’re interested in to confirm the application deadline.
The University of Cambridge is known for its strong academic reputation and beautiful campus. It offers various undergraduate humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering undergraduate programs.
Cambridge requires a DET score of 130 for undergraduate admissions and 125 for graduate admissions. Some specific programs may have higher requirements.
The application deadline for Cambridge is October 15th of the year before admission. To apply for Cambridge, you must know each program's requirements and apply accordingly. For specific information, you can visit the university’s official website.
Imperial College London is a leading university of science, engineering, and medicine in the UK. It is well-known for its innovative research and its distinguished alumni network. Imperial offers various undergraduate science, engineering, medicine, and business undergraduate programs. In the QS World University Ranking 2024, ICL is ranked 6th globally.
Imperial College London requires a DET score of 120 for admissions in undergraduate programs and a DET score of 115 for postgraduate admissions. There may be some specific programs that require higher DET scores. You should check with the specific program to confirm the DET score requirements.
To apply to Imperial, you must submit an online application and provide all the necessary supporting documents, including your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The application deadline at ICL varies depending on the program but is typically in the fall or winter.
University College London, or UCL, is another leading university in London. It is known for its diverse student body and wide range of undergraduate programs, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine.
University College London requires a DET score of 120 for undergraduate admissions and 115 for graduate admissions. However, the requirements can be different for some specific programs or courses. So, check the specific DET requirement for each program.
For most programs at the University of Cambridge, the deadline is January 15th of the year before admission. However, some program courses may have earlier or later deadlines.
The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious universities, renowned for its research excellence and vibrant academic community. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including Arts and Humanities, Science and Engineering, Social Sciences, Business and Management, and Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences. Students benefit from a rich academic environment supported by leading faculty and state-of-the-art facilities.
Admission to the University of Glasgow is competitive, with high academic standards for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Undergraduate applicants are typically required to have strong A-level results or equivalent qualifications, while postgraduate applicants need a relevant undergraduate degree with a solid academic record. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency in English, with minimum scores required on tests such as IELTS (6.5 overall), TOEFL iBT (90 overall), or DET (115 overall). Specific programs may have higher score requirements, so applicants should verify with their chosen department.
Application deadlines at the University of Glasgow vary by program. The general deadline for undergraduate applications is January 15th, with an earlier deadline of October 15th for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry. Postgraduate program deadlines differ significantly, and prospective students should check the specific dates for their intended courses. The university's historic campus, with modern facilities and a supportive community, provides a stimulating academic and personal growth environment, fostering a diverse and inclusive student body.
Queen’s University Belfast, established in 1845, is a prestigious institution in Northern Ireland’s capital. As a member of the Russell Group, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, and Business. Renowned for its research excellence, the university provides students access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic community.
Admission to Queen’s University Belfast is competitive. Undergraduate applicants typically need strong A-level results or equivalent qualifications, while postgraduate applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree with a solid academic record. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as IELTS, with a minimum overall score of 6.5. Some programs may have higher requirements, so applicants should check specific course details.
Application deadlines vary by program. The general deadline for undergraduate applications is January 25th, with an earlier deadline of October 15th for Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science. Postgraduate deadlines differ by course, so prospective students should check specific dates. Queen’s University Belfast offers historic and modern facilities, providing students with a rich cultural and academic environment.
The University of Leeds is a leading public university in northern England. It is popular for its strong academic reputation and lively student life. Leeds offers numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
The University of Leeds accepts a DET score of 120 or higher for undergraduate programs. The required DET score varies for postgraduate programs.
Applications to the University of Leeds can be submitted online through the UCAS website. The deadline for undergraduate applications is usually January 15th, but the deadline for postgraduate applications varies depending on the program.
The University of Southampton is a public research university in Southampton, Hampshire, England. It is one of the top universities in the UK, ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by several major ranking organizations.
The University of Southampton requires a DET score of 115 for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. However, some specific programs might have higher DET requirements.
The application process for the University of Southampton varies depending on the program to which you are applying. However, most applications are made through the UCAS. The deadline for undergraduate applications is January 15th.
The University of Birmingham is another great public research university in Birmingham, England. It’s one of the largest universities in the United Kingdom, with over 33,000 students. The University of Birmingham is ranked 84th in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Birmingham University accepts a DET score of 120 or higher for undergraduate admissions. The required DET score for postgraduate admissions generally varies depending on the program.
You can apply for admission to the University of Birmingham through UCAS. The deadline is usually January 15th. On the other hand, the deadline for postgraduate applications varies based on the program.
The University of Bristol is a public research university in Bristol, England. It is one of the oldest universities in the UK and is known for its research in medicine, engineering, and the arts and humanities.
The University of Bristol requires a DET score 115 for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.
Applications to Bristol can be submitted online through the UCAS website. The deadline for undergraduate applications is January 15th, and the deadline for postgraduate applications varies by program.
Many UK universities now accept the Duolingo English Test for admissions. Below is a list of universities and their minimum accepted scores for 2025. Program-specific requirements may vary.
| University Name | Minimum Duolingo Score |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 115 |
| University College London (UCL) | 135 |
| University of Edinburgh | 125 |
| King's College London | 115 |
| University of Bristol | 110 |
| University of Glasgow | 105 |
| University of Birmingham | 105 |
| Cardiff University | 100 |
| Queen's University Belfast | 120-125 |
| University of Bath | 120 |
| University of Southampton | 120 |
| University of York | 105-130 |
| University of Sussex | 120 |
| University of Westminster | 100 |
| University of Portsmouth | 105 |
| University of East Anglia | 100-110 |
| Anglia Ruskin University | 100-110 |
| Loughborough University | 120 |
| University of Reading | 105-135 |
| University of Leeds | 90 |
| Bangor University | 90-120 |
| Cranfield University | 95-120 |
| York St John University | 95-105 |
| Sheffield Hallam University | 115 |
| University of Liverpool | Not specified |
| University of Derby | Not specified |
| University of Huddersfield | Not specified |
| University of Roehampton | Not specified |
| University of Lincoln | Not specified |
| University of Bolton | Not specified |
| University of Surrey | Not specified |
| University of Warwick | Not specified |
| University of Leicester | Not specified |
| University of Hertfordshire | 95 and above |
| Middlesex University | No particular requirement |
Note: Minimum score requirements may vary depending on the program or course. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the official university websites.
The DET is a computer-adaptive test that measures a student's English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It takes about 60 minutes to complete, and you can take it from anywhere with an internet connection.
Duolingo English Test is divided into two parts:
Several resources are available to help you prepare for the DET. The Duolingo website offers a dedicated DET preparation section with practice tests, tips, and strategies. You’ll also find several third-party DET preparation resources, such as books, online courses, and tutoring services.
Here are some tips and strategies for you to become successful on the DET:
As of October 2023, more than 68 UK universities accept the Duolingo English Test as proof of English language proficiency for international students.
Duolingo is accepted for the Tier 4 student visa and the Tier 2 skilled worker visa. However, it is not accepted for the Tier 1 Investor or Entrepreneur visas.
Several universities in Central London accept the Duolingo test, including Imperial College London, King's College London, University College London, Birkbeck, University of London, Queen Mary University of London, and City University of London.
115 score on the Duolingo test is considered the upper-intermediate level of English proficiency. It is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5. So, it’s a good score.
The lowest Duolingo English Test score is 10. It is considered to be a beginner level of English proficiency.
The number of Duolingo accepted universities in UK has increased significantly over time. It has become possible because of the convenience, affordability, and accuracy of DET. So, if you are an international student planning to study in the UK, DET can be an excellent option to prove your English proficiency to admission officials and visa officers.
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