Top Universities That Accept Duolingo English Test (DET) in 2027

Introduction: The Rise of Duolingo in Global Education

Just a few years ago, the Duolingo English Test (DET) was viewed as a niche alternative to industry giants like IELTS and TOEFL. Fast forward to 2027, and the DET has firmly established itself as a mainstream, universally recognized English proficiency metric. Driven by its affordability, speed, and the convenience of at-home testing, thousands of higher education institutions across the globe have integrated the DET into their admissions processes.

However, acceptance policies vary widely by country, institution, and even specific degree programs. If you are planning to study abroad in 2027 and want to use the DET to prove your English proficiency, you need to know exactly which top-tier universities will accept your scores. In this comprehensive guide, we outline the top universities across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia that accept the Duolingo English Test, along with their general score requirements.

1. Top Universities in the United States Accepting DET

The USA has been the earliest and most enthusiastic adopter of the Duolingo English Test. Today, the vast majority of American universities accept the DET for undergraduate and graduate admissions.

Ivy League and Elite Institutions

It surprises many students to learn that some of the most prestigious universities in the world accept the DET.

• Yale University: Accepts DET for undergraduate admissions. Highly competitive; a score of 120+ is generally expected.
• Columbia University: Accepted by various colleges within the university. Minimum score typically ranges from 120-135 depending on the program.
• University of Chicago: Accepts DET. A score of 120+ is strongly recommended.
• New York University (NYU): Fully accepts the DET as an alternative to TOEFL/IELTS. Expect to need a score of 125 or higher.

Major Public and State Universities

• Arizona State University (ASU): Very international-friendly. Generally requires a minimum DET score of 105 for undergrads.
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): Accepts DET, usually requiring scores between 115 and 125.
• Penn State University: Accepts DET with a typical minimum requirement of 120.

2. Top Universities in the United Kingdom Accepting DET

The UK has traditionally been an IELTS stronghold, but the landscape is shifting in 2027. Many UK universities now accept the DET, particularly for direct entry and pathway programs, though you must ensure it aligns with your specific Student Route Visa requirements.

Notable UK Institutions

• University of Bristol: Accepts DET for many programs. Score requirements range from 110 to 130 depending on the course.
• University of Glasgow: Accepts DET, typically requiring a score of 115 for standard undergraduate programs.
• University of Southampton: Generally accepts DET, looking for scores in the 115-120 range.
• Queen's University Belfast: Accepts DET, with minimum scores often starting at 105 for certain foundation/undergrad routes.

Important Note for the UK: Always check if the university requires you to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) like IELTS UKVI for your visa. If they can use their own assessment powers (Higher Education Institutions), they can accept DET, but this varies.

3. Top Universities in Canada Accepting DET

Canada remains one of the top destinations for international students. While IRCC (immigration) does not accept DET for the SDS (Student Direct Stream) visa process, many Canadian universities gladly accept it for the academic admission letter.

Notable Canadian Institutions

• University of Toronto (UofT): Usually requires a minimum score of 120 (with no subscore below 100) for undergraduate programs.
• McGill University: Accepts DET for many programs. Generally requires a score of 115-120, though education and management may require higher.
• University of Waterloo: Accepts DET, typically requiring a minimum score of 120 for admission to most faculties.
• Concordia University: A popular choice in Montreal, generally requiring a DET score of 115.

4. Top Universities in Australia Accepting DET

Australia has been more conservative regarding at-home testing compared to North America. While acceptance grew during the pandemic, it is crucial to verify current 2027 policies, as Australian visa requirements strictly regulate language testing.

Current Status in Australia

In 2027, fewer top-tier Group of Eight (Go8) universities in Australia accept the DET compared to the US or Canada. Most Australian universities strongly prefer IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. However, some pathway programs, private colleges, and specific master's programs may accept it on a case-by-case basis. Always check with the specific Australian university and the Department of Home Affairs before relying on the DET for an Australian Student Visa.

5. Comparing DET Scores to IELTS and TOEFL

If a university lists an IELTS requirement, how do you know what DET score to aim for? Here is a general equivalence table for 2027:

Duolingo (DET) Score	IELTS Band Equivalent	TOEFL iBT Equivalent
95 - 100	6.0	72 - 76
105 - 110	6.5	77 - 86
115 - 120	7.0	87 - 97
125 - 130	7.5	98 - 109
135 - 140	8.0	110 - 114

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will my visa be rejected if I use the Duolingo English Test?

For US (F1) and Canadian study permits (standard route), embassies generally accept the university's decision on language proficiency. If the university issued an acceptance letter based on DET, the embassy usually honors it. However, for the UK and Australia, visa officers have specific lists of approved tests, and DET may not suffice for the visa itself, even if the university accepted it.

Do Ivy League schools accept Duolingo?

Yes, several Ivy League institutions like Yale, Columbia, and Dartmouth accept the Duolingo English Test for undergraduate admissions, though the required scores are exceptionally high.

Is a score of 120 on Duolingo good?

Yes, a score of 120 is considered highly competitive. It is roughly equivalent to an IELTS 7.0 and will meet the minimum language requirements for the vast majority of universities worldwide.

Can I use Duolingo for Masters and PhD programs?

Yes, many graduate schools accept DET. However, graduate programs—especially those requiring Teaching Assistantships (TAs)—often have stricter language requirements than undergraduate programs. You may need a score of 125-135 for a graduate program.

Conclusion: The Duolingo English Test is a powerful, cost-effective tool for university admissions in 2027. By targeting universities that embrace this modern assessment, you can streamline your application process and focus on preparing for your study abroad journey.