Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK

Do you want to study in UK without IELTS? If yes, then Duolingo will be the most convenient test for you. The UK is the most popular education hub for international students. Every year a huge number of students visit the UK for study purposes. The UK’s mother tongue is English and the education they provide is fully in English. So, UK universities require English proficiency certificates with a minimum grade for students who are not native English speakers. 

And when you hear about English language proficiency, IELTS comes first in your mind. Right? 

However, many UK universities now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an alternative to traditional language tests like IELTS and TOEFL. The minimum Duolingo score requirement for a UK student visa is 95-100, which is equivalent to the IELTS score of an overall 5.5.

This is due to the growing acceptance of the DET for proving language skills. So, before knowing about the Duolingo accepted universities in the UK, first we should discuss what it is.

What is Duolingo?​

Duolingo is a modern and top-chosen English proficiency test for international students. This test measures the efficiency level of a student’s English language skills. DET evaluates an applicant’s language skills in four criteria- reading, writing, listening and speaking. This course has never been so popular before. But due to the vast revolution in using the internet, it’s popularity has been at its peak as in the last few years. This test is taken online. So, anyone can take this test if he has a camera, microphone, speaker and a stable internet connection.

What are the Benefits of the Duolingo English Test?​

Previously, we discussed the Duolingo English test, and now we will discuss the benefits of this test so that you can determine why you should take this test instead of IELTS. 

• Convenient

Duolingo is more convenient than any other English language test. If you have a stable internet connection, you can take this test from anywhere, anytime. You don’t have to travel to the examination centre. 

• Fast Duration

Unlike other English language tests, Duolingo takes a very short time to complete. You can finish this test within 1 hour and you will get the result within 48 hours. 

• Acceptability

Duolingo is one of the most popular English language tests now-a-days. Around 4000 institutions now accept this test.

• Affordable

Most of the English language tests cost over $200 but in the case of Duolingo it costs only $49 which is more affordable than any other English test. 

• Simplicity

Unlike other English language test It is very simple and easy to solve. The questions of this test are prepared in a way so that you can score higher than the other tests. 

• Adaptability

This test is very much adaptive. You will get 60 minutes and a series of questions to prove your English language proficiency.

• Motivating

The set-up of this test is like a game. You will get a reminder by mail to complete the lessons and the trumpets will sound if you reach your daily goal.

What are the Requirements of a Duolingo Test?​

Duolingo is an online English-language test. You must need to have some things to sit for the exam. Such as-

• Your valid passport, Driving license or government ID
• A quiet room
• Well lighten room
• 1 hour free time
• A computer/laptop
• Stable internet connection

Duolingo English language test pattern​

This English test pattern is designed using AI to maintain the clarity of this test. The duration of this test is only one hour and the test taker is assessed by analytical thinking and versatility. Here we are giving the pattern of this modern English proficiency test.

Scoring system of Duolingo English test​

Previously we’ve discussed the DET pattern and benefits of this test. So, now you may think about the scoring system of this test. The score of this test is reported on a scale 10-160. Here we are giving the scoring system of this test.

 If you want to take admission to UK universities you will have to score 105-120 in the Duolingo English language test. 

IELTS vs Duolingo English language test​

IELTS is an international English language proficiency test. This test is well-known and certified world-wide. And maximum universities provide the IELTS requirement on their website though some universities also include DET scores. So, to help you out here we are giving a comparison between IELTS and Duolingo English test.

6 Best Duolingo accepted universities in the UK​

After having a complete overview about DET now you may wonder whether it is accepted in the UK or not. So, here is great news for you that the UK accepts this modern English language test. So, here we are giving you the names of some Duolingo-accepted universities in the UK so that you can apply to the university in September 2025 intake.

Glasgow Caledonian University

Glasgow Caledonian is one of the reputed universities in the UK. The university is ranked 40th according to the Guardian University ranking table 2024 in the UK. It is a vibrant, multi-award-winning and innovative university. It provides award-winning international student support.

University of Lincoln

As an international student, you can choose the University of Lincoln. They are accepting the DET as an English language requirement. For the teaching quality, the University of Lincoln is rated TEF Gold. The DET requirements of this university for the September 2025 intake is 115 overall, no subscore below 100

Aston University

Aston is one of the top ranked universities in the UK. The University is ranked 25th as per the Guardian University ranking league table 2024 in the UK. For undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Aston, a student may need to secure 100/110 with a minimum of 85 in each subscore.

University of Strathclyde

The UK is a centre of top ranked universities in the world and the University of Strathclyde is one of them. You can apply to this university with DET as the university is ranked 16th as per the Guardian University ranking 2024 all over the UK.

University of East Anglia

The University of East Anglia is ranked 251-300th as per the Times Higher Education ranking 2025. This university accepts Duolingo but the university doesn’t take applications from Bangladeshi students. So, if you are not from Bangladesh but still want to apply to DET, you can apply to this university. It is a research-intensive university and is recognized for the quality of its research. Besides, this university did strong research on issues like cancer, dementia, and climate problems.

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol, a top school known for quality education and research, allows students to use Duolingo scores for many of its courses. The university’s lively campus and welcoming atmosphere attract students from all over the world. The Duolingo score requirement of the University of Bristol is 110.

How to Prepare for a Duolingo English Test (DET)?​

Studying for the Duolingo English Test (DET) is different from preparing for traditional language tests and needs a unique approach. Here are some simple tips to help you get ready:

• Learn the test format: The DET includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening questions. Make sure you understand how the test is set up before you start.
• Practice often: Regular practice is key. Duolingo offers practice tests, and using other online resources will also help you improve.
• Improve your typing speed: Since the test is online, good typing speed will save time and make answering questions less stressful.
• Take practice tests: Mock tests will help you get used to the format and the time limits of the real test.
• Focus on weak areas: Find the areas where you struggle, like grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation, and spend extra time improving those.

Best Alternatives to the Duolingo English Test in UK​

Need options besides Duolingo? No worries! There are several other English tests to consider, and most universities that accept Duolingo also accept these. Here are some best alternatives to the Duolingo English Test in UK. 

• IELTS
• TOEFL – Minimum score: 90
• PTE – Minimum score: 50-60
• Cambridge English Test – Minimum score: 200

Final Words​

DET is now a modern and popular English language test. Around 4000 institutions accept this test as an English language proficiency requirement. There are many Duolingo accepted universities in the UK. So, if you want to study in UK for the September 2025 intake with DET, you can contact AIMS Education for better guidance.

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