Duolingo English Test Score Requirements by University and Country (2026)
If you are considering the Duolingo English Test as your pathway to studying abroad, the first question you probably have is: what score do I actually need? The answer depends on where you want to study, which university you are targeting, and what level of program you are applying for.
Unlike IELTS or PTE, which have been around for decades with well-established score expectations, the Duolingo English Test is still relatively new -- and that means acceptance policies vary significantly from one institution to another. This guide from Study Abroad from Nepal breaks down exactly what Duolingo scores universities require in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia.
Critical point: Duolingo acceptance policies change frequently. A university that accepted Duolingo last year might not accept it this year, and vice versa. Always confirm directly with your target institution before registering for the test. If you are still deciding which test to take, start with our test comparison guide.
Understanding the Duolingo Scoring System
The Duolingo English Test uses a score range of 10 to 160, reported in 5-point increments. The test is adaptive, meaning questions become harder or easier based on your performance. Beyond the overall score, Duolingo reports four subscores: Literacy (reading and writing), Comprehension (reading and listening), Conversation (listening and speaking), and Production (writing and speaking).
Each subscore is reported on the same 10-160 scale. Some universities look only at the overall score, but a growing number now require minimum subscores in addition to the total. For example, a university might require an overall score of 115 but also require that no individual subscore falls below 100. This is an important detail that many students overlook -- meeting the overall requirement does not guarantee admission if one subscore falls short.
Below Minimum
< 100
Entry Level
100-105
Standard
105-120
Competitive
120+
Duolingo to IELTS Score Equivalence
Duolingo 105-115 equals IELTS 6.5, the most common target for Nepali students applying to mid-tier universities for postgraduate study.
| Duolingo Score | IELTS Equivalent | Typical Acceptance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 100-105 | 6.0 | Community colleges, some state universities |
| 105-115 | 6.5 | Most mid-tier universities, standard UG and PG programs |
| 115-120 | 7.0 | Competitive programs, selective universities |
| 120+ | 7.5+ | Top-tier programs, highly ranked institutions |
* Approximate conversions. Some universities set their own conversion scales.
Country-by-Country Duolingo Acceptance (2026)
The USA accepts Duolingo most widely (5,000+ programs); Canada has growing acceptance; the UK and Australia have critical visa-stage limitations for Nepali students.
United States
Widely AcceptedOver 5,000 programs accept Duolingo across the full range -- from community colleges requiring 100-105 to Ivy League universities asking for 120-130+. The USA is where Duolingo has the strongest foothold. Some highly selective programs still prefer IELTS or TOEFL.
USA study guideCanada
Growing AcceptanceMany Canadian universities now accept Duolingo, particularly for undergraduate programs. However, IRCC immigration programs primarily reference IELTS or CELPIP for points calculations. If you plan to apply for permanent residency, you may need IELTS later regardless.
Canada study guideUnited Kingdom
Critical Visa WarningSome UK universities accept Duolingo for admission. However, Duolingo is NOT approved as a SELT by UKVI. You cannot use it for your Student Route visa English requirement unless your university vouches for your level. Many students end up needing IELTS for UKVI separately.
Our recommendation for UK-bound students: Plan on taking IELTS for UKVI unless you have confirmed with both your university and an immigration advisor that Duolingo alone will suffice.
Australia
Limited AcceptanceThe Department of Home Affairs does not list Duolingo among accepted tests for subclass 500 visa applications. Some universities accept it for admission or pathway programs, but visa challenges remain. We strongly recommend PTE Academic or IELTS for Australia.
Australia study guideWhen Duolingo Makes Sense -- and When It Does Not
Duolingo is ideal for budget-conscious Nepali students targeting US universities at $59 with 48-hour results; it is not suitable for UK visa applications or Australian student visas.
Good choice if:
- Targeting US universities where Duolingo is widely accepted
- You want a faster, more affordable test ($59, results in 48h)
- You prefer testing from home with no center visit
- Targeting Canadian universities that explicitly accept Duolingo
Not the right choice if:
- Targeting UK and need a SELT-approved score for your visa
- Targeting Australia where visa requirements demand IELTS or PTE
- Your university has not explicitly confirmed Duolingo acceptance
- You need a universally recognized score for immigration purposes
University-Specific Duolingo Score Requirements
Score requirements vary significantly even within the same country. Below are specific Duolingo requirements at universities popular with Nepali students. These were current at the time of writing but should always be verified directly with the institution.
| University | Country | UG Score | PG Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | USA | 125+ | 125+ | Some programs set higher minimums |
| Northeastern University | USA | 115 | 115 | Popular with Nepali students |
| Arizona State University | USA | 100 | 105 | Conditional admission at lower scores |
| University of Toronto | Canada | 120 | 120 | Minimum subscore 105 |
| University of Alberta | Canada | 115 | 115 | Accepted for most programs |
| Conestoga College | Canada | 105 | 110 | College diploma programs |
| University of Bristol | UK | 110-125 | 110-125 | For admission only; IELTS UKVI needed for visa |
* These requirements reflect published policies at the time of writing. Always confirm with the university directly before registering for the test.
What If Your Duolingo Score Is Too Low?
If your Duolingo score does not meet your target university's requirement, you have several options. Do not panic -- this is a common situation, and there are clear paths forward.
Option 1: Retake the Duolingo Test
You can retake the Duolingo English Test every 48 hours, and at just $59 per attempt, it is the most affordable test to retake. Use the detailed score report from your first attempt to identify which subscores need improvement. Many students improve by 5-10 points on their second attempt with targeted practice on weak areas.
Option 2: Try a Different English Test
Some students perform better on IELTS or PTE than on Duolingo due to the different test formats. If you scored below your target on Duolingo, consider whether the adaptive format might not suit your strengths. IELTS offers a face-to-face speaking component that some students prefer, while PTE's AI scoring may produce different results. Take a practice test for IELTS or PTE before committing.
Option 3: Apply to Universities with Lower Requirements
Not every university requires 120+. Many quality institutions accept Duolingo scores of 100-110. Community colleges in the USA and colleges in Canada often have lower thresholds while still offering strong programs and pathways to further study.
Option 4: Conditional Admission and Pathway Programs
Some universities offer conditional admission to students whose English scores fall slightly below the minimum. You complete an English pathway program upon arrival (typically 4-16 weeks), and once you pass, you enter your degree program. This adds time and cost but keeps your study abroad plans on track.
At Study Abroad from Nepal, we help students evaluate all of these options based on their specific situation. If your Duolingo score is not where you need it to be, book a free session and we will help you decide the best path forward -- whether that is retaking Duolingo, switching tests, or adjusting your university list.
Always Verify Duolingo Acceptance
Acceptance policies change between admissions cycles. Check your university's official admissions page, email the admissions office for written confirmation, keep a copy of any confirmation, and check whether minimum subscores are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
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