Duolingo English Test: Expanding Your Options for UK Study

The UK offers a world-renowned education system for Indian students. Many students take the Duolingo English Test (DET) to prove their English language proficiency. Many universities in the UK accept scores of DET test.

The UK continues to stand out as a premier destination for international education for aspiring Indian students. It is home to some of the leading universities offering a wide variety of programmes ranging from engineering, science, art and design, to business and management, law and finance. The UK’s reputation and legacy as a world centre for scientific research also make it a magnet for some of the very best thinkers in the world. There are multiple universities in UK which accept scores of the Duolingo English Test. The DET has emerged as a viable alternative, offering a more accessible and affordable way to demonstrate English language proficiency.

The UK education system also gives students the freedom to combine courses and subjects from different areas of studies, to tailor their degrees with their own needs and interests. Notably, the UK Home Office statistics reveal that there were 110,006 sponsored study visa grants to main applicants who were Indian nationals in the year ending June 2024 (25 per cent of the total). Studying in UK offers a world-renowned education system with qualifications that can make a real difference to one’s future.

Why Consider Duolingo English Test?

Indian students aspiring to study abroad often encounter challenges with English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL due to high costs and logistical hurdles.

1. Cost Concerns: Registration fees for traditional tests like IELTS and TOEFL typically range from INR 15,500 to ₹18,000, which can be burdensome for lower-income students, especially when considering additional expenses like tuition and living costs abroad.
2. Logistical Challenges: These tests are typically offered in major cities, forcing students from rural areas to travel long distances, incurring extra costs for travel and accommodation. Limited testing slots can further complicate the situation, leading to longer wait times and additional travel requirements.
3. Preparation Needs: Students from non-English medium backgrounds often require extra coaching to meet the proficiency levels needed for IELTS and TOEFL, increasing both time and financial investment.

However, The Duolingo English Test (DET) is transforming the landscape of English language proficiency assessments by providing a more accessible and cost-effective alternative that is increasingly recognized by top universities in the UK, including 200+  programs at leading institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London.

Why Choose the DET?

• Convenience: Take the test from home anytime, anywhere, with a computer and internet connection.
• Quick Results: Get your scores within 48 hours.
• Affordability: At just INR 5000, the DET is much more affordable than traditional tests.
• Short Duration: The test lasts approximately one hour, making it a time-efficient choice.

Additionally, you can send your score to unlimited universities at no additional costs giving you the chance to explore as many options as you want!

Universities in the UK Accepting the Duolingo English Test

The DET is accepted by 206 programs across the UK across universities such as:

• University of York
• University of Aberdeen
• Buckinghamshire New University
• University of the West of England
• University of Exeter
• University of Leicester
• Bath Spa University
• Devon County Council
• Bangor University
• Northumbria University
• York St John University
• Hult International Business School Inc
• Anglia Ruskin University
• Farnborough College of Technology
• Hertfordshire International College
• Northern College of Acupuncture

These universities represent just a fraction of the options available. To explore more, check the complete list of UK institutions that recognize the DET and broaden your search for a perfect academic fit. This needs to be coloured and explained better. Check out the list of Duolingo-accepting universities in the UK 

Why Choose the UK for Higher Education?

Here are some reasons to study in UK for Indian students:

1. World-Renowned Universities: 28 UK universities are in the QS World University Rankings 2025’s top 200, including Cambridge College, and Imperial College London.
2. Shorter Program Duration: Most undergraduate degrees in the UK are completed in three years, compared to the four-year duration in many other countries, saving time and money.
3. Work Opportunities: Students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, providing financial support and industry experience.
4. Post-Study Work Visa: The post-study work visa/permit in the UK (PSW UK) allows international students to stay back to search for work or work on full-time opportunities in the UK for a period of two years after completing their graduate studies. For PhD or doctoral students, this period may extend for 3 years.

While education in the UK is highly regarded, it’s important to consider the costs:

• Tuition Fees: Range from £11,400 to £38,000 per year.
• Cost of Living: Expect to spend between £8,600 and £15,000 per year, depending on your location.

About the Author

The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam. The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results