Table of Contents
- Duolingo English Test registration process
- Making your Duolingo English Test purchase
- Preparing for the Duolingo English Test
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Duolingo English Test is a great way to prove your English proficiency. This test is an essential step to getting into an English-speaking university.
But why choose Duolingo over the competitors? And how do you register for the test?
We’re here to explain it all, starting with why you should consider the Duolingo English Test.
Firstly, it’s much more affordable than most of the other tests out there, costing just INR 3,800.
Compare this to INR 15,500 for the IELTS test or INR 14,700 for the PTE test, and it’s easy to see why people pick the Duolingo English Test.
But why is it so much cheaper?
It’s only taken online, so they don’t have any testing centres to pay for, and they can pass that saving onto you. The test also needs fewer people involved because it is automated and uses artificial intelligence.
There are some downsides to it, though. You can only use a Duolingo English Test to apply to universities, not for immigration.
For these, you would need to use the more expensive IELTS or PTE tests. And it’s important to check whether your institution accepts it before you book.
Is the duolingo english test accepted by universities?
Yes, the Duolingo English Test is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, especially for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. Many institutions across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe now recognise it as a valid proof of English proficiency.
However, acceptance is not universal. Some universities, courses, or departments may still prefer IELTS or PTE, so we always recommend checking your chosen university’s language requirements before booking your test. At Edvoy, we help you confirm acceptance so you don’t risk wasting time or money.
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Duolingo English Test registration process
The first thing to remember about the Duolingo English test is that there are no testing centres and no exam dates. So you can take it anywhere you like at any time you like. This makes it really flexible and easy to register as you don’t need to make any travel plans or book time off.
Here is the Duolingo English Test registration process, which is nice and simple:
- Go to the Duolingo English Test website - https://englishtest.duolingo.com/test_takers
- Click “PRACTICE FREE” or “Sign Up” to create your account. You’ll need to give your age at this point. You can also Sign Up with Google to make it quicker.
- 3. Now you need to select what you are interested in, choosing from (you can only pick one):
- Undergraduate university admissions
- Graduate admissions (MBA, PhD, etc)
- Middle or high school admissions
- Applying for a job or promotion
- None of the above
- They’ll then ask you how you heard about the Duolingo English Test with up to three options to choose from.
- After this, you’ll have signed up and can choose to take the practice test, which takes 15 minutes and can be taken as often as you want.
- You can also choose to skip this and go straight to purchasing your test. You only have 21 days from this point to take the test, so make sure you will be able to do this, otherwise, you’ll need to purchase it again.
- After you’ve paid you need to take a Pre-Test Survey before you’re able to take the test. This helps Duolingo to find out a little more about you.
- You’re now registered and ready to take the test whenever suits you!
Making your Duolingo English Test purchase
When you’re ready to pay for your test, the process is quite simple. Duolingo accepts all major credit cards and PayPal and charges $49, which comes to around INR 4,000.
The account you use to buy the test is the one that needs to take the test. It’s not possible to buy a test for someone else unless you use their own account to do so.
You can buy Duolingo English Test bundles, where you can get two tests at the same time for a discount price. This could be useful if you want to have two attempts at it.
Don’t forget you can take as many practice tests as you want before taking the actual test. So you might only need one attempt to get the score you need.
Duolingo limits how many tests you can buy to three tests in a 30-day period. A bundle would count as two of those three tests even though you bought them as a package. For a bundle, you have 21 days to take your first test and then 21 days from that date to take the second test.
If you fail to take your test within the 21-day period, Duolingo will cancel it without a refund. The only circumstances where you might get a refund would be if there was a technical problem with your test or results. If this happens you’d need to contact Duolingo’s support team for help.
Duolingo english test validity and retakes
Your Duolingo English Test score is valid for two years from the test date. After this period, universities will not accept the score, and you’ll need to retake the test if required.
You can take the Duolingo English Test up to three times within a 30-day period, which gives you flexibility if you want to improve your score. We recommend using practice tests before retaking it so you maximise your chances without unnecessary costs.
Also Read: Duolingo English Test and Results
Duolingo english test score requirements
Most universities set a minimum Duolingo English Test score between 95 and 120, depending on the country, course, and level of study. Competitive universities or courses like medicine, law, or postgraduate programmes may require higher scores.
Your required score can also vary based on whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Because requirements differ widely, we guide you at Edvoy to check exact score expectations for each university before you apply.
Note: Always verify score requirements with the university, as they can change yearly.
Countries where duolingo acceptance is strongest
The Duolingo English Test is most widely accepted in:
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Parts of Europe
Acceptance may vary by university and course, even within the same country. That’s why we help you shortlist universities where your Duolingo score meets the language requirements before you apply.
Who should choose duolingo vs IELTS or PTE?
Choosing the right English test depends on your study goals, budget, and timelines.
Choose the Duolingo English Test if:
- You want a cheaper option
- You prefer taking the test from home
- You are applying only to universities
- You need fast results
Choose IELTS or PTE if:
- You need English proof for immigration or visas
- Your university does not accept Duolingo
- You prefer a test centre environment
We help you compare your options at Edvoy so you can choose the test that actually supports your study abroad plans.
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test
Once you have registered and paid for your test, it’s up to you to prepare for it. This includes thinking about when you will take it, so you need to have the time available when you won’t be disturbed or distracted. You’ll also need a test environment that is comfortable and quiet to help you focus.
Another part of preparing is to make sure you’ve got everything you need to take the test. This includes a computer with a camera, microphone, speakers and a reliable internet connection. Make sure your computer will be either plugged-in or have enough charge for the hour-long test. It’s important to note that you can’t wear headphones to take the test as your ears need to be clearly visible.
When you start the test you will be asked for your Government-issued ID. Make sure it hasn’t expired. You won’t be able to write anything during the test, so put away any pens and papers on your desk. The same goes for any mobile devices.
The only other preparation you need at this point is to ensure you have had a good night’s sleep beforehand. The advantage of the Duolingo English Test is that you can take it at whatever time of day you like. And of course, go to the bathroom before you press start!
Now you have completed your Duolingo English Test registration and preparation and are ready to take it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where can you take the Duolingo English Test?
Because the test is entirely completed online, you can take it anywhere. Unlike other tests, there are no testing centres that you need to attend. Make sure it is somewhere that you can concentrate and hear the questions. You also need to be able to hear clearly when you are completing the speaking part of the test. So, a public place is not advisable.
What is the best way to practice for the Duolingo English Test?
The official practice test on the Duolingo English Test website is an excellent way to prepare for the real test. It will ask you the same types of questions to help you get used to answering them and feel more confident about what will happen in the test itself. It is a good idea to read, write, speak and listen to as much English as possible in the build-up to taking the test. This can be as simple as watching or listening to English-language movies or music. You could also write English shopping lists or read news or blogs in English.
Can you use the Duolingo English Test for a student visa?
No, the Duolingo English Test cannot be used for immigration or visa applications. It is accepted only for university admissions, which is why you may still need IELTS or PTE for visa purposes. We help you understand both requirements so there are no surprises later.
How fast do Duolingo English Test results come?
You usually receive your results within 48 hours of completing the test. This makes Duolingo one of the fastest English proficiency tests available, especially if you’re working with tight application deadlines.
Is the Duolingo English Test easier than IELTS?
The Duolingo English Test is shorter and more flexible, but it is not necessarily easier. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking in adaptive formats, so difficulty adjusts based on your performance. Preparation is still essential if you want a strong score.
What happens if your Duolingo test is invalidated?
If Duolingo detects rule violations, your test may be invalidated and you won’t receive a score. This usually happens due to background noise, leaving the screen, or using unauthorised materials. Following the test rules carefully reduces this risk.
