List of Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK

If you’re dreaming of studying in the UK but don’t want to take the IELTS or TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test (DET) might be your golden ticket. Affordable, accessible from home, and gaining popularity worldwide, Duolingo is now accepted by several prestigious universities across the UK.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything—from top universities accepting Duolingo for 2025 intakes to visa requirements and exam tips. Let’s get started!

Top 5 Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK (DET) for Masters 2025

As postgraduate admissions become more flexible, many UK universities now accept the Duolingo English Test for Master's programs. Here's a handpicked list of the most notable ones:

1. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

LSE has started considering DET scores for certain postgraduate programs. Known for its academic rigor, LSE usually looks for a Duolingo score above 120.

2. University of Southampton

A top research university, Southampton welcomes international students with a Duolingo minimum requirement of 115-120 for most Master's degrees.

3. University of Bath

The University of Bath—famous for engineering and management—is open to DET submissions. Competitive courses may require scores above 120.

4. Sheffield Hallam University

A student-friendly institution with practical programs, Sheffield Hallam usually requires a Duolingo score of 100-120, depending on the course.

5. University of Reading

Accepting Duolingo for many postgraduate programs, Reading also offers pre-sessional English courses if your score is just below their threshold.

Top 10 Duolingo Accepted Universities in UK for Undergraduate Programs

More undergraduate applicants are turning to DET due to its convenience and low cost. Here are the Top 10 UK Universities accepting Duolingo for Bachelor's degrees in 2025:

VISA ACCEPTANCE in the UK with DET

One of the most common questions students ask is:
“Is Duolingo enough for a UK Student Visa?”

Here's the honest truth:

The UK government does not officially recognize Duolingo English Test for visa purposes. However, here's the loophole:

If your university accepts Duolingo, and they issue you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter, you can still apply for a UK student visa successfully.

Important Notes:

• Ensure your course is at degree level or above.

• CAS letter is a must-have to apply for a visa.

• If your DET score leads to conditional admission, consider taking a pre-sessional English course to qualify.

Top 10 Universities that Accept Duolingo English Test for All Programs

Several UK universities are fully onboard with Duolingo across various levels—Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even diploma programs.

So here are a few of the top universities that accept the Duolingo English Test for all programs:

• Anglia Ruskin University

• Arden University

• Bangor University

• Cranfield University

• Imperial College London

• Leeds Beckett University

• London Business School

• Loughborough University

• Northumbria University

• Regent College London

Duolingo English Exam Pattern For UK

Understanding the test pattern helps you perform better. Here’s what the Duolingo English Test looks like:

Total Duration: ~1 hour

Sections:

1. Introduction + Setup – 10 minutes

2. Adaptive Test (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) – 45 minutes

3. Video Interview + Writing Sample – 10 minutes

Scoring:

• The test is scored out of 160.

• Scores above 120 are considered competitive for UK universities.

• You’ll get your results within 48 hours.

🧠 The adaptive nature means the questions get harder or easier based on your performance.

How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test?

Worried about how to ace the DET? Here’s a simple yet effective plan:

1. Understand the Format

Familiarize yourself with the test structure and timing. Use Duolingo’s practice platform to simulate real test conditions.

2. Focus on Core Skills

Sharpen your skills in the four major areas:

• Reading: Skim and scan efficiently.

• Listening: Practice with podcasts and news.

• Speaking: Record yourself and work on fluency.

• Writing: Practice writing samples of 150-250 words.

3. Use Trusted Resources

• EngVid and BBC Learning English for grammar.

• Official Duolingo practice tests.

• Mobile apps like Grammarly and Quizlet.

4. Time Management

Train yourself to think and respond quickly—especially in speaking and writing sections.

5. Mock Tests & Feedback

Do mock tests under exam-like conditions. Review and refine your weak areas.

Remember: It’s an adaptive test, so your confidence and strategy matter more than memorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Duolingo accepted in the UK?

Yes, several UK universities accept Duolingo as proof of English proficiency, especially post-pandemic.

What is regarded as a good, acceptable Duolingo score?

A score of 120+ is generally accepted and is equivalent to IELTS 7+.

What are the Duolingo accepted universities in the UK for masters?

Top ones include:

• London School of Economics (LSE)

• University of Southampton

• University of Bath

• Sheffield Hallam University

• University of Reading

What are the Duolingo accepted universities in the UK for 2025 intake?

Among others:

• Imperial College London

• University of Exeter

• University of Sheffield

Can you retake the Duolingo test?

Yes, but only 3 times every 30 days.

How can I apply to a UK university using the Duolingo English Test?

Submit your DET score along with your university application. You’ll be required to upload your official result and supporting documents.

Why do students prefer Duolingo?

It’s affordable (just $65), accessible online, fast (results in 48 hours), and less intimidating than traditional tests.

What is the cost of the Duolingo Test?

USD 65 (~INR 5,400)

How long is the Duolingo score valid?

2 years from the test date.

Is Duolingo enough for a UK visa?

🇬🇧 Not directly recognized by UKVI, but if accepted by your university, you’re good to go as long as you have a valid CAS letter.

Final Thoughts

The Duolingo English Test has carved out its own niche in the international education scene, especially in the UK. Whether you're applying for an undergrad or postgrad course, the test offers a simple, flexible, and cost-effective way to prove your English proficiency.

But remember—policies may differ by institution, and not every UK university or visa office may accept DET scores. So, do your homework, contact admissions offices, and always check the latest updates before applying.