Duolingo English Test UK Universities 2026: Which Universities Accept It and What Score You Need

Duolingo's Growing Acceptance in UK Higher Education

The Duolingo English Test entered the UK university admissions conversation as a pandemic-era alternative when IELTS testing centres closed. What began as a temporary accommodation has, for many institutions, become a permanent option. In 2026, a meaningful number of UK universities accept the DET as evidence of English language proficiency — though acceptance remains less universal than in the US, and many competitive universities still require IELTS or TOEFL specifically.

This guide reflects the state of Duolingo acceptance at UK universities as of mid-2026. English language requirements change between cycles — always verify directly with each university before relying on any list.

How the Duolingo English Test Works

The DET is taken at home on a computer with a webcam, at any time, in approximately one hour. It costs $59 (USD), compared to £175–£200 for IELTS Academic. Scores are shared digitally and typically available within 48 hours of completing the test.

The test measures literacy, comprehension, conversation, and production through adaptive questions. The overall score is presented on a scale of 10–160. Sub-scores are provided for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production.

Results are shared digitally with universities. You can send results to an unlimited number of institutions at no additional cost, unlike IELTS where each score send to an additional institution costs £17.

Minimum Score Requirements at UK Universities

UK universities that accept the DET typically require minimum scores in the range of 100–130, depending on the university and course level. Approximate ranges by institution tier:

Russell Group universities that accept DET (variable — verify directly): Where accepted, the typical minimum is 115–125 overall, often with sub-score minimums in literacy and comprehension. Not all Russell Group universities accept DET — several, including Imperial College London, University of Oxford, and some departments at UCL, require IELTS or TOEFL specifically.

Mid-tier universities and 1994 Group institutions: Typically accept DET at 110–120 overall for undergraduate programmes and 115–125 for postgraduate.

Post-1992 universities: Most accept DET at 100–115 for undergraduate entry. Some accept it at postgraduate level with slightly higher minimums.

Medicine and health sciences: Many medical schools and nursing programmes have additional English language requirements above the general university minimum. These courses often require IELTS specifically, even at universities that otherwise accept DET for other programmes. Verify with each medical or health sciences programme directly.

Which Russell Group Universities Currently Accept DET

As of 2026, the following Russell Group universities have confirmed DET acceptance for at least some undergraduate programmes (verify current policy directly as this changes):

University of Manchester: Accepts DET at 110–125 depending on programme. Check the specific international requirements page for your course.

University of Leeds: Accepts DET at 110–120 for many undergraduate programmes. Some programmes require IELTS — check the course-specific entry requirements.

University of Exeter: Accepts DET at 110 for undergraduate entry to many programmes.

Cardiff University: Accepts DET at 110–115 for undergraduate programmes. Some postgraduate programmes have higher requirements.

University of Sheffield: Accepts DET for several undergraduate programmes at 110+.

University of Birmingham: Accepts DET for some programmes — check course-specific requirements.

Newcastle University: Accepts DET for undergraduate programmes at 110+.

Universities that predominantly still require IELTS/TOEFL: Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Edinburgh, King's College London, LSE. These institutions have been slower to adopt DET acceptance, though policies may evolve.

Comparing DET to IELTS: Which Should You Take?

Cost and accessibility: DET is significantly cheaper ($59 vs £175–200) and can be taken at home at any time. IELTS requires an in-person test at a registered centre with set dates. For applicants in countries with limited IELTS testing infrastructure, DET is genuinely more accessible.

Score comparability: A DET score of 120 is roughly equivalent to IELTS 7.0. A score of 125 is roughly equivalent to IELTS 7.5. These equivalences are approximate — use the official Duolingo concordance chart and verify with each university how they interpret their DET requirements.

Acceptance: IELTS is accepted by essentially every UK university. DET is accepted by a growing but still smaller subset. If your target universities are in the list of DET-accepting institutions, DET is a viable and cost-effective option. If you are applying to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, or Edinburgh, you need IELTS or TOEFL.

Validity: Both DET and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. Neither is valid indefinitely.

Strategy for International Students Applying to UK Universities

If your target universities are mixed — some DET-accepting, some IELTS-only — taking IELTS covers all your bases. You do not need to take both. A single strong IELTS score applies to every UK university, regardless of their DET acceptance policy.

If your target universities are all confirmed DET-accepting, DET is more cost-effective and convenient. The $59 fee versus £175+ makes a meaningful difference for students taking the test and potentially retaking it.

For courses in medicine, nursing, or other regulated healthcare professions, IELTS is almost always required regardless of university DET policy. Do not assume DET acceptance for a university extends to its clinical programmes.

Submitting English Language Evidence With Your UCAS Application

English language qualifications are not submitted through UCAS directly. You self-report your qualifications on the UCAS application form and submit official evidence to universities individually after receiving offers. Most universities ask for official test results to be uploaded to their application portal or submitted by email from the testing provider.

For DET, official score reports are shared digitally from your Duolingo account directly to the institution. For IELTS, you arrange an official TRF (Test Report Form) send from the British Council or IDP.