Which English Test Should You Take? My Answer: Duolingo English Test

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If you’re planning to study abroad at a university, one question that my students always ask me:

“Teacher Luke, which English test should I take for my application?”

After working with thousands of international students heading to the U.S., UK, Canada, Ireland, etc., my answer is simple—take the Duolingo English Test (DET)!

University Accepts DET? You’d Be Crazy Not to Take It!

Okay, I might be a little biased (I’m a DET teacher after all)… but I truly believe this is the smartest choice for most students. Here's why 👇

  • Time: Just 1 hour (IELTS and TOEFL take 3+ hours)
  • Location: Take it online from home—no test center required
  • Speed: Get your score in 2 days
  • Cost: DET ($70), IELTS ($250), TOFEL ($200) *approximate prices
  • Acceptance: Over 5,700 programs worldwide accept it, including Ivy League universities, top UK schools, and leading Canadian institutions

The first step is always to check the official admissions page of the universities you’re applying to.

If they accept the DET, that’s usually the smartest choice.

👉 Takeaway for study abroad students: If DET is accepted by your chosen university, it’s always the fastest and most efficient path.

💡 Pro Tip: You can save 10% on your Duolingo English Test and get your results in just 24 hours when you book through DET Ready! 👉 Click here to get your discount

Watch me take the DET to learn all about it 👇

Hate Long Exams? The DET Is for you!

Long tests like IELTS or TOEFL can feel like a battle of endurance.

  • Lengthy reading passages filled with academic jargon
  • 3+ hours of sitting and concentrating
  • Multiple sections that test stamina as much as language

I remember one of my DET Ready VIP students, Hammad from Pakistan, who wanted to study at a university in Canada.

He took the IELTS twice—but by the second hour, he admitted his brain felt like “melted cheese.” He wasn’t struggling with English, he was struggling with concentration.

That’s when he switched to the Duolingo English Test.

  • The adaptive format kept him engaged
  • Shorter tasks meant no mental burnout
  • The test focused on her English ability, not his ability to survive 3 hours

Just a week later, he scored 120 on the DET and got his admission letter.

Duolingo English Test Score
Duolingo English Test Score

👉 Takeaway for study abroad students: If long exams drain you, the DET gives you a fairer chance to show your real English level.

Short on Time? Take the DET

Universities abroad often have application deadlines that sneak up fast.

The Duolingo English Test is ideal when time is short:

  • Test takes 1 hour
  • Scores are delivered in 2 days (or 1 day if you buy the test through DET Ready)
  • Easier to prepare for in a short time compared to IELTS or TOEFL

One of my students took the DET on Monday and had her university application accepted by Saturday!

👉 Takeaway for study abroad students: If you need a fast, valid score to meet a deadline, DET is your best option.

Stuck on IELTS/TOEFL? Switch to the DET

Different tests work for different students.

Some students perform better on the Duolingo English Test because:

  • Speaking is done via prompts, not a live interview (less pressure)
  • Writing questions are shorter and more structured
  • Listening tasks are shorter and easier to follow than long lectures

And the best place to prepare for the DET is with me inside DET Ready VIP because:

  1. You get step‑by‑step courses for every question type
  2. You can join live Zoom lessons with me twice a week for speaking and writing feedback
  3. You have full access to my AI practice platform, which gives instant scoring and corrections on your answers
  4. You'll have unlimited writing feedback!
  5. You’ll get downloadable resources like sample essays, model answers, and score‑boosting templates

Get Your Dream DET Score — Fast

👉 Takeaway for study abroad students: If you’re stuck at the same score in IELTS or TOEFL, DET may give you the boost you need—and DET Ready gives you the exact tools to make it happen.

Your University Doesn’t Accept DET? Here’s What to Do

Some universities (or specific programs) still don’t accept DET. In that case:

  • If you’re comfortable speaking in person → Choose IELTS (face‑to‑face speaking test)
  • If you’re more comfortable with certain accents → Choose the test with the listening format you understand better (IELTS often uses UK/Australian accents; TOEFL often uses North American accents)

Final Advice for Study Abroad Students

Your English test choice should always start with your target universities.

  • Check their official admissions page for accepted tests
  • If they accept Duolingo English Test, take advantage of the speed, convenience, and global acceptance
  • If not, choose IELTS or TOEFL based on your strengths

And if you want to prepare for the DET—I have free videos, courses and live lessons, and an AI practice platform that will save you months of stress.

— Teacher Luke 👨‍🏫
DET Ready| Helping 1,000+ students pass the DET every month