According to the Duolingo English Test, over 6,500 programmes and institutions globally accept it as proof of English-language proficiency, providing students considering studying abroad, particularly in the UK, with an alternative to traditional assessments like IELTS Academic and TOEFL.
The test is conducted online, and results can be easily shared with universities via the Duolingo platform. However, it’s important to note that not all UK universities accept DET for every course or qualification, as each institution determines its own minimum score requirements, which may vary for different programmes.
This article outlines seventeen UK universities accepting the Duolingo English Test for admissions, details their score requirements, and provides guidance on what to consider before taking the test.
Universities in the UK That Let Students Apply Using the Duolingo English Test
| S/N | University | Minimum Overall DET Score | Minimum Subscores / Requirements | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Imperial College London | 115 Standard / 125 Higher | Standard: no integrated subscore below 105. Higher: no integrated subscore below 115. | Requirements depend on the course. Results must be within two years of the intended course start date. |
| 2 | Queen’s University Belfast | 110, 120 or 130 | IELTS 6.0 equivalent: 100 in each subskill. IELTS 6.5 equivalent: 100 in each subskill, with 110 in all subskills for courses requiring IELTS 6.0 in every component. IELTS 7.0 equivalent: 110 in each subskill. | Course-specific requirements apply. Check the university’s test validity policy. |
| 3 | University of York | 120 or 130 | IELTS 6.5 equivalent: 105 in each component. IELTS 7.0 equivalent: 130 in each component. Some IELTS 7.0 profiles require 130 in Production and 120 in other components. | Results must be no more than two years old at course start. Combining test scores is generally not permitted. |
| 4 | University of St Andrews | 130 (example profile) | Reading 115; Writing 115; Listening 115; Speaking 115. | Requirements depend on the course’s English-language profile. |
| 5 | University of Liverpool | 125 (example) | Speaking 105; Reading 105; Writing 105; Listening 100. Some courses require 135 overall. | Requirements vary by programme. Pre-sessional English courses may be available. |
| 6 | Bangor University | 105, 120 or 130 | IELTS 6.0 equivalent: Reading 100; other components 95. IELTS 6.5 equivalent: Reading, Writing and Speaking 110; Listening 105. IELTS 7.0 equivalent: Writing 130; other components 120. | Requirements depend on the course. |
| 7 | University of Southampton | 120 or 130 (depending on band) | Band C: Listening 105; Reading, Writing and Speaking 110. Band H: Listening 125; Reading 130; Writing 145; Speaking 130. | For 2026/2027 entry, check the English-language band assigned to the course. |
| 8 | Loughborough University | 120 (reported requirement) | Speaking 110; Writing 115; Reading 110; Listening 105. | Confirm the requirement for your intended programme. |
| 9 | Regent’s University London | 100–120 | Foundation: 100 overall and in each skill. Undergraduate: 110 overall and 100 in each skill. Postgraduate: 120 overall and 100 in each skill. | Requirements depend on level of study. |
| 10 | Heriot-Watt University | 100, 120 or 125 | Varies by English-language level and programme; some levels require minimum component scores of 110 or 115. | Confirm the applicable entry category for your course. |
| 11 | Ulster University | 110, 125 or 135 | IELTS 6.0 equivalent: no subscore below 100. IELTS 6.5 equivalent: no subscore below 110. IELTS 7.0 equivalent: no subscore below 125. | The previously supplied information specifies a test date after July 2024; verify the current policy. |
| 12 | University of Brighton | 125 or 135 (specified requirements) | Some research-degree requirements include 125 overall with 115 in each component, or 135 overall with higher component requirements. | These figures do not necessarily apply to all courses. |
| 13 | University of South Wales | 110 | At least 100 in each component. | Confirm acceptance for your particular course. |
| 14 | University College Birmingham | 105 | Reading 100; Listening, Writing and Speaking at least 95. | Applies to the listed entry categories in its requirements table. |
| 15 | SOAS University of London | 110 (specified route) | 100 in all subscores for the listed Study Abroad/Exchange requirement. | Check the relevant programme’s DET policy, including for September 2026 entry. |
| 16 | University of Exeter | 110–140, depending on profile | Profile A: 110 overall and in each integrated subscore. Higher profiles require higher scores; Profile E was reported as 130 overall. | Requirements vary by English-language profile and programme. |
| 17 | University of Warwick | 130 (specified WMG Master’s programmes) | At least 130 in two components and 110 in the other two. | This is a specific departmental requirement, not necessarily the university-wide standard. |
In conclusion, we recommend that you verify the official admission requirements for the course you have selected and the year you plan to enrol before scheduling the test. Additionally, you should make sure that you can fulfil the programme’s overall and skill-score requirements, that the university accepts DET, and that you are aware of any additional English-language requirements that can affect your visa.