Duolingo English Test Validity and Acceptance in 2025

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is valid for two years from the test date and is accepted by over 6,000 programs across 110+ countries. In 2025, 95% of U.S. News Top 100 universities, 100% of Irish universities, and 90% of Canada’s top institutions recognize DET scores. With results delivered in just 48 hours, DET offers a fast, affordable, and flexible alternative to traditional exams like IELTS and TOEFL. 

In this guide, you'll read more about the Duolingo English Test validity duration, country-wide acceptance, visa implications, score reuse across applications, and how to check if your score and target university are eligible. 

How Long is the Duolingo English Test Valid? 

The Duolingo English Test is valid for 2 years from the date you take it. This means your score can be used for university applications, visa processes, and other academic requirements within that time frame. After two years, the score expires and cannot be used for official purposes. 

This validity period is especially important for students planning to apply across multiple intakes or defer to their admission. If your score expires before your application is reviewed or your ur visa is processed, you’ll need to retake the test. 

Let’s say you took the Duolingo English Test on October 30, 2025. Your score will remain valid until October 30, 2027. If you're applying for Fall 2027 intake and your university reviews applications in November 2027, your score will no longer be valid, and you’ll need to retake the test before applying. 

Duolingo English Test Validity by Country 

The Duolingo English Test is accepted in over 110 countries, but its validity and visa recognition vary depending on local policies. While most universities accept DET admissions, visa authorities may have separate guidelines.  

Here's a country-wise breakdown to help you navigate your options:  

🇺🇸 United States 

The Duolingo English Test is accepted by 98 of the top 100 U.S. universities, including Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. It’s also recognized by thousands of graduate programs. 

US Visa Validity: 

 For the F-1 visa, the U.S. doesn’t mandate a specific English test. If your university accepts Duolingo, it’s valid for your visa application. 

Notable Facts: 

• DET accepted by 2,246+ institutions in the U.S. 
• Minimum score range: 105–125 
• Results delivered within 48 hours (result hour) 
• DET is part of 135,000+ global programs 

🇨🇦 Canada 

Canada is one of the most DET-friendly countries. Over 150 universities, including University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC, accept it. 

Canada Visa Validity: 

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) no longer requires IELTS. DET is valid for the regular study permit if your university accepts it. 

Notable Facts: 

• DET accepted by 90% of top Canadian universities 
• Minimum score range: 110–125 
• DET costs around CAD 70 (INR 6,000) 
• Over 260 Canadian institutions now accept DET 

🇬🇧 United Kingdom 

Top UK universities like Imperial College London, University of York, and Southampton accept DET. 

UK Visa Validity: 

DET is not on UKVI’s SELT list, but if your university issues a CAS letter, you can still apply for a Tier 4 student visa. 

Notable Facts: 

• DET accepted by 60+ UK universities 
• Minimum score range: 105–130 
• DET is valid for visa if university confirms acceptance 
• DET sees 27,100+ monthly searches for UK-related queries 

🇦🇺 Australia 

Australia’s DET acceptance is growing, with 90+ universities including University of Melbourne, UNSW, and University of Sydney on board. 

Australian Visa Validity: 

DET is not officially accepted for student visas, but some universities allow it for admission. Visa acceptance may require additional proof. 

Notable Facts: 

• DET accepted by Group of Eight (Go8) universities 
• Minimum score range: 100–120 
• DET is valid for admission but visa acceptance is conditional 
• DET is popular for its affordability and fast results 

Duolingo English Test Validity for Multiple Applications 

If you're applying to more than one university, the Duolingo English Test makes things easier. Once you receive your score, you can send it to as many institutions as you want- for free. Unlike other tests that charge per report, Duolingo allows unlimited score sharing, which is a big advantage for students applying globally. 

Your score remains valid for 2 years, so you can use it across multiple intakes, countries, and programs, as long as it hasn’t expired. This flexibility is especially helpful if you're applying backup options or considering deferring to your admission. 

Let’s say you took the test on October 30, 2025, and received a score of 120. You apply to universities in the US, UK, and Canada for Fall 2026. Later, you decide to apply for the Spring 2027 intake in Australia. If your score hasn’t expired, you can reuse it for all these applications; you need to retake the test. 

How to Check Your Duolingo English Test Validity?

After Duolingo English test validity period, your score will expire and cannot be used for university applications or visa processes. You also won’t be able to share or download the certificate once it expires. 

To check your score validity: 

• Log in to your account at https://englishtest.duolingo.com 
• Go to the “My Tests” section 
• View your test history, including test date and score 
• If your score is still valid, you’ll see the option to download or share it 
• If expired, it will be marked as “Expired” and sharing will be disabled 

You’ll also receive an email notification when your score is ready, within 48 hours (result hour). If you’ve opted for faster results, you may get it in 12 hours. 

How to Check If Your Target University Accepts DET 

Before applying, it’s important to confirm whether your chosen university accepts the Duolingo English Test.  

Here’s how: 

• Visit the Duolingo Accepting Institutions page 
• Use the search bar to enter your university’s name 
• Check if the institution is listed and note any minimum score requirements 
• If not listed, visit the university’s official admissions page 
• You can also email or call the admissions office to confirm DET acceptance 

Many universities also mention DET acceptance in their international admissions FAQs. Always double-check, especially if you're applying for competitive programs. 

Tips to Maximize Your Duolingo Test Validity 

Plan your test date wisely 

• Take the test 6–8 months before your application deadline. 
• This gives you time to retake if needed and ensures your score doesn’t expire before review. 

Track your score expiration 

• Log in to your Duolingo account and check your test history. 
• Set reminders for your score expiry date to avoid last-minute surprises. 

Apply early and widely 

• Use Duolingo’s free unlimited score reporting. 
• Send your score to all target universities as soon as it’s available. 

Retake if necessary 

• You can retake the test after 21 days. 
• Retaking is useful if your score is borderline or nearing expiry. 

Stay updated on university policies 

• Check if your target university still accepts Duolingo. 
• Use the official Duolingo Accepting Institutions page for confirmation. 

Use your score across multiple intakes 

• Your score is valid for 2 years, so you can apply for different semesters. 
• This is helpful if you're considering deferrals or backup options. 

Avoid relying on expired scores 

• Expired scores cannot be shared or used for official applications. 
• Always verify score validity before submitting documents. 

Conclusion 

The Duolingo English Test offers a flexible, fast, and affordable way to prove English proficiency. With a validity of 2 years, quick result turnaround, and acceptance by over 135,000 programs globally, it’s a strong alternative to traditional tests like IELTS and TOEFL. 

However, its visa acceptance varies by country, and not all institutions recognize it. Before choosing Duolingo, check your target university requirements and ensure your score will remain valid throughout your application process. If you're looking for a test that’s easy to schedule, budget-friendly, and widely accepted for admissions, Duolingo is worth considering. 

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References:

https://englishtest.duolingo.com/institutions