Now accepted by over 6,000 programmes worldwide, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online-only, computer-adaptive test that delivers results in 48 hours. If you’re about to take it, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to prepare!
The Duolingo English Test takes an hour and includes a scored assessment, along with Writing and Speaking tasks. Questions get more difficult as you answer them correctly and you’ll receive a score out of 160. Scores between 100 and 125 typically align with B2 level in CEFR, which is what you’ll usually need to study abroad.
Why students in Pakistan are using the Duolingo English Test
In Pakistan, the IELTS and TOEFL have previously been the most common English-language proficiency tests. Duolingo’s English Test is growing in popularity because of its affordable price, accessibility (no appointment needed) and quick results.
If you’re still deciding which test suits your needs best, we’ve broken down the different options and how they work.
The table below highlights the benefits of the Duolingo English Test in comparison to IELTS and TOEFL for students in Pakistan:
Duolingo English Test | IELTS | TOEFL |
No advance booking or appointment needed | Date must be booked in advance on dates set by controlling bodies (British Council allows booking as late as 2-3 days before registration closes) | Date must be booked in advance on dates set by controlling bodies |
Only takes 1 hour | Tests take a minimum 2 hours. Travel time to test centre not included | |
Costs 19,500PKR (1 test) or 32,900PKR (2 tests) * | 72,000PKR (includes preparation materials and practice tests) * | 23,000PKR (avg. across locations) * |
Cost is fixed | Cost varies depending on test centre and location | |
Results delivered in 48 hours | Results in 1-2 days | Results in 4-8 days after test |
* The tuition fees listed in this table are accurate as of April 2026. Universities may update their fees, so always check the official university website for the latest information.
Where you can use it: universities and visa rules
Many universities are now accepting the Duolingo English Test as part of their admissions process, but students need to be aware that there’s a difference between university acceptance and student visa requirements. Some countries apply separate English requirements for visas, while others rely on the university’s decision.
We’ve highlighted university rates and visa requirements in popular destinations for Pakistani students looking to study abroad.
* Information in this section is valid as of April 2026 and subject to change.
United Kingdom
University acceptance: moderate to high (rapidly growing)
- Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test for admission, with typical acceptance scores ranging from 100 to 130. Acceptance continues to grow, yet not all courses follow the same rules; one university might accept Duolingo English Test for a degree but not for another, or ask for a different score depending on the level.
- Universities accepting the Duolingo English Test include Imperial College London, ranked 8th globally in Studyportals’ Global Metaranking Data for 2026; the University of Southampton, ranked 102nd; the University of Liverpool, ranked 117th; and, the University of York, ranked 169th.
Visa requirements for Pakistani students
- For a student visa to the UK, if you’ve been accepted to a UK university where the Duolingo English Test is accepted, and confirms your English level, that is usually enough for your student visa.
- The Secure English Language Test (SELT) is asked for in the case of some visas, but not the majority of student visas.
- To apply for a visa in the UK as a student from Pakistan, you’ll also need an acceptance letter from a recognised UK university and financial proof showing you can support yourself while studying in the UK. Make sure to check the official government website for the latest visa information.
United States
University acceptance: high
- The United States has a rapidly growing acceptance across thousands of programmes. Typical score requirements range between 95 and 120 for many programmes, while more competitive universities may ask for 120–130 or higher. Graduate programs also largely accept the Duolingo English Test for their admissions process.
- You should always check the exact English requirements on the programme page, as acceptance can vary within the same university.
Visa requirements for Pakistani students
- For US student visas, there is no fixed requirement mandating a specific English test. If your university accepts Duolingo English Test and issues an I-20 form, it is generally sufficient for the visa process. However, visa officers assess your overall profile, and may informally evaluate your English during the interview.
- Pakistani students may face administrative processing delays. However, you should be prepared to demonstrate your English proficiency during visa interviews, as immigration officers may ask questions to assess your ability to communicate in English.
Canada
University acceptance: High
- Canadian universities are increasingly accepting Duolingo English Test, and acceptance is still growing.
- Most programmes ask for scores between 105 to 125. 90% of Canada’s top universities accept the Duolingo English Test for undergraduate admission, and nearly half of English-taught graduate programmes accept the Duolingo English Test.
Visa requirements for Pakistani students:
- Canada now accepts the Duolingo English Test as valid proof of English-proficiency for their standard study permit. This means that you can use it for both university admissions and your visa application!
Australia
University acceptance: Limited to moderate
- Australia has been slower to adopt the Duolingo English Test compared to other destinations. Some universities accept it, but acceptance is still relatively limited. Typical score requirements, where accepted, fall between 100 and 125+.
Visa requirements for Pakistani students:
- The Australian student visa system officially recognises tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic. Duolingo English Test is generally not accepted for visa purposes.
Ireland
University acceptance: high
- Ireland is becoming an attractive destination for Pakistani students, and 15 of the country’s 18 universities accept the Duolingo English Test in their admissions process. Typical scores range from 100 to 120. Ireland is one of the easiest countries to use Duolingo English Test for both university admission and your visa, which makes the process more straightforward compared to other destinations.
Visa requirements for Pakistani students:
- Ireland accepts the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency for student visa applications. This means that if your university accepts Duolingo English Test and issues your admission documents, you can usually use the same test result for your visa.
- You will still need to show proof of admission, financial support, and meet other visa conditions, but you do not need to take a separate English test just for the visa.
Europe (Netherlands, Germany, and others)
University acceptance:
- Varies (growing in some countries)
- Across Europe, acceptance of the Duolingo English Test is still mixed. Some universities in the Netherlands and Germany accept it.
- In general, acceptance is growing, especially for international programmes, but it is not consistent across all universities or courses.
- Typical score requirements range between 100 and 125.
Visa requirements for Pakistani students:
- In many European countries, visa decisions rely on proof of admission from a recognised university. If the university confirms that the student meets English language requirements, embassies may accept this as sufficient.
Studying in Pakistan at foreign universities (TNE)
Transnational Education (TNE) is growing in popularity as it provides students with an opportunity to remain in a familiar environment while benefiting from global communities and world-leading research.
TNE means that a foreign university offers its programmes in another country. This can happen through branch campuses, partnerships with local universities, or joint and dual-degree programmes. Not all TNE degrees are joint degrees, but they are awarded or recognised by the international university.
With 55 recognised TNE programs, and 15,000 registered students in 2026, Pakistan has a solid foundation for TNE and it’s a great route to consider if you’d like a world-class education delivered locally.
Do they accept Duolingo English Test?
In many cases, yes. If the parent university accepts the Duolingo English Test, the local branch or partner institution may also accept it. However, this isn’t always the case. It can depend on the program you’re applying to, as well as the policies of the institution’s main campus.
Is Duolingo accepted by universities in Pakistan?
Within Pakistan itself, the Duolingo English Test is not commonly used for local university admissions.
Most Pakistani universities do not require international English proficiency tests for domestic students, as previous education in English is generally considered sufficient. Instead, they might ask for:
- Intermediate (HSSC) English scores
- University-specific entry tests
- Internal assessments or interviews
The Duolingo English Test then may be more relevant to you if you’re looking to study abroad rather than at home. If you’re choosing to study domestically, check before buying the Duolingo English Test if it’s needed at your chosen institute.
Is the Duolingo English Test right for you?
The Duolingo English Test is a practical and increasingly popular option for students in Pakistan aiming to study abroad. It is flexible, affordable, and gives results quickly, which can help when you are working with tight deadlines.
However, it’s essential to check what’s needed for both university admission and visa requirements as the two may differ. Always refer to your chosen destination’s official government website for up to date information!
There are great options available for demonstrating your English-language proficiency so make sure to compare all and choose the one that suits your needs. Each test requires revision and practice and you might be more comfortable completing it in a standard test environment or from the comfort of your own home.
