Duolingo English Test achieves significant milestone: Now accepted in over 5,000 global universitiesThe Duolingo English Test (DET), a convenient, fast, and affordable English proficiency test, announced that it is now accepted by over 5,000 universities worldwide. Designed with the test taker in mind, the DET is a recognized and respected language proficiency assessment for undergraduate and post-graduate programs across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland etc. This steady growth in acceptance is part of a broader trend towards institutions taking a more student-centric approach to admissions, where students can take the test that’s right for them.
In 2023, test takers certified their English in over 225 countries and regions around the world. India, for the second consecutive row, had the highest test takers with a significant portion aspiring to pursue graduate degrees in popular fields such as business, computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Notably, Indian students applied to programs in over 83 countries, showing a 9% increase from the previous year.
Jennifer Dewar, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, Duolingo English Test (DET) said, “This incredible milestone of DET being embraced by more than 5000 institutions globally, reflects not just a shift in language proficiency testing but a big step towards inclusivity and student empowerment. When students can opt for the test that is most accessible and suitable for them, be it in terms of format, availability, or cost, this ensures that language proficiency testing is a bridge, not a barrier, to achieving their academic goals. This achievement is a testament to our collective commitment to making education accessible, and we extend our gratitude to the universities worldwide for championing this transformative journey with us.”
Speaking on this, Shawn Felton, Director of Strategic Enrollment Initiatives, Cornell University stated, “It doesn’t matter which route an applicant goes; we just need to confirm proficiency in English. Our applicants should (and do) take whichever test they want, and usually the one that is most accessible for the individual.”
Kathryn Timlin, Senior Associate Director Georgetown University added, “Our admissions process doesn’t favor one test over another — we just need to ensure that your English is strong enough for you to be academically successful at Georgetown. We trust every test that we accept equally, and we do not have favorites among them.”
Since 2020, the number of programs recognizing DET has doubled, demonstrating a substantial shift towards a student-centric approach to admissions. Notably, 99% of programs that adopted DET before January 2021 continue to accept it, reinforcing the enduring commitment to reliability, accuracy, flexibility and student choice.
Marco Dinovelli, Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management at Rutgers University, mitigates any doubts that other tests are preferred over the DET, saying “If a university puts an ELP test and minimum score on its website, it means they have complete confidence in that test—the same level of confidence they have in any other test they accept.”
Ryan Sullivan, Associate Vice-President of Enrolment Management St. Thomas University adds “An applicant isn’t more or less likely to be admitted based on which test is submitted. It is unequivocally false that we prefer one test over another. Take whichever test is most convenient.”
This expanded acceptance of language proficiency tests holds profound implications for institutions as well. By recognizing a broader range of tests, universities can attract a diverse pool of applicants, fostering a global and inclusive learning environment
Check out the DET’s complete list of accepting institutions including some of the most well-known and prestigious universities in the world, like Australian National University, Imperial College London, New York University, and University of Toronto, including the top 25 highest-enrolling universities for international students in the US!
