Duolingo English Test vs IELTS: which should you take?
IELTS specialists — MUIC & Chulalongkorn University alumni, IELTS Speaking Band 9, trained via IDP IELTS teacher courses.
The Duolingo English Test is cheaper (around USD 65), faster (about an hour, taken from home, results in ~2 days) and adaptive, while IELTS is a longer, more formal test with separate Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking sections and a live human Speaking examiner. Choose the DET if your university accepts it and you want a fast, low-cost option; choose IELTS if your institution or visa route requires it or you prefer a traditional exam.
The key differences at a glance
- Cost: DET around USD 65; IELTS is typically noticeably more expensive.
- Time: DET about 1 hour; IELTS about 2 hours 45 minutes plus a separate speaking slot.
- Where: DET from home online; IELTS at a test centre (or official online IELTS).
- Scoring: DET 10–160; IELTS band 0–9 per skill and overall.
- Speaking: DET is recorded and marked automatically; IELTS Speaking is a live interview with a human examiner.
- Results: DET in about 2 days; IELTS in a few days (computer) to ~13 days (paper).
Approximate score conversion
As a rough guide only: DET 160 ≈ IELTS 8.5–9, 140 ≈ 8, 120 ≈ 7, 105 ≈ 6.5, 95 ≈ 6, and 85 ≈ 5.5. These bands are approximate and can differ by institution, so treat them as a starting point rather than an exact swap.
When to choose the DET
- Your target universities clearly accept the DET for admission.
- You want a fast, low-cost test you can take from home.
- You are comfortable speaking and writing to a screen rather than a person.
When to choose IELTS
- Your course, institution or visa route specifically requires IELTS.
- You prefer a live human Speaking examiner and a traditional format.
- You want the widest possible acceptance, including some visa routes the DET does not cover.
A note on visas
For some visa routes — for example UK study visas at certain levels — an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI may be required. Many universities accept the DET for admission, but visa rules are separate from admission rules. Always check both your university's and your visa's exact requirements before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Duolingo English Test easier than IELTS?
Not necessarily easier, but it is shorter and adaptive. It rewards fast, accurate English across all four skills. Some learners find the at-home format less stressful; others prefer IELTS' familiar structure.
Do universities accept the Duolingo English Test like IELTS?
Thousands of universities accept the DET, but not every course does, and required scores vary. Check your specific programme's requirements.
Can I use the DET for a visa?
It depends on the country and route. Many universities accept it for admission, but some visas require an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI. Check the exact rule for your case.
Which is cheaper, DET or IELTS?
The DET is usually cheaper — around USD 65 versus a higher IELTS fee — and you can send results to unlimited institutions free.
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