The Duolingo English Test (DET) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing English proficiency exams for international students aspiring to study in Europe. With its low cost, quick results, and fully online format, Duolingo offers a flexible alternative to traditional exams like IELTS and TOEFL.
In recent years, the number of Duolingo-accepted universities in Europe has increased significantly, making it easier for students to access world-class education in countries such as the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Why Choose Duolingo for Studying in Europe?
Choosing the right English test is crucial for admission. Here’s why DET stands out for Europe:
- Quick Results – Scores are delivered in 48 hours, helping students meet tight university deadlines.
- Affordable – At just USD 59 (EUR 55), it is far cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL.
- Flexible & Online – No test centre needed. Students can take the test from anywhere.
- Unlimited Score Reporting – Send results to unlimited European universities at no extra cost.
- Growing Acceptance – Hundreds of universities across Europe now accept Duolingo for UG, PG, and diploma programs.
- Fair AI-Based Scoring – Removes examiner bias, ensuring a transparent evaluation.
Popular Countries Accepting Duolingo in Europe
-
United Kingdom (UK)
Many UK universities accept Duolingo for admission, particularly after the pandemic. Popular institutions include the University of Glasgow, the University of Southampton, and Brunel University London. -
Ireland
It is one of the strongest adopters of Duolingo. Top universities, such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the University of Limerick, accept the DET. -
Germany
Several public and private universities have started accepting Duolingo for admissions, including Jacobs University Bremen. -
France
Business schools such as INSEEC, Rennes School of Business, and NEOMA Business School accept DET scores. -
Netherlands
Universities like the University of Amsterdam, Wageningen University, and Tilburg University recognise Duolingo for international students. -
Spain & Italy
Popular private universities and business schools, including IE University (Spain) and John Cabot University (Italy), are Duolingo-friendly.
Courses Offered at Duolingo Accepted Universities
European universities accepting Duolingo provide access to a wide range of programs:
- Engineering & Technology – Computer Science, AI, Data Science, and Civil Engineering.
- Business & Management – MBA, Finance, International Business, Marketing.
- Health & Life Sciences – Nursing, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Public Health.
- Humanities & Law – Political Science, Psychology, Law, and International Relations.
- Creative Fields – Design, Architecture, Film, Media, Culinary Arts.
Duolingo Score Requirements in Europe
|
Program Level |
Typical Duolingo Requirement |
Notes |
|
Bachelor’s Programs |
95 – 105 |
Top universities may require 110+ |
|
Master’s Programs |
105 – 120 |
MBA & STEM often require higher scores |
|
Diploma/Foundation |
85 – 95 |
Many colleges accept in this range |
|
Visa Purposes |
Case-specific |
Some countries still prefer IELTS/TOEFL for visas, but accept Duolingo for admissions. |
Tier 1: Top Universities in Europe Accepting Duolingo
1. Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university. Located in the heart of Dublin, it consistently ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide (QS Rankings).
- Popular Programs – Computer Science, Business Studies, Law, Humanities, Engineering, and Health Sciences.
- International Students – Over 18,000 students with a diverse global community, making it one of the most international campuses in Europe.
- Career Prospects – Dublin is a hub for global companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, offering excellent internships and post-study work opportunities.
- Duolingo Requirement – 115–120
- Tuition Fees – EUR 16,000–25,000/year
2. University of Glasgow (UK)
The University of Glasgow is a Russell Group university and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities, dating back to 1451. It is globally respected for research excellence and consistently ranks in the top 100 worldwide.
- Popular Programs – Medicine, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Business & Economics.
- International Students – Over 30,000 students from 140+ countries.
- Student Life – The campus blends history with modern facilities, and the city of Glasgow is known for affordability and cultural vibrancy compared to London.
- Career Prospects – High employability rate; partnerships with NHS Scotland, financial services, and energy industries.
- Duolingo Requirement – 110–115
- Tuition Fees – GBP 20,000–30,000/year
3. Jacobs University Bremen (Germany)
Jacobs University Bremen is a private, English-speaking university in northern Germany, with a strong emphasis on STEM and global studies. Though smaller in size, it is highly international, with students from over 110 countries.
- Popular Programs – Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, International Business, Earth & Environmental Sciences.
- International Students – Around 80% of the student body is international.
- Career Prospects – Strong industry ties with German engineering firms, research institutes, and multinational companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Airbus.
- Unique Point – All programs are taught in English, making it especially appealing for international students.
- Duolingo Requirement – 105–110
- Tuition Fees – EUR 20,000/year
Tier 2: Public Universities & Institutes
1. University College Dublin (Ireland)
UCD is Ireland’s largest university, with a strong focus on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It consistently ranks among the top 200 universities globally.
- Popular Programs – Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Agricultural Science, Economics.
- International Students – 8,000+ international students from 130 countries.
- Career Prospects – Dublin’s tech and finance industries offer strong placement opportunities.
- Duolingo Requirement – 110–115
- Tuition Fees – EUR 18,000–22,000/year
2. University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of Europe’s leading universities, located in the Netherlands’ cultural and financial capital. It ranks in the top 100 worldwide and is particularly known for its social sciences.
- Popular Programs: Economics, Law, Psychology, Political Science, and Media Studies.
- International Students – Over 7,000 international students from 100+ countries.
- Student Life – Amsterdam is an English-friendly city, making daily life easy for students.
- Career Prospects – Opportunities in international business, creative industries, and research sectors.
- Duolingo Requirement – 115–120
- Tuition Fees – EUR 10,000–20,000/year
3. NEOMA Business School (France)
NEOMA is one of France’s top-ranked business schools and part of the elite group of triple-accredited business schools (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).
- Popular Programs – MBA, Marketing, International Business, Finance, Luxury Brand Management.
- International Students – 25% of the student population.
- Career Prospects – Strong industry connections in Paris and Europe, particularly in luxury, fashion, and finance.
- Duolingo Requirement – 105–110
- Tuition Fees – EUR 15,000–25,000/year
Tier 3: Private Universities & Business Schools
1. IE University (Spain)
IE University, based in Madrid and Segovia, is one of Europe’s leading private universities, ranked in the top 30 globally for business programs. It is known for entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Popular Programs – Business Administration, International Relations, Law, and Architecture.
- International Students – More than 75% of students come from outside Spain.
- Career Prospects – A strong global alumni network, with high employability in consulting, entrepreneurship, and management.
- Duolingo Requirement – 110–115
- Tuition Fees – EUR 20,000–35,000/year
2. John Cabot University (Italy)
John Cabot University in Rome is an American-style liberal arts university offering English-taught programs. It’s known for small class sizes and a close-knit international community.
- Popular Programs – Liberal Arts, Political Science, Business Administration, Art History.
- International Students – Around 1,600 students from 70 countries.
- Student Life – Located in Rome, students get a mix of Italian culture and American-style education.
- Duolingo Requirement – 95–105
- Tuition Fees – EUR 8,000–15,000/year
3. Rennes School of Business (France)
Located in Brittany, Rennes SB is a fast-growing international business school. Over 50% of its faculty and students are international, making it highly diverse.
- Popular Programs – International Business, Marketing, Finance, and Innovation Management.
- International Students – Over 5,000 students from more than 90 countries.
- Career Prospects – Strong partnerships with companies like L’Oréal, Deloitte, and Airbus.
- Duolingo Requirement – 100–110
- Tuition Fees – EUR 12,000–18,000/year
Scholarships & Financial Aid in Europe
One of the biggest advantages of studying at Duolingo-accepted universities in Europe is that students are eligible for the same scholarships and funding opportunities as IELTS/TOEFL candidates. Scholarships can significantly alleviate the financial burden of tuition, living expenses, and other study-related costs.
Here are the major categories of scholarships available:
1. Pan-European & Government-Funded Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Scholarships – This EU-wide program is one of the most prestigious in Europe. It allows international students to study in two or more European countries during a single master’s program. It covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend (EUR 1,000+ depending on location)
- Travel and insurance costs
- Opportunities to intern at EU partner institutions
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany) – Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, these fully funded awards support students pursuing master’s and PhD degrees. Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend (EUR 850 for master’s, EUR 1,200 for PhD)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance and family support in some cases
- Networking opportunities with DAAD alumni worldwide
- Ireland Government International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) – Aimed at highly talented international students:
- One-year scholarship at bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD level
- Full tuition waiver
- EUR 10,000 stipend for living expenses
2. Country-Specific Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships (UK) – Fully funded master’s program for leadership-oriented students, covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
- Campus France Scholarships – Such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, which supports students in Engineering, Law, and Political Science.
- Holland Scholarship (Netherlands) – A one-time grant of EUR 5,000 for non-EEA students entering a bachelor’s or master’s program.
- Italian Government Scholarships – Covers tuition fees and provides stipends for students enrolling in Italian universities.
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Many European universities that accept Duolingo also offer their own financial aid:
- Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) – Global Excellence Scholarships (Partial Tuition Coverage).
- University of Glasgow (UK) – International Leadership Scholarships (GBP 10,000 toward tuition).
- IE University (Spain) – Talent-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.
- University of Amsterdam (Netherlands) – Merit Scholarships for master’s students.
Career Opportunities After Studying in Europe
Studying at a European institution not only gives students access to high-quality education but also opens the door to strong career prospects. Here’s what you need to know:
- Post-Study Work Visas
- Ireland – Graduates get 2 years to stay and work (Graduate Route).
- Germany – Offers 18 months to find a job after completing studies.
- Netherlands – Provides a 1-year orientation visa for job search.
- France – Master’s graduates can stay for 2 years to work.
- Spain & Italy – Typically allow 12–24 months of job-seeking residence permits.
- High-Demand Fields in Europe
- Information Technology & Computer Science – Cybersecurity, AI, and software engineers are highly employable across Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
- Engineering – Civil, mechanical, renewable energy, and automotive engineers are in demand due to Europe’s infrastructure and green energy focus.
- Healthcare – Nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals are in short supply across Germany, France, and Ireland.
- Business & Finance – London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Dublin are global hubs for banking, consulting, and fintech.
- Creative & Cultural Industries – Design, fashion, media, and hospitality remain strong career pathways in Italy, France, and Spain.
- Average Salaries for International Graduates
- IT & Computer Science – EUR 40,000–60,000/year
- Engineering – EUR 45,000–65,000/year
- Healthcare – EUR 30,000–50,000/year
- Business & Management – EUR 35,000–55,000/year
- Creative Industries – EUR 25,000–40,000/year
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Europe
For many international students, the goal is not just education but also long-term settlement in Europe. Different countries have different PR routes, but studying at a Duolingo-accepted university can be the first step toward this journey.
Country-Specific PR Pathways
- Ireland
- After studying, students can stay 2 years with a post-study visa.
- With 5 years of legal residence (study + work), they can apply for Stamp 4 (PR equivalent).
- Germany
- Graduates can stay for up to 18 months to find a job.
- With an EU Blue Card and stable employment, PR is possible in 4–5 years.
- Germany is one of the fastest countries to grant PR to skilled workers.
- Netherlands
- International students can apply for an “Orientation Year” visa after graduation.
- After five years of continuous residence (study and work), PR eligibility becomes possible.
- France
- Master’s graduates can extend their stay for 2 years.
- After 5 years of residence, including work, students can apply for a Carte de Resident (10-year renewable PR card).
- Spain & Italy
- Offer work search permits for 12–24 months after graduation.
- PR eligibility typically comes after 5 years of continuous residence.
Conclusion
With the increasing number of Duolingo-accepted universities in Europe, international students now have a faster, more affordable, and flexible way to access world-class education. From globally ranked institutions like Trinity College Dublin, University of Glasgow, and University of Amsterdam to career-focused private universities such as IE University and John Cabot University, Europe is opening its doors wider than ever before.
Combined with scholarships, post-study work rights, and PR opportunities, choosing Duolingo as your English test can unlock exciting academic and career pathways in Europe.
