Europe is one of the more complex regions to navigate if you are planning to take the Duolingo English Test (DET). Acceptance varies by country, university, programme and study level, so a university accepting the DET for one course does not automatically mean it accepts the test across all programmes.
This guide breaks down the Duolingo accepted universities in Europe country by country, covering the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy and the Nordic countries. You will also find typical Duolingo score requirements, key scholarship considerations and relevant post-study work rules for 2026.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted by universities across Europe, but there is no single Europe-wide rule. Duolingo acceptance varies by university, programme and study level, so the safest approach is to check your exact course before booking the test.
- Duolingo accepted universities in the UK: 63 higher-education institutions accept DET for direct undergraduate and postgraduate entry.
- Duolingo accepted universities in Ireland: DET is widely accepted by major universities and is also recognised for Irish study-visa English requirements.
- Duolingo accepted universities in Germany: Acceptance is more limited and highly programme-specific, especially across public universities and English-taught master’s courses.
- Duolingo accepted universities in Europe: Acceptance is growing across the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy and the Nordic countries, particularly for English-taught degrees, private universities and business schools.
- Duolingo score requirements for European universities: Some foundation and bachelor’s programmes accept around 95–105, while many master’s and competitive courses may require 110–130+.
- Duolingo English Test fee and validity: DET costs USD 70 for one test, certified results are generally available within 2 days, and scores are valid for 2 years.
Bottom line: Shortlist your Duolingo-accepted universities in Europe, confirm the DET requirement for each programme, and then book through EduVouchers to save on the official test.
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Duolingo Accepted Universities in Europe: Country-Wise Comparison
Use this table to compare DET acceptance, typical score requirements and student visa positions across the European destinations Indian students apply to most. Requirements vary by university and programme, so treat these as planning ranges rather than guarantees.
| Country | DET Acceptance | Score Guidance | Visa Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Accepted by several major universities, but requirements vary by programme and study level | Programme-specific; for example, Imperial uses 115 or 125 depending on the English requirement level | Eligible Higher Education Providers can assess English for degree-level study; DET is not a UKVI-approved SELT |
| Ireland | Accepted by major institutions including Trinity, UCD and University of Galway | Programme-specific; Trinity's standard Band B is 120 overall with 100 in each subscore | DET is officially recognised for Irish study-visa English requirements |
| Germany | Highly programme-specific rather than university-wide | No national DET range; Constructor requires 110, while TU Berlin MSc IMES requires 135 overall | Language evidence depends on the study programme and visa circumstances |
| Netherlands | Mixed and programme-specific; do not assume DET is accepted by major Dutch universities | Check the exact programme; UvA's standard bachelor's test list does not currently include DET | Student residence requirements should be checked separately from university English requirements |
| France | Programme-specific; DET is accepted by some business schools and programmes | Varies widely; HEC Paris MBA requires 135, while NEOMA asks applicants to confirm the required score | Check the relevant student-visa requirements separately |
| Spain | Accepted by selected institutions and programmes | Programme-specific; IE University currently requires a minimum DET score of 130 | Check student-visa requirements separately from university admission |
| Italy | Accepted by selected institutions; policies can be programme-specific | No national DET range; John Cabot University reviews DET results individually | Check immigration requirements separately |
| Nordics & Eastern Europe | Acceptance varies by institution and programme | No reliable regional score range; verify the programme's current English-test list | Visa and language rules vary by country |
The UK requires a separate visa check because DET is not a UKVI-approved SELT, even though eligible universities can assess English themselves for degree-level study. The full visa position is explained below.
Applying outside Europe as well? Our global list of Duolingo accepted universities covers the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand alongside Europe.
Why Choose Duolingo for Studying in Europe?
Choosing the right English test decides how fast and how cheaply you can apply. Here is where the DET earns its place for European applications:
- Fast results — certified scores are available in 2 days, which matters when European deadlines cluster in December and January.
- Affordable — one Duolingo English Test currently costs around USD 70.
- Fully online — DET is taken from home using a computer, with a smartphone required as a secondary camera.
- Score sharing — certified DET results can be sent to up to 40 institutions. Additional sends can be requested through Duolingo Support.
- Growing global acceptance — more than 6,500 programmes worldwide recognise DET, although European acceptance remains programme-specific.
- Adaptive, technology-based scoring— question difficulty adjusts to your performance, and DET uses automated scoring models built around human-designed assessment criteria.
The trade-off is real, though. The DET is cheaper and faster, but it is still not accepted everywhere in Europe, and in one or two places it is accepted for admission while a different test is needed for the visa. That is the whole reason this guide exists.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in the UK
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by several leading UK universities, but DET requirements vary by programme and English-language level. Current official university pages confirm DET acceptance at institutions including Imperial College London, the University of Warwick and the University of York.
- Imperial College London —DET requirements are 115 overall with at least 105 in each integrated subscore at Standard Level and 125 overall with at least 115 in each integrated subscore at Higher Level.
- University of Southampton — for September 2026 undergraduate entry, DET requirements range from 110 to 130 overall depending on the course’s English-language band.
- University of York — accepts DET for eligible programmes; exact requirements vary by course.
If a UK university does not list DET on its current programme or English-language requirements page, do not treat its absence from a featured list as proof of non-acceptance. Confirm directly with the university before booking the test.
DET is not a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). For degree-level study, an eligible Higher Education Provider can assess English itself and may accept DET. Where a SELT is specifically required, DET cannot replace it, so foundation, pathway and pre-sessional requirements should be checked individually.
For the full institution list with course-level cut-offs, read our detailed guide to Duolingo accepted universities in the UK, and pair it with our complete guide to studying in the UK.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in Ireland
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by several major Irish universities for undergraduate and postgraduate admission, and DET is also officially recognised for Irish study-visa English-language requirements. University admission scores are usually higher than the immigration minimum.
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD) —the standard Band B requirement is 120 overall with at least 100 in each DET subscore.
- University College Dublin (UCD) — the standard minimum is 120 overall with at least 110 in each individual DET subscore.
- University of Galway — currently accepts DET for multiple programme groups; some areas list 110, while others require 120.
- University College Cork (UCC) — accepts DET for eligible programmes, with course-specific overall and subscore requirements.
- Other Irish universities may also accept DET, but current requirements should be checked on the specific programme page.
Meeting Ireland’s immigration DET minimum does not automatically meet your university’s admission requirement, so always use the higher score published by your programme.
Planning an Irish application? Pair this with our guide to the top universities in Ireland, the current intakes in Ireland and the Ireland student visa guide.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in Germany
DET acceptance in Germany is highly programme-specific, so there is no reliable country-wide list or score requirement. Always check the English-language requirements for the exact degree you are applying to.
- Constructor University — accepts DET for undergraduate and graduate admission with a minimum score of 110. Graduate MSc tuition is currently €10,000 per semester.
- Technische Universität Berlin—DET acceptance depends on the programme. For example, the MSc Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability accepts DET with 135 overall and no band below 125.
There is no useful “typical German DET score”: current programme requirements can differ sharply, as the 110 requirement at Constructor and 135 requirement for TU Berlin’s IMES demonstrate. German visa requirements should also be checked separately rather than assuming university DET acceptance automatically settles the visa language requirement.
Our dedicated list of Duolingo accepted universities in Germany covers programme-level acceptance, and our Germany student visa guide explains the blocked-account and documentation rules.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in the Netherlands
DET acceptance in the Netherlands should be checked programme by programme rather than assumed from the number of English-taught degrees available. The University of Amsterdam’s current standard bachelor’s English-proficiency list accepts IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge qualifications but does not list the Duolingo English Test.
Because Dutch universities can maintain different test policies by programme and intake, check the current admissions page of your exact bachelor’s or master’s course before booking DET.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in France
DET acceptance in France is programme-specific. Some business schools accept the test, but there is no France-wide DET policy or reliable country-level score range.
- NEOMA Business School —accepts DET for its Master in Management and several other programmes, but its current admissions page asks applicants to contact the school for the required DET score.
- HEC Paris MBA — accepts DET with a minimum score of 135.
If France is on your shortlist, check the exact programme rather than assuming that all business schools or all English-taught degrees accept DET.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in Spain and Italy
DET acceptance in Spain and Italy is institution-specific, so avoid applying a single Southern Europe score range.
- IE University (Spain) — accepts DET with a current minimum score of 130 for applicants required to submit English-language proof.
- John Cabot University (Italy) — accepts DET, but the English Department and Admissions Committee review Duolingo scores individually rather than publishing a fixed DET cut-off.
Duolingo Accepted Universities in the Nordics and Eastern Europe
DET acceptance across the Nordics and Eastern Europe is institution- and programme-specific. Do not assume that an English-taught degree accepts Duolingo simply because it accepts other English proficiency tests. Check the university’s current approved-test list before applying.
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Courses You Can Study at Duolingo Accepted Universities in Europe
Where DET is accepted, it can be used for admission across a range of disciplines, but acceptance is determined by the individual university and programme rather than the subject category itself.
- Engineering & Technology — computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, civil and mechanical engineering.
- Business & Management — MBA, finance, international business, marketing, luxury brand management.
- Health & Life Sciences — nursing, biotechnology, pharmacy, public health.
- Humanities & Law — political science, psychology, law, international relations.
- Creative Fields — design, architecture, film, media, culinary arts.=
Duolingo Score Requirements for European Universities
The Duolingo English Test is scored from 10 to 160. Your score report includes an overall score, Individual Subscores for Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, and Integrated Subscores for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production. Universities can set both overall and subscore minimums.
| DET Score | Approx. IELTS Academic | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 5.0 | B1 |
| 95 | 5.5 | B1 |
| 100–105 | 5.5 | B2 |
| 110–115 | 6.0 | B2 |
| 120–125 | 6.5 | B2 |
| 130–135 | 7.0 | C1 |
| 140–145 | 7.5 | C1 |
| 150 | 8.0 | C1 |
| 155 | 8.0 | C2 |
| 160 | 8.5 | C2 |
Duolingo’s latest overall concordance maps DET 120–125 approximately to IELTS Academic 6.5 and DET 130–135 to IELTS 7.0. These are concordance estimates, not university admission rules, so the score published by your programme always takes priority.
There is no single DET score that covers every European university. Build your target from the highest overall and subscore requirement across the programmes on your shortlist.
ETS moved TOEFL iBT to a 1–6 scoring scale in January 2026, replacing the old 0–120 scale. If a European programme page still quotes TOEFL 90 next to a DET figure, the page may not have been updated for the current cycle; write an email to admissions rather than guessing.
Admission Acceptance vs Visa Acceptance in Europe
A university accepting your DET score for admission and an immigration authority accepting it for a visa are two separate decisions. In Europe, the gap is narrower than in Australia, but it is not zero.
| Country | DET Visa Position (2026) |
|---|---|
| Ireland | Recognised for study-visa English requirements, with minimum scores depending on the course type. |
| UK | For degree-level study, an eligible Higher Education Provider can assess English itself and may accept DET. DET is not a UKVI-approved SELT and cannot replace one where an SELT is specifically required. |
| Germany | There is no single national DET rule. Language evidence depends on the study programme and the requirements applying to the individual visa application. |
| Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy | University English-test acceptance and immigration requirements should be checked separately; there is no common DET visa rule across these countries. |
How to Check If a European University Accepts the Duolingo English Test
Five minutes of checking beats a wasted test fee. Work through these steps in order:
- Check the programme page and the university’s central English-language policy. Acceptance can be programme-specific, but some universities publish one English-test policy covering multiple courses.
- Find the English-language requirements section. Look for "Duolingo English Test" or "DET" by name. If DET is not listed, do not assume either acceptance or rejection; verify with admissions.
- Check subscore minimums, not just the overall score. European programmes commonly set a floor on Writing or Speaking on top of the overall requirement.
- Cross-check Duolingo’s official accepting-institutions directory.
- Email admissions if the two sources disagree. Ask one specific question: "Do you accept the Duolingo English Test for [programme name], [intake]?" Keep the reply for your file.
- Confirm the visa position separately using the table above before you pay for anything.
Run this check across your whole European shortlist before you buy the test. If one of your priority programmes does not accept DET, compare whether taking a more widely accepted test from the start would cost less than taking two separate English tests.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Duolingo Applicants in Europe
Scholarship eligibility is set by each scholarship provider and university. A university accepting DET for admission does not automatically mean a separate scholarship application follows the same English-test policy.
Pan-European and Government-Funded Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters — scholarships are calculated at €1,400 per month for the duration of the programme, up to 24 months. Scholarship holders cannot be charged tuition or other mandatory participation costs.
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany) — Master’s scholarship holders typically receive €992 per month; doctoral candidates and postdocs receive €1,400 per month from February 2026. Additional benefits depend on the individual programme.
- Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships (GOI-IES) — 60 awards per year, each providing a €10,000 stipend for one year plus a full fee waiver from the host institution for eligible NFQ Level 9 or 10 study.
Country-Specific Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships (UK) — a fully funded one-year master's covering tuition, travel and living costs, aimed at applicants with leadership potential.
- France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship — supports eligible master’s, engineering and doctoral study in priority areas including biology and health, ecological transition, mathematics and digital sciences, engineering, history/French civilisation, law and political science, and economics and management.
-
NL Scholarship (formerly Holland Scholarship) — €5,000 in the first year for eligible non-EEA students applying to participating Dutch bachelor’s or master’s programmes.
University-Specific Scholarships
- Trinity College Dublin —Global Excellence Scholarships provide a €2,000–€5,000 one-time tuition reduction for eligible international students, with programme exclusions.
- University of Glasgow —the 2026/27 Global Leadership Scholarship provides a £10,000 tuition-fee discount for eligible one-year postgraduate taught Master’s students.
- IE University — undergraduate IE Awards can cover between 10% and 60% of tuition fees, subject to merit, financial need and the individual award criteria.
- University of Amsterdam — Amsterdam Merit Scholarships are faculty and programme-specific; eligibility and award amounts differ across programmes.
Scholarship deadlines and document requirements vary significantly, so check the official scholarship page alongside your programme application timeline.
Funding the rest yourself? See our step-by-step guide on how to apply for study abroad scholarships and our education loan guide for studying abroad.
Post-Study Work and PR Pathways in Europe
Where you study decides how long you can stay afterwards, and one of these rules changed recently enough that most guides still have it wrong.
| Country | Post-Study Stay | Route to PR |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD and other doctoral graduates continue to receive 3 years. | Switch to Skilled Worker; the Graduate Route itself is not a settlement route |
| Ireland | Third Level Graduate Programme: 12 months for eligible NFQ Level 8 graduates and up to 24 months for Level 9 or above. | Stamp 4 after roughly 5 years of legal residence combining study and work |
| Germany | Up to 18 months after graduation to look for qualified employment. | EU Blue Card holders can reach settlement faster than most European routes |
| Netherlands | Orientation Year residence permit: 1 year; the permit itself cannot be extended. | Permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence |
| France | Eligible graduates can use the job-search/business-creation residence route for 1 year; it is non-renewable. | Carte de résident after around 5 years of residence including work |
| Spain & Italy | Job-search residence permits of roughly 12–24 months | PR eligibility typically after 5 years of continuous residence |
The UK Home Office has confirmed the Graduate Route drops from two years to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates applying from 1 January 2027. The UK Graduate visa change depends on when you apply, not when you start your degree. Eligible applications made on or before 31 December 2026 receive 2 years; applications made from 1 January 2027 receive 18 months. Doctoral graduates continue to receive 3 years.
Duolingo English Test Fees, Format and Results in 2026
The commercial case for the DET in Europe is straightforward. One Duolingo English Test costs USD 70. Duolingo also offers a discounted two-test bundle, although its current public Help Centre does not display a fixed bundle price. Certified results can be shared with up to 40 institutions.
- Duration: about an hour, taken online from home on a computer, with a smartphone required as a secondary camera.
- Results: certified results in 2 days; a paid Faster Results option reduces this to 12 hours.
- Validity: 2 years from the test date.
- Booking window: a test credit is valid for 21 days from purchase.
- Format: computer-adaptive, so question difficulty changes with your performance.
Each test credit can produce one certified result. If you want a new certified score after completing your test, you need another test credit; this is separate from any additional attempts Duolingo may allow within an existing credit.
For the full cost breakdown in rupees, see our guide to Duolingo English Test fees, then walk through the process with our Duolingo English Test booking guide.
Where the Duolingo English Test Falls Short in Europe
Three gaps are worth knowing before you commit your European application to the DET:
- UK visa requirements: DET is not a UKVI-approved SELT. It can still be used where an eligible Higher Education Provider assesses English itself, but it cannot substitute for a SELT when one is specifically required.
- German programme variation: DET policies differ sharply between universities and programmes. Constructor currently requires 110, while TU Berlin’s MSc IMES requires 135 overall.
- Professional registration: University admission acceptance does not automatically mean a professional regulator will accept DET. If you plan to enter a regulated profession, check the English-test rules of the relevant licensing body separately.
Is DET worth it for Europe? It can be a convenient option when every programme on your shortlist accepts it. If you are applying across countries or to universities with programme-specific policies, verify the full shortlist first, so you do not need a second English test later.
Still deciding between tests? Our side-by-side Duolingo vs IELTS comparison covers cost, acceptance and difficulty, and our list of PTE accepted universities in Europe covers the alternative.
Final Word: Verify the Programme, Then Book the Test
The Duolingo English Test can be a fast and convenient option for European applications, but acceptance is not uniform across the region. Build your shortlist first, check the current English-language requirements for every programme, note any overall and subscore minimums, and verify student-visa rules separately. Once every priority programme accepts DET, you can book the test knowing one score will cover the universities that actually matter to your application.
