Top 10 Duolingo Accepted Universities In The UK: The 2026 Guide

Getting into a UK university no longer means juggling test centres, long queues, or expensive exam dates. Today, one simple online test is opening doors across the country, and it’s changing the admissions game for good. The Duolingo English Test has quickly moved from “new option” to a “widely accepted standard,” with top UK universities recognising its speed, accuracy, and accessibility.

As the 2026 intake approaches, more institutions are adding DET to their official requirements, giving students a faster and more affordable route to meet English language criteria. This blog highlights the top 10 Duolingo accepted universities in the UK, their score requirements, result timelines, and how to prepare.

UK Universities Accepting Duolingo Scores: An Overview

If you’d like to explore real student opinions, you can also check this Quora discussion on whether UK universities accept Duolingo.

Quora

Is Duolingo acceptable in UK universities?

Read discussions and insights from Quora users →

Understanding the Duolingo English Test for UK Admission

The Duolingo English Test is an online language assessment designed for students who want a simple, fast, and cost-effective way to prove English proficiency for UK admissions. You take it from home on a laptop, and its AI-driven adaptive system adjusts the difficulty based on your responses, giving universities an accurate measure of your skill level in under an hour. 

The test evaluates all four core language areas through short, real-world tasks, and results arrive within 48 hours. With growing acceptance across UK universities, DET has become a practical alternative to IELTS and TOEFL for 2026 applicants.

Key Features of the Duolingo English Test

• Fully Online & On-Demand: You don’t need a test centre or prior appointment. You can take the exam anytime, from anywhere, as long as your environment meets the test’s security guidelines. This flexibility is one of the biggest reasons international students choose DET.
• Adaptive Testing Format: The test adjusts difficulty based on your answers, giving a more accurate representation of your proficiency. This ensures you’re neither over-tested nor under-tested, helping universities assess your true skill level.
• Comprehensive Skill Evaluation: DET measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking through short tasks instead of long sections. You may be asked to describe an image, complete a sentence, or respond to an audio prompt, keeping the experience fast and interactive.
• Quick Results Within 48 Hours: Most test-takers receive verified scores in two days. This fast turnaround removes the stress of long waiting periods and lets you proceed with UK university applications immediately.
• Affordable Exam Fee: Priced at USD 70, DET is significantly cheaper than traditional proficiency tests. Students can also send their score reports to multiple universities for free, reducing additional application expenses.
• Widely Accepted by UK Universities: Thousands of global programmes accept DET, and the list of Duolingo accepted universities in the UK continues to grow each year, especially for the 2026 intake.

Duolingo English Exam Pattern for the UK

Top 10 UK Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton, a Russell Group institution ranked 87th in the QS World Rankings 2026, is a Duolingo-accepting university in the UK for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. This makes the application process faster and more accessible for international students who need an affordable, remote-friendly English test option. Known for engineering, computer science, data science, and ocean sciences, Southampton attracts students seeking research-led teaching and intense industry exposure. 

Accepting DET removes barriers like long test-centre wait times, high exam costs, and slow score releases, especially helpful for students applying from regions with limited IELTS/TOEFL availability.

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Student Experience & Location: Situated on the south coast in a student-friendly city, Southampton offers a blend of tranquil residential areas and vibrant cultural spaces. With quick train access to London and plenty of outdoor activities, students enjoy a balanced university lifestyle alongside academic commitments.
  
• Strong Industry Pathways: Southampton collaborates with global employers like IBM, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, and BAE Systems. Students across engineering, tech, and sciences benefit from live industry projects, internships, and networking events, helping many secure roles within six months of graduation.
  
• Research-Focused Training: As a Russell Group university, Southampton integrates research into coursework across disciplines. Students in fields like computer science, engineering, and environmental sciences gain hands-on exposure to innovation through labs, research groups, and faculty-led projects.
  
• Career Development Support: The Careers and Employability Service offers one-on-one mentoring, CV reviews, mock interviews, placement year guidance, and employer meetups. This structured support helps students strengthen their professional profile before entering competitive job markets.

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) now accepts the Duolingo English Test, a notable update from one of the world’s most competitive social-science institutions. 

Ranked among the global top 10 for Economics, Politics, International Relations, and Social Sciences, LSE attracts applicants from over 150 countries and maintains highly selective admissions. The addition of Duolingo gives students a more accessible pathway while upholding the school’s academic rigour.

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Prime Central London Location: LSE sits in the heart of London’s policy and financial district, offering direct access to government bodies, law firms, media houses, multinational employers, and leading international organisations. This proximity gives students unmatched exposure to real-world policy environments and industry networking.
  
• Placements and Career Outcomes: Over 90% of graduates secure employment or further study within six months, supported by strong recruiter relationships across consulting, finance, public policy, development, and global NGOs. Many courses integrate employer-led workshops, case challenges, and internship pathways that help students build strong professional footing.
  
• Career Coaching and Professional Development: LSE Careers offers personalised coaching, mock interviews, industry masterclasses, and access to a powerful global alumni network spanning 190+ countries. Students benefit from targeted opportunities in economics, public policy, analytics, and international affairs, supported by financial aid options like the Graduate Support Scheme.
  
• Supportive International Community: With more than 70% of students coming from outside the UK, LSE provides an inclusive environment through academic mentoring, language support sessions, well-being initiatives, and cultural societies. The campus blends academic intensity with strong community engagement in one of the world’s most global cities.

University of Bath

The University of Bath is now a Duolingo-accepting university in the UK, giving international students a more flexible pathway to meet English requirements. Ranked 132nd globally (QS 2026), Bath is widely respected for engineering, management, computer science, psychology and design-oriented programmes. 

With strong graduate employability rankings and a diverse student community from over 140 countries, Bath’s acceptance of Duolingo reduces the logistical and financial hurdles associated with traditional proficiency tests. This lets applicants focus on building firm academic profiles for Bath’s competitive, industry-aligned courses.

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Location: Bath’s campus is set in a compact, green environment overlooking the historic UNESCO World Heritage city. Students enjoy a blend of cultural exposure, peaceful study spaces, and easy access to cafés, museums, and public transport, ideal for international learners settling into the UK.
  
• Placements & Careers: Bath runs one of the strongest placement-year schemes in the UK, with over 90% student participation. Partnerships encompass engineering firms, consulting companies, tech employers, and global research labs, providing students with hands-on experience and a competitive edge in their career journey.
  
• Career Support: Dedicated career advisers offer one-to-one mentoring, CV clinics, mock interviews, and industry-specific guidance. International students also benefit from scholarships, manageable living costs, and tailored support to prepare for UK employment markets after graduation.
  
• Student support: Bath provides structured academic mentoring, well-being services, and pre-sessional plus in-sessional English language programmes. These support systems help non-native speakers adapt to academic expectations while maintaining a strong balance between well-being and performance.
  

Sheffield Hallam University

As the UK widens access to flexible English-proficiency pathways, Sheffield Hallam University accepts the Duolingo English Test, giving international students a faster and more affordable admission route. 

Known for its strong applied-learning approach and industry integration, the university offers career-focused programmes across business, health sciences, computing, engineering, and the creative arts. With 30,000+ students from over 100 countries, Hallam’s adoption of digital testing aligns with its commitment to reducing barriers for global applicants and strengthening its presence among Duolingo-accepted universities in the UK.

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Location: Sheffield Hallam is based in Sheffield, one of the UK’s most student-friendly cities. With two centrally located campuses and excellent transport connectivity, students enjoy affordable living costs, cultural venues, and access to green spaces, all contributing to a balanced academic and social experience.
  
• Placements & Careers: Many Hallam programmes integrate real-world exposure through placements, industry projects, and employer-led modules. The university collaborates closely with businesses in healthcare, technology, engineering, creative industries, and finance, helping students build practical skills and secure job-ready experience.
  
• Career Support: The Careers and Employability Service offers one-on-one coaching, CV building, interview preparation, networking sessions, and exclusive job portals. International scholarships and bursaries are also available to support high-achieving students.
  
• Student Support: Sheffield Hallam provides robust academic and personal support, including international student advisors, English-language enhancement programmes, and comprehensive wellbeing services. These resources help students adjust confidently to the UK’s academic environment and student life.
  

University of Reading

The University of Reading accepts the Duolingo English Test, providing a smoother entry route for applicants who face high test costs or limited availability of IELTS/TOEFL tests, as the UK expands digital-first English-language assessment options. 

Ranked 194th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, Reading is known for its excellence in business, environmental sciences, agriculture, and meteorology, supported by leading research centres such as the National Centre for Atmospheric Science. The shift to accepting Duolingo helps international students receive results faster, simplify timelines, and reduce admission expenses, making the University of Reading a strong choice among Duolingo-accepted universities in the UK for master’s.

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Location: Reading offers a green, well-equipped campus just 25 minutes from central London. Students benefit from a peaceful study environment with quick access to London’s professional networks, internships, and industry events.
  
• Placements & careers: Home to Henley Business School, the university supports structured internships and industry-linked projects across business, sciences, agriculture, and tech. Around 85–90% of graduates secure employment or further study within six months.
  
• Career Support: Reading provides tailored coaching, CV and interview training, employer meetups, and annual recruitment fairs. International students can access scholarships and bursaries to manage tuition and living expenses in London.
  
• Student Support: The university offers pre-sessional English, academic writing workshops, mentoring, and dedicated wellbeing services to help students transition smoothly into UK academic life.
  

Loughborough University

Loughborough University is one of the most industry-connected and student-centred Duolingo-accepted universities in the UK. Ranked 225 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, it is recognised for engineering, design, sports science, and practice-driven learning across a wide, modern campus. 

By accepting the Duolingo English Test, Loughborough University provides international applicants with a quicker, more accessible, and cost-effective route into its highly competitive, research-supported programmes.

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Location: Loughborough’s self-contained East Midlands campus blends academic buildings, sports centres, labs, and residential areas in one place. Its central location offers easy access to Nottingham, Leicester, and Birmingham, providing students with both a secure campus environment and excellent city connectivity.
  
• Placements & Careers: The university has strong connections with employers in the engineering, manufacturing, design, and sports sectors. Many courses include placement years or structured internships, which contribute to their strong graduate outcomes. Around 90% of students enter the workforce or pursue further study within six months. Partnerships include organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, and leading sports bodies.
  
• Career Support: Students receive personalised career coaching, sector-specific workshops, and access to extensive alumni networks. A mix of affordable on-campus housing, cost-effective living options, and merit-based scholarships helps international students manage finances while studying.
  
• Student support: Loughborough provides a supportive environment with academic mentoring, pre-sessional and in-course English programmes, and strong well-being services. This helps international students adjust smoothly to academic expectations while maintaining personal balance.
  

University of York

The University of York accepts the Duolingo English Test, giving international applicants a quick, flexible, and budget-friendly way to prove English proficiency. Ranked 169th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, York is recognised for its strengths in the humanities, social sciences, biosciences, and interdisciplinary research. 

York’s adoption of DET removes exam-centre dependency and long result timelines. Students receive results within days, making it easier to plan applications without stress. 

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Academic Setting: York sits in a historic yet lively city known for its cobbled streets, green spaces, and cultural heritage. The campus offers a peaceful environment, while the city’s direct links to Leeds, Manchester, and London make commuting for internships or travel simple and efficient.
  
• Placements & Career Pathways: York works closely with national and international employers across humanities, sciences, technology, public policy, and business. Many degrees include placement years, short-term internships, or industry-driven modules. Around 88% of graduates enter employment or further study within six months, reflecting the university’s strong industry relevance.
  
• Student Support Systems: York offers structured academic mentoring, English language support, pre-arrival guidance, and wellbeing programmes. These ensure students settle in comfortably and handle academic expectations with confidence.
  

University of Sussex

The University of Sussex has emerged as a modern, globally engaged choice for students seeking flexible entry routes into UK higher education. As a Duolingo-accepting university in the UK, Sussex makes the admission journey easier for international applicants who want quicker results and fewer test-centre limitations. 

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key highlights:

• Location: Sussex offers a modern, green campus minutes from Brighton, giving students a mix of focused academic spaces and a lively cultural backdrop. The proximity to Brighton helps students learn beyond classrooms through city-driven experiences, creative events, and community engagement.
  
• Placements & Careers: Career development is structured through initiatives like the “Career Lab,” which exposes students to employers in media, marketing, climate policy, sustainability, and global affairs. Many courses include internships, live briefs, and collaborative projects. Graduate outcomes consistently remain strong, with most students progressing to employment or further study within months.
  
• Skill Buillding: Sussex strengthens employability through mentoring, application workshops, employer fairs, and access to active alumni networks. Students benefit from guidance tailored to research-heavy subjects, creative fields, or global policy courses.
  
• Student Services & Academic Support: International students receive academic mentoring, English-language support, wellbeing services, and transition guidance. Sussex focuses on building confidence in reading, writing, and communication through workshops and personalised assistance, helping students adapt to UK academic expectations and thrive both personally and academically.
  

University of Westminster

The University of Westminster is a strong choice for students seeking the full benefits of studying in central London. As a Duolingo-accepting university in the UK, it appeals to applicants who prefer a faster and more flexible English-test option without compromising academic credibility. 

Known for its strengths in business, media, fashion, and law, the University of Westminster blends industry exposure with hands-on learning across a globally connected urban campus. 

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

At the University of Westminster, undergraduate applicants are generally expected to achieve a Duolingo score of 115 overall, while postgraduate programmes typically require 125 or above. More competitive courses in Law, Media, and Communication may demand higher scores in writing and speaking to ensure students can meet the analytical and communication-intensive requirements of these programmes.

Key Highlights:

• Location: Being based in central London gives Westminster students access to industry events, professional workshops, cultural spaces, and real workplace environments within minutes. This proximity supports stronger portfolios, deeper industry understanding, and active participation in London’s professional networks.
  
• Placements & Career Pathways: Westminster emphasises practical learning with internships, live projects, and employer collaborations across media, law, fashion, business, and tech. Graduate outcomes remain steady, with approximately 82–85% securing employment or further study within six months, demonstrating the university’s strong connection between academics and employability.
  
• Career Support Services: Students receive personalised guidance through one-to-one mentoring, CV writing sessions, interview practice, and career fairs. Scholarships and bursaries help reduce the financial pressure of studying in London, while campus housing options offer an affordable alternative for international students.
  
• Student Support & Transition Assistance: Westminster provides strong academic and well-being services to help students adjust to the UK’s academic style. English language support, mentoring, and transition programmes ensure international students feel confident, supported, and prepared to excel both in and outside the classroom.
  

University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth stands out as one of the Duolingo-accepted universities in the UK, especially for students seeking a practical, career-focused education. Its move to accept the Duolingo English Test gives international applicants a faster, more flexible entry route while joining a community grounded in employability, real-world skills, and accessible student support.

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Requirements:

Key Highlights:

• Location: Portsmouth offers a coastal lifestyle with a lively student community, affordable living, and quick transport links to London and Southampton. Students benefit from the city’s mix of waterfront attractions, cultural spaces, and practical access to maritime and engineering hubs, which are ideal for academic and professional exposure.
  
• Placements & Careers: The university’s strong industry alignment ensures students gain practical experience through internships, placements, and live projects. Sectors such as maritime engineering, logistics, design, and technology actively recruit from Portsmouth, contributing to its strong graduate outcomes and employer reputation.
  
• Career Support: Students receive targeted, discipline-specific career guidance, from one-to-one coaching to workshops and employer meetups. The university’s industry network helps students refine their professional direction, while scholarships and lower living costs support financial planning during studies.
  
• Student Support: Portsmouth places a strong emphasis on transition support for international students, providing academic mentoring, study skills training, English language support, and wellbeing services. This helps learners adapt quickly and confidently, striking a balance between their academic performance and personal and professional growth.

Also read: Top 10 Affordable Universities In UK For Indian Students In 2025

Why Opt For Duolingo to study in the UK?

Choosing the right English proficiency test can make a huge difference in how smooth your study abroad journey feels, and that’s where the Duolingo English Test stands out. Designed for today’s digital generation, it offers flexibility, affordability, and speed that traditional exams can’t match.

Here’s why more students are switching to Duolingo for UK admissions:

• Affordable: At around USD 70, it’s a fraction of the cost of the IELTS or TOEFL, making it ideal for students who want a reliable test without incurring significant expenses.
  
• Flexible: You can take the test from the comfort of your home, no test centre, long travel, or stressful setup required. All you need is a stable internet connection and a quiet space.
  
• Faster Results: Duolingo delivers your scores within 48 hours, helping you apply quickly and meet tight university deadlines.
  
• Widely Accepted: Many top universities now recognise Duolingo scores, with a growing number of Duolingo-accepted universities in the UK incorporating them into their admissions criteria.

Tips to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test

Preparing for the Duolingo English Test doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, with the right strategy, you can build both skill and confidence in a short time. Since the test is adaptive, every answer you give shapes the next question, so consistency matters more than memorisation.

1. Take the Official Practice Test

Begin with the free Duolingo practice test to familiarise yourself with the question types, adaptive format, and timing. The test adjusts difficulty based on your answers, so familiarising yourself with the format helps reduce surprises and identify areas that need extra practice.

2. Strengthen Core Language Skills

Focus on improving grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening skills. Use online tools, apps, podcasts, news articles, and short academic texts to simulate real academic content. This helps you build comprehension and fluency across all four test components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

3. Practice Speaking and Writing Clearly

Duolingo rewards concise, well-structured, and grammatically correct responses. Regularly practice writing short essays or responding to prompts, and record yourself speaking on various topics. Pay attention to pronunciation, sentence structure, and clarity, as these directly impact your score.

4. Familiarise Yourself with Time Management

Although the test is approximately one hour long, each section is timed. Practice completing tasks within set time limits to develop pacing strategies and avoid rushing or leaving tasks incomplete during the actual exam.

5. Prepare Your Testing Environment

Choose a quiet and well-lit space with minimal distractions. Ensure a stable internet connection, functional webcam, and microphone. Testing in a controlled environment reduces the chance of technical issues and helps maintain concentration.

6. Understand University Requirements

Check the Duolingo score requirements for your target UK universities in advance. Certain programs, primarily those with a technical or research focus, may require higher scores in specific subtests. Aligning your preparation with these expectations maximises your chances of admission.

Also Read: How To Study In UK Without IELTS

Alternatives to DET for Studying in the UK

Each option has its unique strengths; IELTS for reliability, TOEFL for academic rigour, PTE for fast results, and Cambridge for long-term certification. Your choice should align with your study plans, university preferences, and test-taking comfort.

Also read: Top 10 UK Universities With Low Entry Requirements In 2025-26

Conclusion

The Duolingo English Test offers a convenient and accessible pathway for international students seeking to enrol in UK universities for the 2026 intake. Its flexibility, affordability, and fast results make it an attractive option, but it’s essential to review individual programme requirements and prepare thoroughly to meet the expected scores.

Planning ahead, familiarising yourself with the exam format, and simulating test conditions can help ensure your best performance. Alongside test preparation, organising your student accommodation in the UK early can make your transition smoother, helping you focus on settling in and excelling academically.

Frequently Asked Questions