Duolingo English Test for UK Universities: When It Works and When You Need a SELT
TL;DR: Many UK universities accept the Duolingo English Test for degree-level admission, and for degree-level study the Home Office lets your university assess your English itself. But Duolingo is not a Secure English Language Test (SELT), so it will not work where a SELT is required, such as most courses below degree level. Check that your university accepts it for your exact course and that your score meets every sub-score before you book.
The Duolingo English Test is quick and taken at home, so a common question is whether UK universities accept it. The honest answer is that it depends on two different decisions. The university decides whether it accepts Duolingo for admission. The Home Office decides how you prove English for the visa.
This guide separates the two, so you book the right test the first time.
Not sure which English test fits your course and university? Check your eligibility with Prosper.
What the Home Office requires for a Student visa
GOV.UK sets the English level for a Student visa by course level:
- Degree level and above: CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- Below degree level: CEFR level B1.
For degree-level study, GOV.UK says your higher education provider can assess your English itself, and may ask you to take a different test, as long as it is equivalent to B2. This is the rule that lets universities accept tests such as Duolingo.
For other cases, you usually need a SELT from an approved provider. The Home Office's SELT list, updated on 25 September, names IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert SELT tests, PSI Skills for English UKVI and Trinity's SELT tests. Duolingo is not on that list.
Want a counsellor to confirm the right English route for your course before you pay for a test?
When Duolingo works and when it does not
| Your situation | Duolingo likely to work? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or master's at a university that accepts Duolingo | Yes, if your score meets the course requirement | The course page, not only the general English page |
| Course below degree level, such as a foundation year at a college | Usually no | Whether a SELT is required |
| A pre-sessional English course before your degree | Check carefully | Whether the pre-sessional provider requires a SELT |
| University does not list Duolingo | No | Choose IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI or another accepted test |
| You already meet an English waiver | You may not need a test | Our guide to studying in the UK without IELTS |
What universities ask for
Scores vary by university and course. Two examples from university websites:
- Royal Holloway, University of London accepts the Duolingo English Test for degree programmes, with 120 overall and at least 100 in every sub-score for most undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses. Some courses ask for more.
- University of Westminster asks for 115 overall with no sub-score below 100 for most bachelor's degrees, and 125 overall with no sub-score below 115 for most master's degrees. It will not combine scores from more than one Duolingo test, and results are valid for two years.
Notice the sub-scores. A strong overall score with one weak sub-score can still miss the requirement.
How to decide which test to book
- Shortlist your universities first. Check each course page for the English tests it accepts and the scores.
- Check your course level. Degree level opens more options. Below degree level usually means a SELT.
- Check every sub-score. Match your weakest skill to the lowest sub-score allowed.
- Think about a backup plan. If one of your choices does not accept Duolingo, a single SELT result can cover all of them.
- Prepare to speak English at interview. Whatever test you use, universities and the Home Office may interview you. Our guide to the pre-CAS interview explains what to expect.
Applying from Sri Lanka
The Duolingo English Test is taken online at home, so you can sit it in Sri Lanka without travelling to a test centre, as long as you meet its room and device rules. SELTs such as IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are taken at approved test centres, so book a seat in Colombo or another centre early if you need one.
FAQ
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for a UK student visa? Not as a SELT. For degree-level study, your university can assess your English and may accept Duolingo for your CAS.
Which UK universities accept Duolingo? Many do, including Royal Holloway and the University of Westminster, but always check your exact course page.
What Duolingo score do UK universities ask for? Commonly 115 to 125 overall, with minimum sub-scores of 100 to 115, depending on the course.
Can I use Duolingo for a foundation year? Usually not, because courses below degree level normally need a SELT.
Is Duolingo on the Home Office SELT list? No. The approved SELTs include IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert, PSI Skills for English UKVI and Trinity.
How long is a Duolingo result valid? Westminster, for example, accepts results for two years from the test date.
PS: The right English test depends on your course and your shortlist, not on which test is quickest. If you want help choosing both, check your eligibility with Prosper.
References
Student visa: Knowledge of English, GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english (accessed 4 October 2026)
Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT), Home Office, GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt (accessed 4 October 2026)
English language requirements, Royal Holloway, University of London. https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/international-students/english-language-requirements/ (accessed 4 October 2026)
English language requirements, University of Westminster. https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/english-language-requirements (accessed 4 October 2026)
