Asia's Premier Universities that Accept the Duolingo English Test

In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, studying abroad is becoming a more complex decision, especially as traditional destinations like the US, UK, and Australia adjust their visa and immigration policies. As a result, many Indian students are turning to Asia, which is emerging as a vibrant and accessible hub for higher education. Countries like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore are offering not only world-class universities and cutting-edge research opportunities but also a seamless cultural experience and thriving economies. With these nations becoming increasingly attractive for academic and professional growth, they provide a unique alternative to the shifting visa rules and uncertain prospects of traditional destinations, giving Indian students more options to shape their future.

What sets Asian universities apart is their ability to strike a delicate balance between cost and quality. Many of these institutions rank among the global elite yet their tuition fees and living expenses remain far more manageable compared to traditional study destinations like the United States or United Kingdom. Moreover, the growing acceptance of the Duolingo English Test (DET) by leading Asian universities has further simplified the process of meeting English language requirements for Indian students.

Click here to Register for Duolingo English Test

Reasons to Consider Higher Education in Asia

• Academic Prestige: Universities in nations like Japan, South Korea and Singapore are renowned for their rigorous academic standards, state-of-the-art facilities and strong emphasis on research and innovation. Aspiring students can find programs that rival the best in the world across a wide range of disciplines, from technology and engineering to business and beyond.
• Affordable Costs: Tuition fees and living expenses in Asian nations are often far more reasonable compared to traditional study destinations like the US or UK. This makes a high-quality education accessible to a broader range of students.
• Career Prospects: Asia's rapidly growing economies offer abundant job opportunities for graduates. Nations like Japan and South Korea are global leaders in technology and business, offering high employment rates and attractive starting salaries for fresh graduates. For instance, in Singapore, new graduates can expect to earn around SGD 3,500 per month on average.
• Cultural Immersion: Diving into Asia's diverse cultures not only broadens your global perspective but also enhances the interpersonal skills that are highly valued in today's job market.

The Duolingo English Test: A Convenient Gateway

A key advantage for Indian students is the widespread acceptance of the Duolingo English Test (DET) by leading Asian universities. This online, affordable, and convenient assessment simplifies the process of meeting English proficiency requirements in comparison to traditional tests like the IELTS and TOEFL.

• Take the test from anywhere with an internet connection and a laptop.
• Receive your scores within just 48 hours.
• At less than INR 5,500, it is significantly less expensive than TOEFL or IELTS.
• Apply to an unlimited number of universities at no extra cost!

Here are some of the top Asian universities that accept the DET for English language proof:

Hong Kong

• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) MBA
• Cornell-Peking University MBA
• Cornell-Tsinghua MBA

Thailand

• Thammasat University
• Chulalongkorn University
• Mahidol University

Japan

• The University of Tokyo IPADS Program
• Tohoku University
• Tokyo Metropolitan University
• Nagoya University

China

• NYU Shanghai
• Cheung Kong MBA
• China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) (DET as supplemental)

Malaysia

• Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak Campus)

Singapore

• James Cook University, Singapore

South Korea

• Yonsei University
• Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)

Tips for Indian Students Considering Study in Asia

1. Research thoroughly and explore a diverse range of universities to find the programs and institutions that align with your academic and career goals.
2. While many courses are taught in English, some may have local language proficiency prerequisites. So understand the language requirements, and clarify this upfront.
3. If English is not your first language, then take the Duolingo English Test. The DET is a quick, affordable, and widely accepted option to demonstrate your proficiency.
4. Although tuition fees may be lower, living costs can vary. Investigate housing, food, and transportation expenses to manage your budget effectively.
5. Be open to learning about and immersing yourself in the diverse cultures and traditions of your host country.
6. Many Asian countries offer scholarships specifically for Indian students, which can help ease the financial burden. Explore your options.
7. Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements for your chosen destination and apply well in advance to avoid delays.

By considering Asia's top-tier universities and the growing acceptance of the Duolingo English Test, Indian students can access quality education at an affordable cost, while also experiencing the benefits of diverse cultural exposure and dynamic job markets.