Fast, Affordable, and Accepted: How the Duolingo English Test is Your Ticket to Europe

For Indian students, Europe has long been one of the most aspirational destinations for higher education. With its rich history, diverse cultures, and leading universities across countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy and more, the continent offers endless academic opportunities. The latest Study Abroad Trends Report from Upgrad reveals nearly half (48.8%) of Indian students consider the EU as their top choice, driven by factors such as affordability, high-quality education, along with opportunities for employment and residency.

However, traditional English proficiency tests often present a roadblock - they’re expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to schedule with limited testing slots. Enter the Duolingo English Test (DET), a game-changer that's opening doors to Europe's top universities for Indian students. Students can take the DET from home, making it faster and more affordable to meet language requirements. Whether you aspire to pursue computer science, business or literature, the DET helps you make your European education dreams achievable.

A Comparative Advantage of Studying in Europe

For many Indian students, the cost of studying abroad is a key factor in decision-making. While education in countries like the US is known to be expensive, several European countries offer education at a fraction of the cost compared to other popular destinations:

• Germany: Public universities offer free tuition for all undergraduate students, including international ones. Even master's programs often cost €20,000 per year for a public university and between €10,000 and €30,000 per year for a private university: Programs in engineering, business and management are usually the most expensive.
• Norway: Like Germany, Norway’s public universities offer free education to international students.
• Poland: Tuition fees in Poland’s public universities range between €500–€6,000 per year for Bachelor's programs and €1,000–€8,000 per year for Master's programs. Some courses, like MBAs or Dentistry, can cost up to €15,000 per year. For private universities, the tuition fees are usually higher, but there are also lower-cost degrees available. All PhD students in Poland study free of charge and receive a scholarship.

Europe also offers strong post-study work opportunities, in ways more favourable than other popular destinations. In Germany, for instance, graduates can stay for 18 months to seek work in their field. Moreover, the European job market offers unique opportunities. With Europe’s focus on green technology and digital transformation, cities like Berlin, Stockholm, and Amsterdam are becoming hubs for innovation—offering plenty of opportunities for Indian graduates in growing industries.

The Duolingo English Test: Making English Proficiency Testing Easier

While studying in Europe is an exciting opportunity, the application process—especially English proficiency tests—can be a challenge. The Duolingo English Test (DET) is changing that, making it easier for Indian students to apply to top European universities. Here’s how:

• Easy Access: The test can be taken from one’s home using a computer, as long as it has internet, a camera, and a microphone. This is especially helpful for students in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
• Fast Results: Expect faster results in just 48 hours, speeding up the application process.
• Affordable: At just INR 5000, it’s much cheaper than other tests, making it easier to apply to multiple universities.
• Wider Acceptance: Over 630 European universities, including prestigious ones like the Technical University of Munich and Sciences Po in Paris, accept the DET scores.

The DET also includes a video interview, giving students the chance to highlight their speaking skills naturally.

Top European Universities Accepting the Duolingo English Test

Below is a list of the top 15 universities across Europe that recognise the Duolingo English Test for English Proficiency:

Germany: Known for its world-class universities and affordable education, Germany is a top choice for Indian students. According to a recent report, over 40,000 Indian students were studying in Germany in 2023! Universities in Germany accepting the DET include:

1. Hochschule Bremen
2. Technische Universität Berlin
3. Bard College Berlin
4. GISMA Business School

France: Ranked 5th in Europe for international students, France offers excellent academic programs and the ability to work part-time up to 964 hours per year while studying. With a surge in international student numbers (an increase of 17% in the last five years, making up for 14% of the French higher education population), France has become a top choice for international students. French universities accepting the DET include:

1. Sciences Po
2. HEC Paris
3. EDHEC Business School
4. ICN Business School
5. Toulouse Business School

Spain: Known for its vibrant culture and affordable living costs compared to other Western European countries, Spain is a growing favourite among Indian students. Learning Spanish while studying in English-taught programs is a great bonus. Universities in Spain that accept the DET include:

1. IE University
2. ESADE Business School
3. Universidad de Navarra
4. Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes (UEMC)

Italy: With a focus on the arts, design, and affordable tuition, Italy is another popular destination. Universities accepting the DET include:

1. Bocconi University
2. University of Pisa
3. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

With Europe's rich academic scene, affordable tuition, and cultural diversity, these universities offer Indian students a fantastic opportunity. The fact that they accept the Duolingo English Test makes applying even easier! For a full list of universities that accept the DET, refer to this link.