Why More Students are Choosing DET for Their University Applications Over Traditional English Proficiency Tests?

Studying abroad offers students a unique opportunity to gain world-class education, experience diverse cultures and enhance their career prospects. With access to top universities, cutting-edge research and international networks, students not only grow academically but also develop personal skills like independence and adaptability.

However, to secure a spot at top universities worldwide, students must meet certain requirements with English proficiency tests (EPTs) being a major hurdle. Traditional exams like IELTS and TOEFL have long been the go-to methods for proving English skills, however the Duolingo English Test (DET), a pioneer in digital English Proficiency testing, is much more convenient and affordable and trusted by over 3 million students worldwide. With its online format and quicker results, it is an increasingly popular choice for university applications.

Here’s why:

1. Unlimited Practice and Modern Testing Format:

One of the best features of the DET is the ability to practice as much as you need. Unlike traditional exams where you have to pay for each practice test or attend scheduled preparation sessions, DET offers unlimited practice opportunities. This allows you to build confidence, improve your skills, and familiarize yourself with the test format without worrying about extra costs. Even better, you can practice directly on your phone, meaning you can study and prepare for the test wherever and whenever it fits into your schedule.

Moreover, in contrast to traditional tests like TOEFL and IELTS, which follow standardized formats that can feel rigid and repetitive, DET’s adaptive test format uses AI technology to dynamically adjust the difficulty of questions based on your responses. This means the test is personalized to your skill level ensuring an efficient and accurate assessment.

2. Growing Acceptance by Top Universities

One of the most significant reasons students are switching to DET is its growing acceptance by universities worldwide. Over 5500 programs, including some of the world’s top universities now recognize DET as a valid measure of English proficiency.

In the United States alone, universities like University of Pennsylvania, Missouri State University, California Institute of Technology, George Mason University, Notre Dame, University of Texas, apart from the prestigious Yale, NYU and the University of Chicago have added DET to their accepted tests. This includes not only undergraduate programs but also competitive graduate and professional courses in fields like business, engineering and public health.

Beyond the US, DET is gaining traction in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, Spain and many others. Universities such as the University of Toronto, King’s College London, and Monash University also accept DET scores, making it a truly global test.

3. Simplifying the Process for Students

Applying to universities is already a complex process and traditional tests add extra layers of stress with their cumbersome requirements. For example, the TOEFL test and IELTS require test-takers to carry specific identification documents, travel to crowded test centers and adhere to strict protocols—all of which can feel overwhelming on test day.

DET eliminates these hurdles by letting you take the test from a familiar environment—your home. There’s no need to worry about commutes, test center rules or test-day anxiety. The DET’s simplicity ensures that students can focus entirely on their performance.

4. Affordability and Accessibility

Traditional English proficiency tests can be expensive, with registration fees ranging between INR 15,500 to ₹18,000. For many students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds this cost can be a major barrier to applying to international universities.

In contrast, the Duolingo English Test costs just less than INR 5500, making it more affordable for a wider range of students. This lower price point combined with the convenience of online testing makes the DET an attractive choice for those who want to save on both test fees and travel expenses.

5. Quick Results and Flexible Submission Options

Waiting for test results can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the application process. With traditional tests, results can take weeks to arrive, leading to potential delays in meeting application deadlines. DET offers an expedited process with results available within 48 hours. This quick turnaround time gives students a huge advantage when applying to universities with tight submission deadlines.

Furthermore, the DET allows students to send their scores to an unlimited number of institutions at no extra cost enabling them to apply to more universities without worrying about additional fees.

Whether you’re applying to undergraduate, graduate or professional programs, the DET ensures that proving your English proficiency is no longer a roadblock to achieving your dreams.