General information, not migration advice. We explain published test scores. We can't tell you which visa you're eligible for or what you personally need. Requirements change, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website, or speak to a registered migration agent.
The short answer: for an Australian visa, no. The Duolingo English Test isn't on the Home Affairs list of approved English tests, and Home Affairs doesn't accept any test taken fully online or at home. For university admission, sometimes: some universities accept it for some courses, so check with your university.
What is the Duolingo English Test?
You take it online, at home, on a computer with a camera and microphone, and it takes about one hour. Your phone's camera also records your computer during the test, which is part of how the test is supervised.
It has three parts:
- Set-up: you check your camera, speakers and microphone, show a government photo ID and review the rules.
- Adaptive test: short tasks such as Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, Listen and Type, Interactive Reading and Listening, Write About the Photo and Interactive Speaking. Some questions get harder or easier depending on how you're doing, so the number of questions varies.
- Writing and speaking samples: one written and one spoken answer that are sent, as they are, to the institutions that receive your results.
How it's scored
You get an overall score from 10 to 160, in steps of 5. You also get four subscores (listening, speaking, reading and writing) on the same scale, plus four combined subscores: comprehension, conversation, literacy and production.
Duolingo's own guide links its scores to CEFR levels like this:
| Duolingo score | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 155–160 | C2 |
| 130–150 | C1 |
| 100–125 | B2 |
| 60–95 | B1 |
| 10–55 | A1–A2 |
Not sure what CEFR levels mean? See our CEFR levels guide.
Results, validity and retakes
- Results: within two days (within 12 hours if you pay for Faster Results).
- Valid for: two years.
- Retakes: you must wait for your result before taking another test, and you can buy up to three tests in any 30-day period.
We don't list the price because it changes; Duolingo shows the current price when you buy the test.
Can you use it for an Australian visa?
No. The Department of Home Affairs publishes a list of the English tests it accepts as evidence for visas, and the Duolingo English Test isn't on it. Home Affairs also says it doesn't accept tests taken completely online, whether remote-proctored or at home.
The tests on the Home Affairs list, for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, are all taken at a test centre:
- PTE Academic
- IELTS Academic or General Training
- TOEFL iBT (you must choose "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when you register)
- OET, for health professionals
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
See the scores each one needs for every English level in our English tests table.
Student visas: whether you need to show English test results with a student visa application depends on your situation. Check the Home Affairs student visa page and ask your education provider, and don't assume a Duolingo result will be enough for the visa just because your university accepted it for admission.
Universities and colleges
Many universities around the world accept the Duolingo English Test for admission, including some in Australia. But each university sets its own rules, often different for each course, and they change. Before you book:
- Find your university's English language requirements page for your course.
- Check whether the DET is listed, and the overall score and any subscore minimums.
- If you're not sure, email the admissions team and keep their reply.
Which test should you take?
- You need a visa (now or later): take an approved test at a centre. PTE Academic and IELTS have the most test centres in Australia. Our 5-question Which English test should I take? quiz can help you choose.
- You only need university admission, and your university accepts the DET: it can be a quick and convenient option. You may still need an approved test later for a visa.
- Not sure yet: an approved test like PTE or IELTS keeps both doors open, for study and for visas.
How to prepare
- Speaking and writing: the DET asks you to describe photos and answer questions out loud. Practise speaking to a timer with our speaking practice recorder.
- Vocabulary and grammar: many DET tasks test real words and spelling. Our vocabulary and grammar lessons and the Complete English Course build the basics.
- Listening: try the Listening Room conversations.
- Official practice: Duolingo offers a free practice test on its official website.
Official sources
- Duolingo English Test: official website, test structure, results timing, validity, retakes and the 2026 scoring guide
- Department of Home Affairs: English language visa requirements
This page is general information about English tests, not migration or admissions advice. Rules change, so always check the official pages before you book or apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for Australian visas?
No. It isn't on the Department of Home Affairs list of approved English tests, and Home Affairs doesn't accept tests taken fully online or at home. For a visa, take one of the approved tests at a test centre, such as PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic or MET.
Do Australian universities accept the Duolingo English Test?
Some do, for some courses, but it varies by university and course and can change. Check your university's English requirements page and ask the admissions team before you book.
Can I use the Duolingo English Test for a student visa?
It isn't one of the tests on the Home Affairs approved list. What English evidence you need for a student visa depends on your situation, so check the Home Affairs student visa page and ask your education provider.
What is a good Duolingo English Test score?
It depends on what the university or course asks for. Scores run from 10 to 160. In Duolingo's own CEFR table, 100–125 is B2 and 130–150 is C1.
How long are Duolingo English Test results valid?
Duolingo says results are valid for two years.
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