Are you considering studying abroad? You might have encountered the hurdle of proving your English language proficiency and will be confused about what exam to take. To end your confusion, DUOLINGO and IELTS are the two most chosen tests. But again, what to choose is confusing. So here is a detailed score comparison of DUOLINGO Vs IELTS. Read and know what suits your requirements.
DUOLINGO
Launched in 2016, the DET is a modern way to demonstrate your English skills for universities. Over 4,000 institutions worldwide accept this computer-based test, making it a flexible choice for study abroad applicants. However, it’s important to note that the DUOLINGO English Test (DET) is accepted only for academic purposes.
IELTS
The IELTS is a widely recognized English language proficiency test that opens doors for international students. Offered in both paper-based and computer formats, the IELTS assesses your communication skills and ensures you’re prepared for academic success abroad.
| DUOLINGO | IELTS | |
| Duration | 60 Minutes | 2 Hours & 45 Min |
| Result Availability | 48 Hours | Up to 13 Days |
| Test Format | Online, adaptive | Paper-based & Computer-based |
| Acceptance | 5000+ Institutions | 12000+ Institutions |
| Score Validity | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Score Range | 10-160 | 0-9 (Band) |
Exam Pattern
Here are details about the exam patterns for both exams.
DUOLINGO:
| Sections | Time Period |
| Adaptive Examination (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking | 45 Minutes |
| Video Interview | 10 Minutes |
IELTS
| Sections | Total Questions |
| Listening | 40 |
| Reading | 40 |
| Speaking | 3 |
| Writing | 2 |
Score Comparison of IELTS Vs DUOLINGO
DUOLINGO :
This test awards scores on a scale of 10 to 160. Upon receiving your results, you’ll see individual sub-scores that reflect your performance in specific areas and integrated sub-scores that combine related skills. These sub-scores are then averaged to give you your overall score.
IELTS :
IELTS scores come in bands, ranging from band 0 (the lowest) to band 9 (the highest). You’ll also receive a band score for the four test sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). These individual scores are then averaged to determine your overall band score. For instance, you might achieve a band 7.5 overall, with an 8 in Listening and a 7 in Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
| DUOLINGO Score | IELTS Academic Band Equivalent |
| 10-55 | 0-4.0 |
| 60 | 4.0 |
| 65-75 | 4.5 |
| 80-90 | 5.0 |
| 95-100 | 5.5 |
| 105-115 | 6.0 |
| 120-130 | 6.5 |
| 130-135 | 7.0 |
| 140-145 | 7.5 |
| 150-160 | 8.0-9.0 |
| CEFR | DUOLINGO |
| A1-A2 | 10-55 |
| B1 | 60-95 |
| B2 | 100-125 |
| C1 | 130-150 |
| C2 | 155-160 |
DUOLINGO:
The Duolingo English Test (DET) keeps things simple, scoring 10 to 160. Here’s a breakdown of what your score might tell you:
- Below 55: This indicates limited proficiency in English. You might struggle to understand basic conversations or written materials.
- 55 to 85: This suggests moderate proficiency. You can handle everyday situations in English, but complex topics might be challenging.
- Above 85: Congratulations, you’ve reached the advanced level! You can comfortably communicate in English for academic or professional purposes.
IELTS:
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) uses a band system ranging from 0 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest), with increments of 0.5. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) receives its band score, which is then averaged to get your overall score.
- Band 1-2: This indicates little to no English proficiency.
- Band 3-4: You can understand basic phrases and communicate in familiar situations with limited vocabulary.
- Band 5-6: You can handle most everyday situations and express yourself clearly on familiar topics.
- Band 7-9: This demonstrates strong English proficiency. You can understand complex ideas and communicate fluently in both academic and professional settings.
Minimum Score Requirement Of DUOLINGO Vs IELTS For Top Universities
The DUOLINGO English Test is great for demonstrating your English proficiency to many universities. Over 3,500 institutions worldwide accept this test, including prestigious schools like Columbia, Chicago, Duke, New York, and Yale. The IELTS is a widely recognized option in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Here is a list which you can check
| University | Country |
IELTS (Minimum Score Requirement) |
DUOLINGO (Minimum Score Requirement) |
| Harvard University | USA | 7.0 | 125 |
| Stanford University | USA | 7.0 or above | 120 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | 7 | 120 |
| University of California Berkeley (UCB) | USA | 6.5 | 115 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | USA | 7 | 120 |
| Yale University | USA | 7 | 120 |
| Columbia University | USA | 6.5 | 105 |
| Princeton University | USA | 8 | ———- |
| New York University (NYU) | USA | 7.0 | 125 |
| University of Pennsylvania | USA | 7.0 | 120 |
| University of Oxford | UK | 7.5 | —— |
| University of Cambridge | UK | 7.0 | 90 |
| Imperial College London | UK | 7.0 | 125 |
| University College London (UCL) | UK | 6.5 | 105 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | UK | 7.0 | 105 |
| University of Edinburgh | UK | 6.5 | 115 |
| King’s College London | UK | 7.0 | 115 |
| University of Manchester | UK | 5.5 | —- |
| University of Warwick | UK | 6.0 | —- |
| University of Bristol | UK | 6.5 | —- |
| University of Toronto | Canada | 6.5 | 120 |
| University of British Columbia | Canada | 6.5 | 115 |
| McGill University | Canada | 6.5 | 115 |
| McMaster University | Canada | 6.5 | 120 |
| University of Alberta | Canada | 6.5 | 120 |
| University of Montreal | Canada | 6.5 | 120 & above |
| University of Calgary | Canada | 6.5 | 125 |
| University of Ottawa | Canada | 6.5 | 105 |
| University of Waterloo | Canada | 6.5 | 120 |
| Western University | Canada | 6.5 | 115 |
| University of Munich | Europe | 6.5 | 120 |
| Catholic University of Leuven | Europe | 6.5 | 105-110 |
| Karolinska Institute | Europe | 6.5 | — |
| Utrecht University | Europe | 6.5 | — |
| Heidelberg University | Europe | 6.5 | 95 |
| University of Manchester | Europe | 5.5 | — |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | Europe | 6.5 | 110 |
| University of Zurich | Europe | 7 | — |
| University de Paris | Europe | 6.5 | 115 |
The minimum score may vary, so check the official website for confirmation.
No matter what exam you are choosing from DUOLINGO Vs IELTS, the first thing you must not forget is to practice. Gurully provides you with an online platform for both IELTS & DUOLINGO. You will get a full-length mock test to help you achieve your target. Even if you want to prepare for the last days, you can customize the practice package and select the days according to your needs.
Read to know everything about “DET Exam“
Conclusion:
The DUOLINGO English Test (DET) and the IELTS are valid options for demonstrating English proficiency when studying abroad. However, they differ in test format, scoring system, and institution acceptance. The IELTS is the more traditional and widely recognized test, but the DET offers a faster, more convenient online format.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and the requirements of the universities you are applying to. Consider factors like test format, turnaround time, score requirements, and budget when deciding.
