What is the Duolingo English Test? Can it replace IELTS?

Discover the Duolingo English Test - a convenient online English proficiency exam. Explore the test structure with LOA Portal and find out if it can replace IELTS for studying in Canada.

Overview of the Duolingo English Test

What is the Duolingo English Test? The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test developed by Duolingo, a popular language learning platform. Unlike traditional exams like IELTS or TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test is entirely online, offering convenience and time-saving for test-takers. This test is designed to comprehensively assess language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

4 Outstanding Advantages of the Duolingo Test

• Convenient

Take the test online anytime, anywhere—no need to visit a test center or schedule an appointment.

• Quick

Complete the test in about an hour and receive your results within 2 days. The results can be used immediately.

• Affordable

The Duolingo test costs $49 (about 1,300,000 VND), significantly cheaper than IELTS at $200 and TOEFL at $180.

• Flexible

There are no mandatory waiting periods between test attempts, allowing you to retake the test anytime. This flexibility helps improve scores or demonstrate language progress.  

Duolingo Test Structure

The test is conducted online anywhere and monitored via webcam. The entire test takes approximately 60 minutes.

• Introduction & Onboarding (5 minutes):

Ensure your computer's camera, speakers, and microphone are working properly. Submit a government-issued photo ID and review test rules and requirements.

• Adaptive Test (45 minutes):

A series of different questions assessing your English skills.

• Writing and Speaking Samples (10 minutes):

You will be prompted to respond in length. The Speaking Sample allows for a response within 1–3 minutes, and the Writing Sample allows for a response within 3–5 minutes. These samples are included when you send your test scores.

The total score for the Duolingo English Test is 160, representing the highest English proficiency level assessed by the test. The score ranges from 10 to 160, with increments of 5 points, allowing for precise language skills assessment. Your overall score reflects your performance across reading, listening, writing, and speaking tasks, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your English proficiency.

Can Duolingo replace IELTS for studying in Canada?

Duolingo is accepted by many schools in Canada. 

In recent years, many universities and colleges in Canada have started accepting Duolingo English Test scores as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL. The Duolingo English Test offers flexibility and convenience for international students, making it easier to apply and meet language requirements.

Some quality schools in Canada accepting Duolingo English Test for admission

• Toronto Metropolitan University
• University Canada West
• Brock University
• Cape Breton University
• Lakehead University
• Ontario Tech University
• University of Calgary
• University of Regina
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
• Algonquin College
• Cambrian College
• Centennial College
• Douglas College
• Georgian College
• Humber College
• Fanshawe College
• Red River College
• Niagara College
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic
• Seneca College

Can Duolingo be used for a Canada student visa application?  

While many schools in Canada accept the Duolingo English Test for admission purposes, using its scores to apply for a Canada student visa still has limitations. Currently, the Canadian government has not officially recognized the Duolingo English Test as a language requirement for the student visa application process.

If international students use the Duolingo test to apply to a school and receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), they can apply for a Canada student visa under the regular study permit stream, which does not require an IELTS certificate for visa processing.

However, if students wish to apply for a visa under the Study Direct Stream (SDS), IELTS is a more suitable option. Preparing an SDS application is simpler and requires:

• IELTS Academic 6.0
• Paying the first year's tuition fee
• Purchasing a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) worth $20,635 (this amount will be refunded after arriving in Canada)

Should you apply for a Canada study visa under the SDS category or show financial proof?

The Duolingo English Test is a modern and convenient alternative to traditional English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL. However, if you plan to study in Canada, be sure to check each school's specific requirements and consider the possibility of using these results in the visa application process. This will help you best prepare for your study abroad plans.