IELTS vs. Duolingo English Test (DET): Which Should You Take in 2026?

If you are an international student applying to universities in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you will likely need to prove your English proficiency. For decades, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL were the only real options.

However, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has aggressively disrupted the market. In 2026, thousands of universities accept both. So, which one should you choose? Here is a breakdown to help you make the smartest choice for your budget and timeline.

1. The Cost Factor IELTS: Typically ranges from $200 to $250 USD, depending on your home country.

Duolingo (DET): Costs approximately $59 USD.

The Winner: Duolingo is significantly more budget-friendly, allowing you to save money for application fees.

2. Testing Format and Convenience IELTS: Takes nearly 3 hours. You must travel to an official testing center (or take the computer-delivered version at a center) and complete a face-to-face speaking interview with a human examiner.

Duolingo (DET): Takes about 1 hour. You can take it from the comfort of your own bedroom using your computer's webcam and microphone. The test is adaptive, meaning the questions get harder or easier based on your real-time performance.

The Winner: Duolingo wins on convenience, reducing test-day anxiety for many students.

3. Speed of Results IELTS: Computer-delivered results take 3 to 5 days, while paper-based results can take up to 13 days.

Duolingo (DET): Results are certified and delivered within 48 hours.

The Winner: If you are racing against a tight scholarship or university application deadline, Duolingo is the lifesaver you need.

4. Global Acceptance and Visa Requirements This is the most critical factor.

IELTS: The undisputed "Gold Standard." It is accepted by virtually 100% of universities globally. More importantly, it is universally accepted by immigration departments for student visas (such as the UKVI for the United Kingdom).

Duolingo (DET): While accepted by over 4,000 institutions globally (including heavyweights like Yale and NYU), it is not accepted everywhere. Some highly competitive programs still strictly require IELTS. Furthermore, some countries' immigration departments do not accept Duolingo for visa processing, meaning you might have to take the IELTS later anyway.

The Winner: IELTS.

The Final Verdict for 2026 Take the Duolingo English Test if:

You are on a strict budget.

Your application deadline is in three days.

You have verified that both your target university and the host country's visa department accept it.

Take the IELTS if:

You are applying to top-tier universities in the UK or Australia where visa requirements are strict.

You want the absolute safest option that will not restrict your choices later in the application cycle.

Pro Tip: Never assume a university accepts Duolingo just because they did last year. Always check the "International Admissions" page for the most up-to-date 2026 requirements before paying for any exam.