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Duolingo IELTS Score Conversion, Universities, Requirements

Duolingo English Test (DET) is an affordable, online alternative to IELTS for proving English proficiency. A DET score of 120–125 equals IELTS 6.5, and 130–135 equals IELTS 7.0. DET is shorter, cheaper, and provides faster results, while IELTS is accepted by more universities worldwide.

authorImageSupriya Shrivastava13 Oct, 2025
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Duolingo IELTS score Conversion

Duolingo to IELTS Score Conversion: English language skills are essential for students planning to study abroad. Many universities require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test (DET). The Duolingo English Test is becoming increasingly popular because it is convenient, affordable, and can be taken online at any time.

Below, we will explain Duolingo to IELTS score conversion, show an IELTS to DET score conversion chart, compare universities accepting Duolingo vs IELTS, and share some Duolingo preparation tips vs IELTS strategies.

IELTS Band Calculator

What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English exam that checks your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is adaptive, which means the questions adjust based on your answers. The test takes about 45–60 minutes to complete, and results are available in 48 hours.

Unlike IELTS, which can take 2 hours and 45 minutes, DET is shorter and flexible. You can take it from home with a computer, camera, and internet connection.

Why Convert Duolingo Scores to IELTS?

Many universities and employers are familiar with IELTS scores. Converting your DET score to an IELTS band makes it easier to understand your English level and meet university requirements. This is where the Duolingo to IELTS score conversion becomes useful.

For example:

  • A DET score of 120–125 is like IELTS 6.5, showing good English skills.
  • A DET score of 130–135 equals IELTS 7.0, which is often required for graduate programs.

Using a Duolingo IELTS score conversion chart helps you compare scores easily and decide which universities you can apply to

Duolingo IELTS Score Conversion

Most colleges and universities need proof of English language expertise as part of the admissions process to ensure that students can complete the degree program. In reality, over 70 countries, including major nations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, need people who speak another language to pass English proficiency exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test. These examinations determine if the applicants have the necessary skills needed to succeed in academics and university environments where English is the main language of communication.

Also Check:

Duolingo IELTS Score Conversion Key Highlights

Understanding the differences between Duolingo scores and IELTS band scores will help you make a knowledgeable decision. For additional important facts and figures about both exams, refer to the table of highlights of Duolingo IELTS score conversion given below.

Duolingo IELTS Score Conversion Highlights
Feature DET IELTS
Cost INR 5K INR 17K
Duration 60 minutes 2 hours and 45 minutes
Result Availability 48 hours Up to 13 Days
Test Format Online, adaptive Paper-based or computer-based, fixed format
Acceptance 5,000 institutions 12,000 organisations
Score Validity 2 years 2 years

Duolingo IELTS score Conversion

Converting Duolingo English Test (DET) results to scores for the IELTS gives a helpful view of a candidate's English skills. Simply stated, the conversion tool will help you understand your DET score using the internationally recognized IELTS scale. Below, we’ve mentioned that Duolingo IELTS score conversion may be used to compare your English skills across many testing platforms.

Duolingo IELTS score Conversion
Duolingo Score IELTS 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

Differences Between Duolingo and IELTS

Before deciding which test to take, it is important to understand how Duolingo and IELTS differ. Comparing their format, scoring, and acceptance helps students choose the right test for their goals.

Difference Between Duolingo and IELTS
Aspect IELTS DET (Duolingo English Test)
Format Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking; Paper or computer Adaptive online test; all skills tested simultaneously
Duration 2 hours 45 minutes 45–60 minutes
Scoring 0–9 per section 10–160 overall
Acceptance Widely recognized by 11,500+ organizations Growing popularity, accepted by 5,000+ institutions
Cost Higher, varies by country More affordable (~INR 5K)
Focus Academic and professional English Daily English and academic skills

Duolingo English Test and Its Rising Acceptance

The Duolingo English exam (DET) is a popular online, on-demand English language proficiency exam because it is convenient, accessible, and reasonably priced. Unlike standard English examinations, the DET may be taken at any time and from any location using a computer equipped with a camera and microphones. Its growing recognition among institutions globally has made it an acceptable choice for students looking to show their English skills without the necessity for live testing. These countries currently have numerous colleges accepting the Duolingo English Test:

Universities Accepting Duolingo vs IELTS

The Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 5,000 institutions worldwide. But IELTS is more widely recognized, with more than 12,000 organizations accepting it. Some universities accept both, and they mostly provide their own Duolingo to IELTS score conversion guidelines.

Duolingo IELTS score
Name of University Ranking (QS 2024) DET Score Requirement IELTS Score Requirement
Harvard University #4 125 7.5
Stanford University #5 110 7
University of Oxford #3 120 7
University of Cambridge #2 120 7
Massachusetts Institute of Technology #1 120 7
University of California 115 6.5
University of Toronto #21 110 6.5
University of Sydney #19 110 6.5
University of Edinburgh #22 110 6.5

IELTS as a Benchmark for English Proficiency

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally known exam that measures English proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is widely accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in countries like the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Below, we’ve mentioned the differences between the two types of IELTS tests.

IELTS Academic and General Training
Aspect Academic General Training
Purpose Students who are applying for higher education or professional authorization. People go to English-speaking nations for employment or training programs.
Reading Includes 3 long passages Includes many passages
Writing Task 1 Requires describing visual information. Requires writing a letter.
Writing Task 2 Includes writing an essay on a topic. Includes writing an essay.

Why Convert Duolingo Score to IELTS for Academic Applications

Now that you've understood each exam separately, you're probably wondering what the purpose of converting the Duolingo result to IELTS means. Thus, all of your questions will be answered in this area.

  • To begin, several universities have developed score equivalents between the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the IELTS in order to simplify entrance.
  • This conversion is crucial for students applying for colleges, which require several English proficiency exams but prefer IELTS results first.
  • For example, the University of Arizona in the USA validates a DET score of 105, similar to an IELTS band score of 6.5, which passes the English language skills criteria for the majority of its undergraduate programs.
  • Likewise, the University of Toronto in Canada accepts a DET score of 120, equal to an IELTS band score of 7.0, for admission to graduate programs.

PW IELTS Prep

Physic Wallah provides online IELTS coaching that improves the preparation process by offering an organized approach to becoming ready. PW provides both general and academic training for IELTS coaching. A band score of 8 or above on the IELTS exam is required for those who take part in PW’s IELTS coaching program.
IELTS Exam Other Related Links
IELTS Exam IELTS Full Form
IELTS  Registration IELTS Eligibility Criteria
IELTS Exam Pattern IELTS Syllabus
IELTS Exam Dates IDP IELTS Test Centers
IELTS Cut Off IDP IELTS Slot Booking
IELTS Mock Test IELTS Academic Vs General
IELTS Books and Study Guide IELTS Band Score

Duolingo IELTS score Conversion FAQs

What is the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

The Duolingo English Test, or DET, is an online exam. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students can take it from home with a computer, camera, and internet. The test takes about 45–60 minutes, and the results are available within 48 hours.

How do Duolingo scores compare to IELTS bands?

Duolingo scores range from 10 to 160. IELTS scores go from 0 to 9. A Duolingo score of 120–125 is like IELTS 6.5. A score of 130–135 is like IELTS 7.0. A score of 140–145 is like IELTS 7.5. A score of 150–160 is like IELTS 8.0–9.0. This helps students see how their English level compares.

Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by universities?

Yes, over 5,000 institutions accept the Duolingo English Test. This includes universities in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Some universities accept both Duolingo and IELTS. It is important to check each university’s specific requirements.

How can I convert my Duolingo score to IELTS?

Students can use a conversion chart to change Duolingo scores into IELTS bands. For example, a DET score of 120–125 equals IELTS 6.5. Conversion charts help them know where their English level stands. They are useful when applying to universities that accept IELTS.

Which test should I choose: Duolingo or IELTS?

Duolingo is more affordable and shorter. Students can take it online from anywhere. IELTS is recognized by more universities and organizations. They should check the requirements of their target universities. Choose the test based on the budget, convenience, and the universities students want to apply to.
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