Business schools look for candidates with leadership potential, strong analytical skills—and clear, confident communication. For international applicants, that often means demonstrating English proficiency through a standardized test. Today, many of the top business schools in the United States accept the Duolingo English Test (DET), offering a flexible and affordable way to meet this requirement.
Top U.S. business schools that accept the Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by a growing number of prestigious graduate business programs across the United States, including MBA, master’s, and other professional degrees. These institutions recognize the DET as a modern, accessible option that reliably measures the academic English skills needed to succeed in a rigorous business curriculum.
Here are some of the most highly ranked U.S. business programs that accept the DET:
- University of Pennsylvania — Wharton School of Business: Consistently ranked among the top MBA programs in the world, Wharton is known for its analytic rigor, leadership development, and global reach.
- Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management: Known for its collaborative culture and global focus, Kellogg accepts the DET for its MBA program, broadening access for international applicants.
- University of Chicago – Booth School of Business: Booth is known for its analytical rigor and flexible curriculum. The school accepts the DET for its MBA program, making its evidence-based approach to leadership accessible to more international students.
- Dartmouth College – Tuck School of Business: Tuck is celebrated for its close-knit community and emphasis on personal leadership development. The school includes the DET as one of the accepted English proficiency tests for international applicants to its MBA programs.
- Harvard Business School: As a global leader in business education, Harvard Business School accepts the DET for its MBA program, offering international applicants a more accessible way to meet language requirements.
- New York University – Stern School of Business: Located in the heart of New York City, Stern offers globally focused programs in business, finance, and tech. The DET is accepted for its MBA program, expanding access for applicants from around the world.
These are just a few of the more than 5,700 programs that accept the DET as proof of English proficiency worldwide—search our complete list of accepting institutions to find even more!
Why U.S. business schools are embracing the DET
U.S. business schools value clear communication, adaptability, and global awareness—qualities reflected not only in their students, but also in their admissions practices. The DET aligns with these priorities by offering a modern, cost-effective way to assess English proficiency. With results in just two days and the ability to test from anywhere in the world, the DET eliminates barriers for qualified candidates across the globe.
The DET can take you there!
Whether you're applying to a top MBA program or exploring other graduate business degrees in the U.S., the DET offers a streamlined and accessible path to demonstrating your English proficiency. As more U.S. business schools adopt the DET, it’s opening doors for future business leaders to begin their journey with flexibility and confidence!