Across the globe, colleges and universities are navigating one of the most challenging moments in the history of higher education. With shifting demographics, rising costs, and geopolitical uncertainty, international admissions teams are balancing innovation with pragmatism. They need tools that work.
That’s why we’re proud to share that more than 6,000 programs now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) to assess applicants’ English proficiency!
To better understand how the DET is serving institutions in today’s admissions landscape, we conducted a flash survey in May 2025, in which over 230 institutions took part. Our goal was to gather direct feedback from admissions professionals about how the test fits into their current enrollment strategies, where it’s delivering value, and where we can continue to improve.
Here’s what they had to say.
The DET is secure, reliable, and ahead of the curve
Trust is essential in language testing—especially when scores inform high-stakes admissions decisions. In our recent survey, institutions affirmed that the DET continues to earn that trust. Nearly all respondents rated the DET’s security and proctoring systems as strong.
This trust reflects not just technology, but intentional design. While traditional test centers can be vulnerable to impersonation, organized cheating, and content leakage, the DET was built with a modern security model from the start. Remote proctoring allows us to identify suspicious behavior through a combination of recorded test sessions, behavioral analytics, and layered review processes, ensuring consistent security standards across all test takers. Our team regularly audits scores, monitors global testing patterns, and updates our systems to stay ahead of emerging threats.
As one respondent put it, “the ease and convenience for students all over the world is unmatched—but we also trust the scores.”
That balance is key. Institutions are looking for ways to reduce barriers for students while ensuring the integrity of their admissions process. The DET does both. And we’ll continue to invest in behavioral analytics, proactive monitoring, and greater transparency to support that trust.
The DET is helping institutions meet their goals
We also asked stakeholders how effectively the DET is helping them achieve their admissions goals. The results were clear:
- The overwhelming majority (72%) of respondents said the DET is very or extremely effective at supporting their enrollment goals, with another 22% rating it as moderately effective—a combined 94% expressing overall effectiveness.
- 70% called the DET a meaningful contributor to their ability to diversify their international applicant pool
- 97% rated the DET as moderate to very strong in its validity as a measure of academic English proficiency
This feedback reinforces what we hear often in conversations with institutions: the DET helps complete applications from qualified students who might otherwise be unable to meet language testing requirements, whether due to cost, test center availability, or visa delays.
Universities worldwide use the DET to support international admissions
Thousands of the most respected institutions in higher education accept the DET—including many of the world’s most selective and sought-after programs.
In the United States, all eight Ivy League universities accept the DET, alongside leading graduate and professional programs, such as Harvard Business School, Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, Wharton School of Business, and University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Across other English-speaking countries, the DET is accepted by top-ranked institutions like the University of Toronto, Imperial College London, University of Western Australia, and Trinity College Dublin.
DET acceptance is also strong in countries where English is not the primary language: Leading universities in Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and beyond use the DET to assess English proficiency.
Students benefit—and institutions see it
One theme echoed across dozens of survey responses: the DET is helping students demonstrate their English proficiency in ways that feel accessible, fair, and aligned with their lived experiences.
“In our overall experience, we have found that the DET is fast, innovative, expansive” —UK public research University
Admissions officers shared that the DET often plays a crucial role in helping applicants complete their files on time—especially those facing tight deadlines, financial constraints, or limited local testing options.
"The DET is a game changer for student access, and it’s easy to integrate with admissions." —Canadian research university
Many institutions told us that the DET has enabled them to move forward with strong applicants who might otherwise have been unable to submit proof of English proficiency. In several cases, it allowed students to stay on track with application timelines, meet scholarship deadlines, or gain admission after struggling with other formats.
For students in especially precarious situations, such as those displaced by conflict or systemic barriers, the Duolingo Access Program has played an important role—providing free test codes and direct support to help applicants submit competitive applications and stay on track with their educational goals.
“Two high-achieving students with refugee or asylum status needed to prove their English proficiency, but could not afford a test. Thanks to the DET Access Program, they were able to certify their English abilities and receive admission offers. Without this support, they likely would have been excluded from higher education opportunities.” —Private U.S. university
When students are navigating complex personal, financial, or geopolitical situations, this kind of flexibility really is a game-changer.
Language testing should support, not block, student access
For too many students, standardized English tests are a barrier, not a measure. The DET was designed to be different: fast, fair, accessible, and designed for today’s digital world. That vision is only possible because of the institutions who choose to keep their doors open to students who deserve a chance.
To every one of the 6,000+ programs that accept the DET: thank you. Your feedback helps us improve. Your trust helps students access opportunity. And your partnership makes a difference.