Every year, more students choose the Duolingo English Test (DET) to certify their English proficiency. In 2025, one in five international applicants to U.S. universities applied with DET scores—a clear sign that the next generation of students is embracing faster, more accessible, and more affordable testing options.
And it’s not just students who are adapting. This year, the DET reached acceptance at all eight Ivy League institutions and all 15 members of Canada’s U15, further solidifying its place as a trusted tool for admissions. In this year-in-review, we’ll explore why so many students are turning to the DET, what institutions can learn from that shift, and how innovations like Interactive Speaking are helping define the future of language testing.
Students care about speed, access, and affordability
What matters most to students when choosing an English test? Across the board, broad university acceptance ranked as the top consideration, selected by more than half of students (53%). But other practical concerns loomed large, too: 39% named appointment availability, 30% cited fast score delivery, and another 30% prioritized affordable exam fees.
The DET is designed to meet these needs. It’s accepted by over 6,000 programs and institutions worldwide, can be taken from nearly anywhere, and delivers results in under 48 hours. For test takers in high-demand regions like India—where 32% said affordability was key, and 42% prioritized fast scores—the DET offers a more convenient path forward. This commitment to access also drives our work beyond the test itself. Through the Duolingo Access Program, we’ve supported thousands of refugee and displaced students with free test waivers, guidance, and university pathways. In 2025, DET Scholars enrolled at top universities across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, demonstrating that with the right support, opportunity can reach even the most underserved communities.
And broader access isn’t the only benefit. In a recent study comparing the DET to TOEFL and IELTS, test takers reported significantly lower anxiety levels when taking the DET at home—before, during, and after the exam. That matters: reduced anxiety can help students perform at their best, especially in high-stakes situations.
The next generation of students is choosing Duolingo
The DET’s momentum is especially strong among younger applicants. A recent survey we conducted in partnership with College Pulse found that while only 13% of students graduating in 2025 took the DET, that number rose to 21% for the class of 2028—a 60% increase. Awareness is climbing too: 62% of 2028 graduates were familiar with the test, compared to just 34% in 2025.
This shift reflects a broader trend: today’s students are more digitally fluent, and they’re more likely to seek out testing experiences that are flexible, fair, and intuitive. They're looking for solutions that fit their lives—not legacy systems built for another era. Increasingly, they’re turning to the DET.
A smarter way to assess English speaking
This year also saw the launch of Interactive Speaking, a new task type that offers a truly personalized experience for test takers. Unlike traditional speaking assessments that follow a fixed script, Interactive Speaking adapts in real time, allowing test takers to engage in a simulated conversation that feels more like real communication.
It’s a first-of-its-kind innovation in high-stakes testing—made possible by generative AI and backed by rigorous scoring models. And because every question and scoring rubric is generated and evaluated uniquely, test fairness and security are built in by design.
Early data from Interactive Speaking show a better experience for test takers and a richer sample of language for institutions. For both audiences, this new task type represents a smarter, more human approach to measuring speaking skills.
What it means for institutions
As demand for English certification rises, so do expectations for modern testing experiences. Students want tests that reflect how they live, learn, and communicate—and that means tests that are faster, more affordable, and more flexible than ever before.
By accepting the DET, institutions are responding to this shift. They’re removing barriers for students, improving access to higher education, and meeting applicants where they are. The DET is no longer an alternative: it’s becoming the standard for a new generation.