The Graduate Management Education (GME) Admissions Reporting Standards, overseen by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), now formally
The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), which is the steward of the Graduate Management Education (GME) Admissions Reporting Standards, in partnership with a Standard task force of leading business school professionals, now formally recognizes the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an approved measure of English language proficiency.
GMAC is the global association of leading graduate business schools, and its GME Admissions Reporting Standards shape how institutions report admissions data, define evaluation practices, and ensure transparency and comparability across programs worldwide. These standards influence how schools communicate outcomes, benchmark against peers, and demonstrate credibility to stakeholders.
GMAC updates its standards only when meaningful changes occur
The GME Admissions Reporting Standards are not updated lightly. Since their reintroduction in 2020, the standards have been reviewed every two years by a global task force of admissions leaders. Changes occur only when there is clear, field-wide consensus about a significant evolution in admissions practices.
Typically, updates focus on structural shifts—new program models, changes in reporting requirements, or improved data clarity—not on adding new assessments. That means the inclusion of the DET in the 2026 standards is particularly meaningful, because it signals widespread adoption and trust from global business schools.
"The inclusion of the DET in the GME Admissions Standards signals the field’s evolving recognition of modern, accessible, and research-backed approaches to English proficiency testing."
—Danielle Richie, Taskforce Co-Chair and Director of Graduate Admissions and Student Recruiting at Indiana University - Kelley School of Business
Business schools gain clearer reporting and evaluation flexibility
GMAC’s recognition of the DET provides graduate management programs with:
- Clear, straightforward guidance for reporting English proficiency data
- Increased flexibility in evaluating international candidates
- Enhanced alignment with practices supporting global student mobility and access
This allows institutions to meet reporting expectations without added complexity, reflecting how applicants prepare and test today.
Applicants benefit from increased acceptance of flexible testing
For prospective students, especially international applicants, the recognition of the DET signals growing acceptance of tests that prioritize accessibility and convenience. Business schools increasingly value assessments that remove logistical barriers while maintaining rigorous evaluation standards.
DET’s recognition highlights evolving admissions practices.
The inclusion of the Duolingo English Test in the 2026 GME Admissions Reporting Standards reflects a broader shift towards assessments that balance quality, clarity, and global access. As admissions practices evolve, Duolingo remains committed to supporting fair and inclusive evaluation frameworks.
Learn more about the 2026 GME Admissions Reporting Standards at GMAC’s official website.