When colleges and universities review international applicants, English proficiency tests play a huge role. Schools want confidence that scores actually reflect whether a student can succeed academically.

A new study compared the Duolingo English Test (DET) with IELTS and TOEFL to see if it performs just as well in predicting student success. The results are very encouraging—for both institutions and students.

🔍 What the Study Looked At

• Location: A large U.S. public research university (not just highly selective schools)
• Sample size: 397 international students (both graduate & undergraduate)
• Tests compared: DET, IELTS, TOEFL, and test-exempt students
• Measures: First-year GPA + academic standing (probation, warning, withdrawal)

This broader sample gave researchers a chance to analyze a wider range of student performance, including conditional admits with lower proficiency scores.

🎯 Key Findings

✅ Comparable GPA Outcomes

• Students admitted with DET, IELTS, or TOEFL had similar average GPAs.
• No statistically significant differences across groups.

📉 Academic Difficulty Rates

• DET, IELTS, and TOEFL students had similar rates of probation/warning/withdrawal.
• Interestingly, test-exempt students struggled the most, showing exemptions don’t always guarantee readiness.

🌟 Strong Results for Conditional Admits

• Students admitted on a conditional basis (with lower proficiency) still performed well.
• Graduate students admitted with lower DET scores actually had the highest GPA (3.95) among all groups.

👉 This proves that language test scores are just one factor—with the right support, students can thrive regardless.

📝 Takeaways for Admissions Offices

• DET performs on par with IELTS and TOEFL in predicting student success.
• Independent research confirms DET is a valid tool for admissions.
• Exemption policies need care—removing language test requirements doesn’t always benefit students.

🎯 Beyond Test Scores: What Really Predicts Student Success?

🚀 What This Means for Students

If you’re applying abroad, this study should give you confidence:

• 🌍 DET is widely accepted and respected by universities.
• 🎓 Your chances of success are just as strong whether you take DET, IELTS, or TOEFL.
• 💡 Preparation matters most—scores open the door, but motivation, support, and study strategies help you succeed.

That’s why DET Study is here: to help you prepare smarter, save money with coupons, and walk into your test ready for success.

🌟 Final Thought

The Duolingo English Test isn’t just convenient—it’s proven to be just as reliable as IELTS and TOEFL. With growing independent research behind it, universities can feel confident, and students can feel empowered.

If you’re aiming to study abroad, pair your DET with DET Study prep + exclusive coupons to maximize both your score and your savings.