Why the Duolingo English Test Is the Fastest-Growing Choice for Study Abroad
More international students than ever are choosing the Duolingo English Test (DET) to prove their English proficiency. And the growth is not slowing down.
In 2025, one in five international applicants to U.S. universities submitted DET scores, showing a clear shift toward faster, more accessible, and more affordable English testing. What started as an alternative is now becoming a mainstream choice for the next generation of students.
At DET Study, we see this trend every day—especially among students who value flexibility, speed, and fairness.
The 2025 List of All Countries That Accept The DET
Students Want Speed, Access, and Affordability
When students choose an English test, acceptance still matters most. Over half of students say wide university acceptance is their top priority. But practical concerns follow closely behind.
Many students also care about:
- Easy appointment availability
- Fast score delivery
- Affordable test fees
The Duolingo English Test is designed around these needs. It is accepted by 6,000+ institutions worldwide, can be taken from home, and typically delivers results in under 48 hours.
For students in high-demand regions like India, speed and cost matter even more. DET removes common barriers by eliminating travel, test centers, and long wait times.
Beyond convenience, DET also focuses on access. Through programs like the Duolingo Access Program, thousands of refugee and displaced students have received free test waivers and support. In 2025 alone, DET Scholars enrolled at top universities across the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
Lower Anxiety, Better Performance
Another major advantage of the DET is how students feel during the test.
In studies comparing DET with TOEFL and IELTS, students reported significantly lower anxiety levels when taking the DET at home—before, during, and after the exam.
Lower stress matters. When students feel comfortable, they are more likely to perform at their true level, especially in high-stakes testing situations.
Mastering Core Ideas: Your Key to Duolingo English Test Success
Younger Students Are Driving the Shift
The strongest growth in DET usage is happening among younger applicants.
Survey data shows that while only 13% of students graduating in 2025 took the DET, that number jumped to 21% for the class of 2028. Awareness is rising just as quickly, with nearly two-thirds of younger students already familiar with the test.
This reflects a broader shift. Today’s students are digitally fluent. They expect tools that are flexible, intuitive, and designed for modern life—not systems built decades ago. For many of them, the DET feels like a natural fit.
A Smarter Way to Measure Speaking Skills
One of the most important innovations in 2025 was Interactive Speaking.
Unlike traditional speaking tests that follow a fixed script, Interactive Speaking adapts in real time. Test takers respond to follow-up questions in a simulated conversation, creating a more natural and realistic speaking experience.
Powered by generative AI and supported by rigorous scoring models, this format provides:
- A better experience for students
- Richer speaking samples for institutions
- Built-in fairness and security
Early results show that students prefer this format—and universities gain more meaningful insight into real-world communication ability.
What This Means for Universities
As demand for English testing grows, expectations are changing.
Students want tests that reflect how they learn, communicate, and live today. Institutions that accept the DET are responding to this shift by removing barriers and expanding access to higher education.
The Duolingo English Test is no longer just an alternative. For many applicants, it is becoming the default choice.
Prepare with Confidence at DET Study
At DET Study, we help students succeed with:
- Interactive speaking practice (including new formats)
- AI-powered writing feedback
- Full mock tests
- Strategy guidance for 2025–2026 admissions
🎯 Practice for free or unlock full access at DETStudy.com and prepare with confidence for the fastest-growing English test for study abroad.
