🌍 How UNC Charlotte Uses the Duolingo English Test to Boost Global Graduate Enrollment

Many U.S. universities are facing a serious challenge: fewer international graduate students are applying and enrolling.
At the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), this decline isn’t just about numbers — it’s about the voices, perspectives, and ideas that shape the classroom and drive innovation.

So how is UNC Charlotte turning the trend around?
By rethinking one of the first barriers international students face — English language testing — and embracing the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a smarter, more accessible path for global applicants.

🎓 Why English Testing Policy Matters

For many universities, English testing isn’t just about verifying language proficiency. It’s a signal — one that tells students whether an institution is open, inclusive, and adaptable to the realities of modern education.

At UNC Charlotte, adopting the Duolingo English Test has become a message to students worldwide:

“You are welcome here — and we’re removing barriers that stand between you and your goals.”

In an era where higher education is competing for international talent, Charlotte’s use of the DET represents not just an admission requirement — but a statement of access and authenticity.

📈 What the Data Says About Student Success

When UNC Charlotte first considered the DET, leaders asked the same questions many institutions do:

• Are students admitted with DET scores academically prepared?
• Will their performance match that of students who took TOEFL or IELTS?

After reviewing their own institutional data, the results were clear:
👉 Students who submitted DET scores performed just as well as their peers.

Here’s what UNC Charlotte found among 1,200+ graduate students:

📊 The takeaway: Academic outcomes across all three tests were virtually identical.
Students who submitted Duolingo English Test scores were equally ready for graduate-level coursework and demonstrated the same academic strength as those admitted through traditional tests.

💡 Charlotte’s Strategic Advantage

Charlotte, North Carolina, isn’t just a city — it’s a global business hub.
Home to international companies like Bank of America, Lowe’s, and Honeywell, the city relies on UNC Charlotte to develop graduates who can thrive in global industries.

International students are vital to this mission.
They bring:

• 🌏 Cultural diversity that enhances classroom dialogue
• 💡 Innovative perspectives that enrich research and collaboration
• 💬 Global connections that expand the reach and reputation of UNC Charlotte

But global talent can’t thrive if they can’t apply — and that’s where the Duolingo English Test plays a game-changing role.

How the Duolingo English Test Is Scored: Inside the AI-Powered System

⚙️ The Duolingo English Test Advantage

The DET removes the traditional barriers of English testing by focusing on accessibility, affordability, and fairness:

✅ No test centers required: Students can test securely from anywhere in the world.
💸 Affordable pricing: The DET costs far less than other major English exams.
⏱️ Fast results: Most students receive their verified scores within 2 days.
🌐 Fair, adaptive testing: Each exam adjusts to a student’s real ability level using AI and psychometrics.

For UNC Charlotte, these features have allowed more qualified applicants to apply without being limited by geography or finances.
The result? A stronger, more globally representative student body.

🌱 Building a Future-Ready Admissions Strategy

UNC Charlotte’s decision to adopt the DET wasn’t just about convenience — it was about future-proofing global enrollment.

As graduate education continues to evolve, universities that thrive will be those that balance academic standards with accessibility.
The DET provides both.

By embracing modern testing, UNC Charlotte:

• Streamlined its admissions process
• Expanded access to talented applicants worldwide
• Strengthened its reputation as a forward-thinking institution

🔬 What It Means for Higher Education

UNC Charlotte’s success story highlights a growing shift in global admissions.
Institutions no longer see accessibility as a compromise — but as a competitive advantage.

The Duolingo English Test doesn’t just measure English ability; it represents a larger movement toward equity, speed, and opportunity in international education.

At a time when higher education faces enrollment declines, schools that adapt — like UNC Charlotte — are positioning themselves at the forefront of global innovation.

“The DET has become more than a tool for admission — it’s a bridge that connects ambition with opportunity.”

🌍 Free Tests, Real Impact: How the DET Expands Access and How You Can Save with DET Study

💚 Learn, Prepare, and Save with DET Study

If you’re planning to apply to graduate programs that accept the Duolingo English Test, DET Study gives you everything you need to score higher and save money:

🎯 Here’s how DET Study helps you succeed:

• AI-powered practice for all question types
• Speaking and writing templates that reflect real DET scoring logic
• Vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension drills that improve subscores
• 60-day access to exclusive test prep materials

💸 Plus — Save 10% instantly on your official Duolingo English Test!
Sign up today at detstudy.com to unlock your discount and start your global study journey with confidence. 🌎✨