IELTS vs Duolingo English Test: Complete Comparison Guide (2026)
If you need a visa for the UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, take IELTS. None of them accept the Duolingo English Test for immigration. If your university lists Duolingo (common in the US), it is the cheaper, faster option you can take at home.
Visa rules checked against the official lists on September 23, 2026. Fees, dates and results times change often, so check the official site before you book.
At a glance
| IELTS | Duolingo | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer or paper | Online, adaptive |
| Length | About 2 h 45 min | About 1 hour |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (face to face) | All four skills in one adaptive session |
| Score scale | Bands 1–9, in half bands | 10–160 |
| Fee | Set by country, often US$200–270 | About US$70, check the current fee |
| Results | 3–5 days on computer, about 13 on paper | Within 48 hours |
| Validity | Usually 2 years | 2 years |
| Where you sit it | Test centre | At home, online |
| Who accepts it | Universities worldwide, plus UK, Canadian, Australian and NZ visas | Many universities, especially in the US. Not accepted for UK, Canadian, Australian or NZ visas. |
Which should you take?
Start with the organisation you need the score for. It decides which tests count.
UK visaUKVI
- IELTS
- AcceptedTake IELTS for UKVI
- Duolingo
- Not accepted
It is not an approved SELT, so you cannot use it for a UK visa.
Canada immigrationIRCC, Express Entry
- IELTS
- AcceptedTake General Training
- Duolingo
- Not accepted
IRCC does not accept it for Express Entry or other immigration programmes.
Australian visaDepartment of Home Affairs
- IELTS
- AcceptedAcademic or General Training
- Duolingo
- Not accepted
Home Affairs does not accept it for visas.
US universitiesAdmissions offices
- IELTS
- AcceptedWidely accepted
- Duolingo
- Accepted
Widely accepted by US universities. Confirm that your programme lists it.
Score equivalence
| IELTS | Duolingo |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | 105–115 |
| 6.5 | 120–125 |
| 7.0 | 130–135 |
| 7.5 | 140–145 |
| 8.0 | 150–155 |
These equivalences are approximate. Each university or visa route sets its own minimum for each test. Full IELTS score equivalency chart →
Common questions
Is the Duolingo English Test easier than IELTS?
The tests are different rather than easier or harder. Duolingo is adaptive and shorter, which some find less stressful. However, IELTS gives you more control over pacing and has a human-scored speaking section. Your experience will depend on your test-taking style.
Can I send Duolingo scores to universities that also accept IELTS?
Many universities accept both, but not all. Always check the specific admissions requirements for your programme. Some universities accept Duolingo for initial applications but require IELTS for final enrolment or visa purposes.