There are many things that can be said when it comes to attending universities in another country, starting with providing proof of your English language abilities. Students from countries that are not English-speaking will need to show a university in an English-speaking country that they are able to communicate, perform academically, and engage in activities such as attending lectures, writing papers, and participating in group discussions.
At this time, there are three primary English proficiency tests which are administered for the purpose of studying at an institution in a different country: the Duolingo English Test (DET), the IELTS and the TOEFL. While these three tests assess similar language skills, they differ greatly in terms of their cost, format, acceptance, and appropriateness based on both your academic choices and destination.
This guide describes how each test functions, compares and evaluates which test may be best for students hoping to attend an international university, particularly for students who wish to study at popular destinations like the United States.
English proficiency test scores serve university admissions staff members in the following ways:
- Assess academic readiness
- Ensure students can cope with coursework and communication
- Meet accreditation and quality standards
Furthermore, in many instances, these scores also need to be reviewed by immigration authorities as part of the student visa application process itself. Thus, selecting these tests is of equal importance to performing well on these tests themselves.
Meanwhile, these students may also be considering other major life decisions, such as budgeting, cities to study in, and where to stay.
English Language Proficiency Test: An Overview of the Three English Proficiency Tests
Duolingo English Test (DET)
The English Test of Duolingo is an online, adaptive test that is designed with convenience at heart. The test can be taken at home, using a computer, a webcam, and a microphone. The test adapts to the answers of the test taker, which results in a shorter test time while maintaining accuracy.
With its ease, speed, and affordability, DET is especially preferred among the college-going population to enter American institutions of higher learning.
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
IELTS was one of the first English language testing systems to be set up globally. The Academic variant of this test has formed the basis of admissions to higher education in universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, the US, and many others.
The test is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, and it also includes a speaking test, in which a face-to-face interview is conducted by an examiner; this is widely accepted by institutions as an indicator of communication ability in realistic situations.
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language.
TOEFL, through ETS, is considered to be one of the measures of academic English proficiency in North America. TOEFL iBT places its basis on how English is used in university classrooms, lectures, and even academic discussions. Most major US and Canadian universities prefer TOEFL scores for their research-intensive and STEM-focused programs.
Detailed Comparison: Format, Duration, and Scoring
| Aspect | Duolingo English Test | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT |
| Test Mode | Online (home-based) | Test centre | Test centre / online |
| Duration | 45–60 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3–4 hours |
| Skills Tested | Integrated | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking |
| Scoring | 10–160 | Band 0–9 | 0–120 |
| Results Timeline | 48 hours | 3–10 days | 6–10 days |
Key Insight:
Students who struggle in long-format exams often appreciate the benefit of shorter Duolingo exams, whereas those comfortable in an antiquated testing environment may feel more secure with an IELTS or TOEFL.
Cost and Accessibility: A Major Deciding Factor
Tests of English proficiency can also prove to be costly, especially in instances where a student intends to join a variety of universities.
Duolingo English Test is the most budget-friendly test for university applications, as the test score can be sent to multiple universities for free. While the costs of the IELTS and TOEFL are substantially higher than the other three tests, they sometimes include a fee to provide additional test
In the case of IELTS and TOEFL, advance booking and travel to the test centres become necessary.
For students who live on tight budgets, especially those who may be researching student rooms in Gainesville through Amberstudent and other American cities, trying to balance the costs of tests with other living costs is an issue.
University Acceptance vs Visa Requirements
University Acceptance
Almost all colleges around the world will accept an IELTS or a TOEFL. However, for many universities and programs in the United States, the Duolingo English test is accepted at thousands of different institutions, but the policies vary between universities/programs.
Some colleges only accept Duolingo for their undergraduate programs or give conditional acceptance based on the DET score.
Student Visa Considerations
- IELTS is available for student visas in the UK, Australia, and Canada.
- TOEFL is often accepted for US and Canadian visas.
- Duolingo may not be considered valid by visa authorities in certain countries, despite the university’s approval.
This is why it is always important that students should first of all check their admission and visa requirements before making any booking.
Pros and Cons: An In-Depth Look
Duolingo English Test
Advantages
- Affordable and accessible
- Quick results and flexible scheduling
- Ideal for students in remote locations
Limitations
- Limited visa acceptance
- Not accepted by all institutions
IELTS
Advantages
- Globally recognised and trusted
- Accepted for academic and immigration purposes
- Strong emphasis on real-life communication
Limitations
- Higher cost
- Fixed test dates and locations
TOEFL
Advantages
- Strong preference among US universities
- Academic-focused assessment
- Consistent scoring system
Limitations
- Long test duration
- Less flexible scheduling
Selecting an Appropriate Test According to Your Study Destination
- Students heading to the US typically opt for either the TOEFL exam or the Duolingo test, depending
- Students intending to visit UK and Australia normally prefer to write IELTS.
- Students applying to various countries find the IELTS preferable because it is internationally recognised.
Besides test choices, planning for accommodation is an essential part of destination-specific preparation. Students heading to high-demand study locations such as Florida often begin exploring housing options well in advance, and student accommodation with Amberstudent may be considered as part of this early planning process alongside university and visa decisions.
Final Thoughts
One cannot prescribe an absolute fit among the options–Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL. This is owing to the diversity that each test offers to students with different backgrounds. The most appropriate test to choose among the options relies on individual considerations.
Through proper strategic planning, from choosing the best English proficiency exam to looking for inexpensive rooms, students can minimize uncertainties while focusing on the most important aspect of having a confident beginning of the international education process.
About author
Bhavna.S is a storyteller at heart who loves weaving words into engaging narratives. When not writing, she can be found sipping chai while lost in a book, taking long walks to clear her mind, or planning her next travel adventure – only to end up binge-watching a documentary instead.
