IELTS and the Duolingo English Test both prove your English. But they are not the same, and they are not always swapped freely. The Duolingo test is cheaper, faster, and taken at home. IELTS is accepted almost everywhere, including for visas and immigration. The right choice depends on your goal, not on which test looks easier. This guide compares acceptance, scores, cost and format, so you can choose well. Want to see your IELTS level first? Take a free IELTS practice test.
IELTS vs Duolingo: the quick answer
In short, pick the Duolingo test for speed, budget and university admission where it is accepted. Pick IELTS for the widest acceptance, for any visa or immigration route, and for professional registration. Here is how they compare at a glance.
The widely accepted test
A 4-skill test taken at a centre, or online for Academic. Speaking is with a real examiner.
- Accepted by 12,000+ organisations
- Accepted for visas and immigration
- Needed for most professional registration
- Band score 0 to 9
- Costs more and takes longer
The fast, low-cost test
A 1-hour adaptive test taken at home with a webcam. Marked by computer, with no human examiner.
- Accepted by 5,000+ institutions
- Strong in the US, growing elsewhere
- Rarely accepted for visas
- Score 10 to 160
- Cheaper and faster
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | IELTS | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|
| Where you take it | Test centre, or online for Academic | At home, online with a webcam |
| Length | About 2 hours 45 minutes | About 1 hour |
| Speaking | Live with a human examiner | Recorded, marked by computer |
| Score scale | Band 0 to 9 | 10 to 160 |
| Cost | About $200 to $340 | About $70 |
| Results | 3 to 5 days on computer | About 2 days |
| Retake wait | No fixed wait | Once every 21 days |
| University acceptance | Almost universal | Wide and growing, check each one |
| Visa and immigration | Accepted | Rarely accepted |
For the IELTS price in your country, see our guide to IELTS fees and cost by country.
Where each test is accepted
This is the part that decides your choice. A cheaper, faster test is no use if the place you are applying to will not take it.
IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organisations in over 140 countries. That includes almost every university in the UK, Canada, Australia and Europe, and the main immigration authorities. The Duolingo test is accepted by 5,000 or more institutions, and the number is rising fast. It is strongest in the United States, and growing in Canada and the UK. But acceptance is far from universal, and it is weak for visas.
The Duolingo test is not a UK Secure English Language Test, so it is not accepted for UK visa purposes. Australia does not accept it for the student visa. For Canada, many universities accept it for admission, but it is not on the IRCC approved list for permanent residence routes such as Express Entry, where IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or CELPIP are required. Professional bodies, such as nursing and medical councils, also usually require IELTS. If your goal involves a visa, immigration or registration, choose IELTS and confirm the rule with the official body.
For study, the key step is simple: check the exact test and score your target university accepts, on their own admissions page. If they accept Duolingo, it can be a strong, low-cost choice. If you also need a visa, make sure one test covers both. Planning to move to Canada? See IELTS for Canada.
Duolingo to IELTS score conversion
Universities often list an IELTS band, so you need to know what your Duolingo score means in IELTS terms. The table below shows approximate equivalents based on Duolingo's published concordance.
| IELTS band | Duolingo score (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 5.5 | 90 to 95 |
| 6.0 | 95 to 105 |
| 6.5 | 110 to 115 |
| 7.0 | 120 to 125 |
| 7.5 | 130 to 135 |
| 8.0 | 140 to 145 |
These equivalents are approximate. Every university sets its own threshold, so always use the exact score on their admissions page. The two tests also measure in different ways, and a study by Duolingo found the link between the two scores is moderate, not exact. A strong IELTS taker does not always get the matching Duolingo score, and the other way round. If you can, try a practice version of each before you decide.
Which test should you take?
Match the test to your goal. Here is a simple way to choose.
University admission
If your target university accepts Duolingo and you have no visa test rule, it is cheaper and faster. Check the score they ask for first.
Visa or immigration
For UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand visas and permanent residence, choose IELTS. The Duolingo test is rarely accepted for these.
Professional registration
For nursing, medical and other regulated jobs, bodies usually require IELTS or OET. The Duolingo test is not accepted.
Tight budget or deadline
If you need a result fast and cheaply, and your university accepts it, the Duolingo test saves money and time.
Not sure which IELTS you would need? Read Academic vs General Training. Ready to start? See how to book IELTS.
Frequently asked questions
Is Duolingo accepted instead of IELTS?
Sometimes. Many universities accept the Duolingo English Test for admission, especially in the United States and increasingly in Canada and the UK. But acceptance is not universal, and it is rarely accepted for visas, immigration or professional registration. Always check the exact test your university or visa office accepts before you book.
What Duolingo score equals IELTS 6.5?
A Duolingo score of about 110 to 115 is roughly equal to an IELTS band 6.5, which is a common requirement for undergraduate admission. A score of about 120 to 125 is close to IELTS 7.0. These are approximate. Always use the exact score your target university lists.
Is the Duolingo test accepted for a UK or Canada visa?
For the UK, no. The Duolingo test is not a Secure English Language Test, so it cannot be used for the visa, even if your university accepts it for admission. For Canada, universities may accept it for admission, but it is not on the IRCC approved list for permanent residence routes like Express Entry, which need IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or CELPIP. Confirm the rule with the official body.
Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?
Not exactly. The Duolingo test is shorter and taken at home, which feels easier. But it is adaptive, so it gets harder as you do well, and it tests typing, speaking to a camera, and quick thinking. Some people score better on IELTS, others on Duolingo. The link between the two scores is only moderate, so try a practice version of each if you can.
How much cheaper is the Duolingo test?
The Duolingo English Test costs about $70, which is roughly a quarter of the IELTS fee in many countries. It also gives results in about 2 days, against 3 to 5 days for computer IELTS. If your university accepts it, this saves both money and time.
Can I take both tests?
Yes, and some students do. You might use the Duolingo test for a university that accepts it, and IELTS for a visa or for a university that requires it. Just check the rules for each application, so you do not pay for a test that your target will not accept.