Duolingo English Test (DET) – for Admissions

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a 45 minute test in 45 giving results results within 48 hours. It is
currently being used as a contingency by UCD, TCD, DCU and TU Dublin.

Recommendation:

 It is now recommended that DBS accept this test for admission to Post-Graduate,
Undergraduate, pre-Undergraduate, pre-Masters and other programmes.

Acceptable Scores

Programmes Scores – Duolingo Test of English (DET) IELTS CEFRL

Undergraduate 95 6.0-6.5 B2+
Postgraduate 95 6.0-6.5 B2+
Pre-Masters 80 5.5 B2
CBEL 55 4.0 A2+

Establishing: Correlation with IELTS and TOEFL

Establishing a correlation between tests is not without difficulty. Duolingo published its own
commissioned research on correlation (or comparisons between TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo) and
states in their research a correlation of between +0.49 and +0.78 depending on the cohort and
context. These studies took place between 2015 and 2019. This is indicates that the correlation is
fair to fairly strong. By comparison, the DBS test has a very strong positive correlation of +0.92.

Establishing: Correlation with the CEFRL

Firstly, Because CEFRL is not a test, there are no direct correlation that can be measured. Secondly,
Duolingo does not provide + scores in their correlation tables

Limitations

The acceptable scores herein are based on the Duolingo published scores, the analysis of other Irish
providers and the research previously conducted by DBS. There are inherent limitations in this
formulation due to a lack of research into the test, the sample cohorts and and the nature of the test
across all four skills.
Duolingo – Scoring - Comparison
UCD1

Temporary For students affected by testing centre closures due to COVID-19, UCD has
measure for approved the use of the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a temporary
2020 ONLY measure for the 2020 intake. The minimum requirement will be a DET score
(response to of 110. An interview may be required in conjunction with this.
Covid 19)

TU Dublin2

‘Due to the current global situation, many IELTS exams have been postponed. We are now accepting
the Duolingo English Test in place of this. You can find a Score Comparison on their website. The
minimum score required is 95 unless stated otherwise. Please be aware that some programmes
require a higher score. Details can be found on individual programme pages.’

Duolingo Min 95

TCD3

‘The Pre-Master’s Pathway Programme is suitable for students with a conditional offer for
postgraduate study at Trinity College Dublin, subject to fulfilling the minimum English language
requirement. To be accepted on the PMPP, you require an IELTS 6.0 overall score, with no individual
band less than 5.5 or an equivalent score in TOEFL – 72 overall (no component below 17) or the
Duolingo English Test – minimum overall score of 90/160. Please note that IELTS and TOEFL
certificates will be accepted for three years after the date of the exam, while the Duolingo English
test must be dated since January 2020.’

DCU4

Temporary measure for 2020 ONLY (response to Covid 19)

For students affected by testing centre closures due to COVID-19, DCU has approved the use of
the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a temporary measure from 1st April to 31st July 2020.
Undergraduate Applicants:

Applicants to study an undergraduate programme at DCU will be considered with a minimum DET score of
110

Postgraduate Applicants:

1
See:
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirem
ents/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/
2
See: https://tudublin.ie/study/international-students/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
3
See: https://www.tcd.ie/slscs/english/pmpp.php
4
See: https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Applicants to study at postgraduate level for Faculty of Engineering and Computing and Faculty of Science and
Health will be considered with a minimum DET score of 110

Applicants to study a Postgraduate programme in the DCU Business School, the Faculty of Humanities and
Social Science or the Institute of Education will be considered with a minimum DET score of 120

Foundation Applicants:

Two Semester DCU IFP Foundation programme will be considered with a minimum DET score of 90

One Semester DCU IFP Foundation programme will be considered with a minimum DET score of 100

Students using this English Language test to satisfy the conditions of their full offer will have additional
supports to ensure success in their DCU programme. As part of orientation students will be assessed and
provided with any supplementary English appropriate to address their needs.