IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo: Which English Test Should You Take in 2026?
A practical comparison of the five tests Pakistani students ask about most — and a simple rule for choosing the right one.
Key takeaways
- The Duolingo English Test (DET) costs about US$70 and takes roughly one hour online at home.
- Results usually arrive within about 48 hours and scores last two years.
- DET is mainly accepted for university admission — it is generally not a visa English test for the UK or Australia.
- Always check each university's policy before relying on DET.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) became popular because it is cheap, short and available from home. For students whose universities accept it, that can save time and money. For others, it is a trap that wastes both.
DET at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | About US$70 |
| Duration | About 1 hour, adaptive |
| Score | 10–160 in 5-point steps |
| Delivery | Online at home with camera and microphone (proctored) |
| Results | Typically within 48 hours |
| Validity | 2 years |
Where DET is accepted
Many universities in the USA, Canada and Europe accept DET for admission. Some UK universities do too. But acceptance varies by programme and year, so check the admissions page of every university on your list.
Where it is not enough
- UK visas: if your route needs a Secure English Language Test, DET does not qualify.
- Australian student visa: DET is generally not an accepted visa test.
- Professional bodies and some scholarships require IELTS, PTE or TOEFL.
If your plan involves a visa that needs a recognised test, take that test instead. See our English test comparison.
Setting up for test day
- Use a quiet room and a laptop with a working camera and microphone.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable.
- Keep your passport or national ID ready for verification.
- Close all other programs and notifications.
Question types to practise
- Read and complete (missing letters)
- Listen and type
- Read aloud
- Write about the image / speak about the topic
- Video interview and writing sample (shared with universities)
A one-week plan
| Day | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Official practice test and baseline |
| 2–3 | Vocabulary and typing speed, listen-and-type drills |
| 4–5 | Speaking prompts with recordings |
| 6 | Writing about images and topics |
| 7 | Full practice test in exam conditions |
Retakes and score sending
You can retake the test, and universities typically consider your best valid result. Send scores to each university directly from your account.
When to choose another test
If you are applying to the UK, Australia, Canada (study permit routes) or for scholarships, read IELTS fee in Pakistan and PTE exam fee in Pakistan, or check the Duolingo preparation page.
Book free counselling and we will tell you which test your universities and visa accept.
Want honest advice on your profile?
Message our counsellors — we will tell you what is realistic and what to fix first.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Duolingo test cost in Pakistan?
The standard fee is about US$70, which was around PKR 19,000–20,000 in 2026 depending on the exchange rate. Check the official site for the current price.
Can I use Duolingo for a UK student visa?
Generally no. Some UK universities accept DET for admission, but the visa may still require an approved SELT such as IELTS for UKVI, PTE UKVI or LanguageCert SELT.
What score do I need?
Universities usually ask for 100–120 for bachelor's, 110–130 for master's and 120–140 for competitive programmes. Check each programme.
Abroad In Consultants editorial team. Written by our Islamabad counselling team from official sources and day-to-day experience with Pakistani applicants. Rules change often — please confirm the latest requirements with the official authority or our counsellors before acting. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.