Duolingo English Test (DET) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are widely accepted English proficiency exams that study abroad aspirants have to appear for university applications. It is crucial to understand various aspects of these tests before preparing for them. So, let’s dive in.

Key Highlights:

• DET: Overview
• IELTS: Overview
• Duolingo-IELTS comparison
• Duolingo and IELTS score comparison
• Which exam is difficult - IELTS or DET?
• FAQs

DET: Overview

Approximately 5,000 international universities accept DET. It is popular because of its convenience, quick results and affordability. This exam is an online exam and can be taken from anywhere. DET gauges combined skills across reading, writing, speaking, and listening areas. Therefore, your skills are evaluated based on the following sections:

Sections	Abilities evaluated
Literacy	Reading and writing
Production	Writing and speaking
Comprehension	Reading and listening
Conversation	Listening and speaking

Also Read: What students must know about IELTS 2024

IELTS: Overview

For overseas education, you have to appear for the IELTS Academic exam. Did you know ~12000 institutions across the world accept IELTS? This exam is available in three formats: computer-based testing, paper-based testing, and online testing. For the computer-based test, you can appear for the online exam at the test centre. Whereas, for the paper-based exam, you are required to take the pen and paper test at your nearest centre. Online testing is meant for students who cannot go to the test centre. In this case, you can appear for the online exam from the comfort of your home. The test comprises 3 sections - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Duolingo-IELTS comparison

It is advised to know the major differences, such as test scores, result declaration duration, etc., well in advance to select the one that matches your preference and also to be well prepared. Here is a quick Duolingo and IELTS comparison for your reference:

Particulars	DET	IELTS
Conducted by	Duolingo	IDP
Test duration	1 hour	2 hours and 45 minutes
Result declaration duration	48 hours	Online: 3-5 working days Paper-based: 13 days
Scoring range	Band score 0-9	Score 10-160
How frequently are exams available?	8 times a year and four times a month	Students can appear for the exam twice in 30 days

Duolingo and IELTS score comparison

It is necessary to know the Duolingo to IELTS score comparison to understand how results in one exam will reflect in the other. This will also assist you in making well-informed decisions about language proficiency exams and developing your own test preparation strategies.

Also Read: What aspirants must know about the IELTS Listening band score

Here is how the Duolingo score to the IELTS score can be compared:

DET Scores	IELTS Academic Scores
160	8.5-9
155	8
150
145	7.5
140
135	7
130
125	6.5
120
115	6
110
105	5.5
100
95	5
90
85
80	4.5
75
70
65
60	4
10-55	0-4

Which exam is difficult - IELTS or DET?

Both exams analyse English language proficiency and are widely accepted around the world. However, students must remember that one exam is neither better nor harder than the other. The most crucial aspect when selecting between the two is the university-specific and student visa-specific criteria. Hence, it is necessary to check with your educational institution and your host country to understand the language test-related requirements.

Also Read: What students must know about IELTS Speaking topics

FAQs

• What does a 115 Duolingo score to an IELTS score correspond to?

  If you score 115 in the DET, it will mean that you have scored ~6 in the IELTS.

• What is Duolingo 105 score equivalent to IELTS?

  Scoring 105 on the DET is similar to achieving ~6 on the IELTS.

• Is a score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test considered good?

  A 120 in DET is regarded as a good score, and numerous universities accept it for admission.

• What is the minimum score for DET to study overseas?

  A 100 is a decent score. However, to get into reputed and well-ranked universities, students must aim for 120 or above.

• What is the minimum score for IELTS?

  Although some universities accept a score of 6, achieving 6.5 or higher increases your chances of admission to top-tier universities.

Also Read: What you must know about the band 7 IELTS score

With this information, you can start preparing for English language exams for your overseas education. If financial challenges are keeping you from achieving your academic aspirations, you can consider an education loan for an abroad study program. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer student loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, cost of learning devices and other education-related expenses. If you have any queries, please remember we are just a call away.