2025 English Proficiency Tests: DET, IELTS, and TOEFL

Quick Summary

The English proficiency testing landscape in 2025 centers on two long-established exams, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and a tech driven challenger, the Duolingo English Test (DET). International students, professionals, and educational advisors need a clear view of more than surface features to navigate this field. This report gives a detailed comparison of the three tests, focusing on cost, test methodology, logistics, and global acceptance.

The main differences in 2025 fall into four areas. First, in Cost and Accessibility, the DET challenges the incumbents with a low, fixed global fee and no extra charges for score reports, making it the cheapest option.¹ By contrast, IELTS and TOEFL charge higher, varying fees. They add substantial costs for services like score reporting and rescheduling. These extras can raise the total cost for applicants significantly.²

Second, in Test Methodology, a clear difference in approach appears. The DET uses a computer adaptive, integrated skill model. It delivers an efficient, one hour test that adjusts to a person's proficiency.³ IELTS and TOEFL use a traditional, linear format. They are longer and test the four main language skills in separate sections.⁴ The DET updates that take effect on July 1, 2025 add more complex, conversation based tasks. This aims to raise its academic level and respond to earlier criticisms. For detailed guidance on the July 2025 updates, see our complete guide to DET preparation.⁵

Third, on Logistics and Flexibility, the DET provides high convenience with an on demand, at home testing model that requires no advance booking.⁶ IELTS and TOEFL run frequent test dates at global centers, but they use an appointment based system. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is a middle option, but it still needs advance booking and users report major technical and proctoring problems. The same risks apply to the DET's remote format.⁷

Finally, Acceptance and Credibility is complex. For university admissions, especially in North America, the DET now has near universal acceptance and it challenges the long dominance of TOEFL and IELTS.⁸ But for visa and immigration purposes, IELTS and TOEFL remain the main standards. The DET is not accepted for Australian student visas, for example. This is a major limitation and shows why IELTS remains a globally "safe" choice for applicants considering multiple destination countries.⁸

The report closes with recommendations for different applicant types. There is no single best test in 2025. The right choice depends on an applicant's destination country, budget, technological resources, and personal test taking style.

Quick Navigation:

• Cost Analysis and Total Testing Cost
• Exam Formats, Structure, and Content
• Testing Experience, Logistics, and Proctoring
• Scoring, Subscores, and Concordance
• University and Visa Acceptance
• Recommendations for 2025 Applicants
• Future Outlook

Cost Analysis and Total Testing Cost

The cost of an English proficiency test is a main concern for applicants worldwide. But simply comparing registration fees is misleading. A clearer picture comes from looking at the "total cost of testing," which includes the initial fee and extra charges for services like score reporting, rescheduling, and rush results. The pricing models for the DET, IELTS, and TOEFL differ, so applicants face different costs and financial risks.

Registration Fees: Global Comparison

The clearest difference between the three tests is how they set registration fees. DET uses a single global fee, while IELTS and TOEFL charge different amounts by country, test center, and changing exchange rates.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

As of early 2025, the DET charges a single global fee of $70 USD.1 This flat rate is a key part of its place in the market. It gives predictable, fair pricing no matter where the test taker lives.1 Duolingo also sells a bundle of two tests for $118 USD, which lowers the per-test cost to $59 USD.17 The simple pricing directly challenges the complex and often costly fees of its rivals.

IELTS

IELTS fees are set locally and vary a lot worldwide. That often makes it the most expensive choice. The cost for the standard Academic test in key markets for 2025 is as follows:

1. United States: $280 to $340 USD ⁹
2. United Kingdom: £220 to £250 ¹⁰
3. Canada: CAD $317.70 to $351.43 ¹¹
4. Australia: AUD $475 ¹²
5. India: INR 18,000 ¹³
6. China: RMB 2,170 ¹⁴
7. Brazil: BRL 1,360 to 1,570 ¹⁵
8. Germany: €257 ¹⁶
9. United Arab Emirates: AED 1,370 to 1,470 ¹⁷
10. Japan: JPY 27,500 ¹⁸

That geographic price gap means a student in the UAE may pay more than twice what a student in India or Japan pays, using current exchange rates.

TOEFL iBT

ETS runs the TOEFL iBT, and its fees also vary. Prices are usually set in US dollars. Local taxes and admin fees change the final price. The 2025 fees in the same key markets are:

1. United States: $195 to $270 USD ¹⁹
2. United Kingdom: $260 USD ²⁰
3. Canada: $245 to $249 USD ²
4. Australia: $288 to $300 USD ²¹
5. India: INR 16,900 (approx. $205 USD) ²²
6. China: RMB 2,100 (approx. $294 USD) ²³
7. Brazil: $245 USD ²⁴
8. Germany: $265 USD ²⁵
9. United Arab Emirates: $270 to $340 USD ²⁶
10. Japan: $195 to $245 USD ²⁷

IELTS and TOEFL use an older system built around physical test centers and local partners. That creates a complex and often unclear cost structure for international applicants. By contrast, DET's online approach lets it charge a single, simple global fee. That gives it a strong way to challenge the market.

Additional Fees and Extras

The real cost of a proficiency test goes far beyond the registration fee. Extra services, often needed because application cycles and personal circumstances are unpredictable, can add hundreds of dollars to the total.

Score Reporting

This is a key difference. The DET lets test takers send their results to an unlimited number of institutions for free.1 It directly addresses a major pain point for applicants who apply to multiple universities.

TOEFL, by contrast, includes four free score reports with the registration fee. Any additional reports cost $25 USD each.² For a student applying to 15 universities, this adds $275 (11 * $25) to the total cost. Similarly, IELTS provides five free Test Report Forms (TRFs). Additional reports incur a fee that varies by location and delivery method, ranging from a small electronic fee (e.g., INR 250 in India) to large courier charges (e.g., CAD $90 in Canada).²⁸

Rescheduling and Cancellation

Because the DET is on demand, there are no rescheduling or cancellation fees.47 Once you buy a test credit, it is valid for 21 days. You can use it anytime within that window. However, the fee is non-refundable if you do not take the test.48

IELTS and TOEFL use strict, time sensitive rules and can carry substantial financial penalties.

1. Rescheduling: The fee to reschedule a TOEFL iBT test is typically $60 to $69 USD, provided the request is made at least four full days before the test date.² IELTS rescheduling fees vary by country, for example $70 USD in the US, £65 in the UK, and INR 4,500 in India.¹⁰
2. Cancellation: Cancelling a TOEFL registration at least four days in advance results in a 50% refund of the original test fee.² IELTS policies are often stricter. A cancellation made more than five weeks in advance may yield a partial refund minus a significant administrative fee (e.g., $70 USD), while late cancellations typically result in a complete forfeiture of the fee.²⁹

Other Services

Other potential costs include late registration fees for TOEFL ( $40 to $49 USD )¹⁹, score review or "Enquiry on Results" fees (TOEFL: $80 per section; IELTS: can be over $200 USD, e.g., £170 in the UK)², and expedited results. The DET offers an expedited "Faster Results" service that provides scores within 12 hours for an additional $39 to $40 USD.³⁰

Together, these extra costs show a major difference in how the tests charge. The DET model lowers follow-up costs and fits its promise of simplicity and accessibility. The IELTS and TOEFL models, however, can create a cascade of added expenses that bring financial uncertainty and risk for applicants. Applicants should therefore calculate not just the initial fee, but the potential total cost based on their application strategy and personal circumstances.

Preparation Costs and Resources

Applicants must also budget for preparation materials beyond the official fees. All three test providers offer free resources. Paid prep options are widespread and can add a large extra cost.

Official Materials

Duolingo provides a full set of free preparation resources on its website, including an unlimited number of practice questions and a full length practice test that provides an estimated score range.2 This fits its low barrier to entry model.

IELTS and TOEFL also offer free sample questions and practice tests.³¹ They also offer a range of official paid materials. ETS, for example, sells official guidebooks and volumes of past tests, usually priced between $20 and $55 USD, and it also sells official online practice tests, the TPO tests.³²

Third Party Courses

Third party prep is strong for all three tests. Options range from low cost, self paced video courses on platforms like Udemy, which can be as cheap as $15, to higher end programs with personalized tutoring and feedback that can cost several hundred dollars.58 For example, a Kaplan self paced TOEFL course costs $349, while the IELTS Advantage VIP course starts at $397.59 Availability and quality of these resources affect how well an applicant can prepare, and they should be included in overall budget planning.

The table below shows the total cost of testing. It highlights how choosing one test over another can have major financial consequences.

Table 1: Detailed Cost Breakdown by Test and Country (2025)

Note: All fees are subject to change and may vary based on the specific test center and local taxes. USD equivalents for local currencies are approximate and based on exchange rates at the time of writing.

Exam Formats, Structure, and Content

Beyond the cost, the three tests differ in design, structure, and the types of tasks they include. These differences have major effects on how test takers experience the exam, which skills the tests measure, and the best way to prepare. The choice of test should match not only an applicant's language skill, but also their thinking style and comfort with different test formats.

Test Methodology and Principles

The comparison rests on a basic split between adaptive testing and linear testing.

DET: The Adaptive, Integrated Approach

The Duolingo English Test uses computer-adaptive testing (CAT).2 The test's algorithm adjusts the difficulty of later questions in real time, based on the test taker's answers. If a question is answered correctly, the next one is likely harder. If it is answered incorrectly, the next will be easier.2 This method lets the test find a candidate's true proficiency faster and with greater precision. The full test takes about one hour.10

The DET also focuses on an integrated skills assessment. Many question types measure several language skills at once. For example, the "Listen and Type" task checks both listening comprehension and writing accuracy. The new "Interactive Speaking" task tests listening and speaking in a conversational setting.³³ The goal is to mirror how language is used in real situations.³⁴

IELTS & TOEFL: The Linear, Segmented Approach

IELTS and TOEFL use a traditional linear, or fixed form, test design. In this model, every test taker gets the same set of questions, or a pre equated parallel version of the test.62 The questions appear in a fixed order and do not change based on a candidate's performance. This method keeps the test highly standardized. Every candidate is measured against the exact same yardstick. That is a long standing principle of psychometric validity in high stakes testing.

This linear model requires a longer test to include questions that can measure a wide range of proficiency levels, from low to high. The structure is also segmented, with the four core skills, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, tested in separate, self contained sections.³⁵ TOEFL has added "integrated" tasks that combine skills, for example reading a passage and listening to a lecture before speaking or writing. But these tasks stay within the Speaking or Writing sections, so the test retains its segmented structure.³⁶

Test Structure and Timing: Comparison

The different methods lead to very different test day experiences for timing and flow.

1. Duolingo English Test (DET): The entire experience is completed in a single, continuous session of approximately 60 minutes.⁶ Introduction and Onboarding (~5 minutes): A preliminary phase for system checks, ID verification, and reviewing test rules.³⁷
2. Graded Adaptive Section (~45 minutes): The core of the test, where a mix of question types are presented in a random, adaptive sequence.³⁷
3. Writing and Speaking Sample (~10 minutes): A longer form productive task section that is graded and shared with institutions.⁶

IELTS Academic

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, not counting breaks. The Speaking test may take place on a different day.⁴

1. Listening (~30 minutes): Four recorded sections with 40 questions. For the paper based test, an additional 10 minutes are provided to transfer answers.³⁸
2. Reading (60 minutes): Three long academic passages with 40 questions.³⁹
3. Writing (60 minutes): Two tasks: describing a visual (Task 1) and writing an essay (Task 2).⁴⁰
4. Speaking (11 to 14 minutes): A face to face interview with a certified examiner, often scheduled separately from the other sections.³⁸

TOEFL iBT

The test was shortened in 2023 and now takes just under 2 hours to finish in a single sitting.³⁵

1. Reading (35 minutes): Two academic passages with a total of 20 questions.³⁵
2. Listening (36 minutes): A series of lectures and conversations with 28 questions.³⁵
3. Speaking (16 minutes): Four tasks requiring spoken responses recorded via a microphone.³⁵
4. Writing (29 minutes): Two tasks: one integrated and one academic discussion prompt.³⁵

Question Types, Post July 1, 2025 for DET

The tasks in each test show what the exam measures and how. Duolingo updated the DET in 2025, and this change alters how the test evaluates language.

Duolingo English Test (Post-July 1, 2025)

The updated DET aims to make conversations more authentic and more interactive.

1. Key Changes: The test adds a new Interactive Speaking question, a multi-turn simulated conversation where the test-taker responds to 6-8 audio prompts.⁵ The Interactive Listening section now starts with a "Listen and Complete" task to check understanding of the scenario before the conversational part begins.⁴¹ To make room for these more complex items, the simpler "Read Aloud" and "Listen, Then Speak" types have been removed.³³
2. Core Tasks: The adaptive section has a rapid-fire mix of question types, including: Vocabulary/Reading: Read and Select (identifying real English words), Fill in the Blanks, Read and Complete (C-test).
3. Listening/Writing: Listen and Type (dictation).
4. Production (Writing): Write About the Photo, Interactive Writing (elaborating on a previous written response).
5. Production (Speaking): Speak About the Photo, Read, Then Speak (speaking about a written prompt).

Long-Form Production: The test ends with the Writing Sample and Speaking Sample. These are now graded and require extended responses to given prompts.⁴²

IELTS Academic

IELTS tasks reflect the language skills needed for higher education.

1. Reading and Listening: These sections use many question types to test different comprehension skills. They include multiple choice, matching headings to paragraphs, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), sentence completion, and diagram labelling.⁴³
2. Writing: This section has two tasks. Task 1 asks the test-taker to summarise and report the main features of a graph, table, chart, or diagram in at least 150 words. Task 2 asks for a formal essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view, argument, or problem. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 in the final Writing score.⁴⁰
3. Speaking: The test is a three-part live interview. Part 1 has general questions about familiar topics. Part 2 is the "long turn," where the candidate speaks for up to two minutes on a topic from a task card. Part 3 is a two-way discussion linked to Part 2, exploring more abstract issues.³⁸

TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL iBT focuses on language use in academic settings and on integrated skills.

1. Reading and Listening: Content comes only from academic sources. Questions are mostly multiple-choice and test main ideas, key details, inferences, vocabulary, and the author's purpose or stance.⁴⁴
2. Speaking: This section has four tasks. Task 1 is an Independent Task where test-takers give and support their own opinion on a familiar topic. Tasks 2, 3, and 4 are Integrated Tasks that ask test-takers to combine information from reading passages and audio clips before speaking.³⁵
3. Writing: This section has two tasks. The Integrated Writing Task asks the test-taker to read a short academic passage, listen to a lecture on the same topic, and then write a summary that explains how the two sources relate. The Writing for an Academic Discussion Task asks the test-taker to read a professor's question and two student responses in an online forum, and then add their own supported opinion to the discussion.⁴⁵

The methodological differences are clear. The DET's adaptive, fast-paced, integrated format tests quick recall, mental stamina, and the skill to handle many short tasks. By contrast, the linear, segmented formats of IELTS and TOEFL demand sustained focus on a single skill and the ability to build complex, long-form responses, which may better match traditional academic work.

Practice Links:

• Practice Interactive Listening Questions →
• Practice Read Aloud Questions →
• Practice Reading Questions →

Try a Practice Exercise

Want to see what DET questions actually look like? Try this embedded practice exercise demonstrating the "Read and Select" task type:

This exercise shows how the DET's adaptive testing works - each question adjusts in difficulty based on your previous answers, creating a personalized assessment experience.

Section Navigation:

• Scheduling and Location
• Testing Environment
• Proctoring and Security
• In-Test Policies

Testing Experience, Logistics, Flexibility, and Proctoring

The experience of registering for, preparing for, and taking an English proficiency test matters beyond the exam content. Scheduling, the test setting, and the proctoring system's integrity can affect a candidate's performance, stress levels, and overall success. In 2025, choosing between these tests also means choosing between very different logistical models, each with clear advantages and notable risks.

Scheduling and Location: Flexibility

The three tests vary in scheduling and location flexibility. They suit different needs and planning styles.

1. Duolingo English Test (DET): The DET offers maximum flexibility. It is an on demand test you can take online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any place with suitable environment and equipment.⁶ You do not need to book ahead. After you buy the test you can take it any time in the next 21 days.⁴⁶ This setup suits last minute applicants and people with unpredictable schedules.
2. IELTS: IELTS offers moderate flexibility. Most sessions run at physical test centers, with dates throughout the month. The computer delivered version can run multiple times a day, seven days a week in some places. You must book slots in advance. They can fill quickly during peak application seasons. The Speaking test is often set separately, which adds scheduling complexity.⁴⁷ IELTS Online is available in some regions and gives location flexibility, but it still requires a pre scheduled, timed appointment.
3. TOEFL iBT: TOEFL iBT uses a hybrid model for flexibility. The traditional test runs on more than 60 dates per year at authorized test centers worldwide. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition gives more convenience, with appointments open 24 hours a day, four days a week.⁷ Even so, the Home Edition requires you to book a specific time slot in advance, unlike the on demand DET.

Testing Environment: At Home and Test Center

Choosing at-home or test-center testing involves a trade-off between convenience and control.

At-Home Testing (DET and TOEFL Home Edition)

The main advantage is convenience. You avoid travel, cut costs, and stay in a familiar setting.³ But convenience brings responsibilities and risks. The test-taker must provide a secure, private, quiet room and meet strict technical requirements. These include a stable internet connection (at least 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload for DET), a supported operating system (Windows or macOS, not ChromeOS or Linux), and a working front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers.⁴⁸ Any failure to meet these rules, from a short internet drop to a family member entering the room, can cause the test to be invalidated.

Test Center (IELTS and TOEFL iBT)

The test center offers a consistent, supervised setting. The center provides and maintains all equipment, including computers and noise-canceling headphones, and the internet connection is reliable. This removes the technical risks of at-home testing and lets the candidate focus on the exam. Staff on site also provide immediate help with administrative or technical issues. The main drawbacks are the need to travel to the location and a more stressful, unfamiliar environment.⁴⁹

Proctoring and Test Security, Human and AI Roles

Methods to ensure test integrity differ a lot. They cause debate and worry among users.

1. DET: The DET uses a remote proctoring system that combines AI monitoring with human review after the test. The system records the whole session. AI scans the recording for suspicious behavior, such as looking away from the screen or background noise, and human proctors then check the flagged sections.³ This delayed review can handle many tests, but it has caused many complaints. Tests have been cancelled for alleged violations that test takers said were accidental or unavoidable, such as brief glances away from the screen, background software like Grammarly running, or technical glitches that looked like cheating attempts. Because there is no real time intervention, candidates only learn about problems after the test. That often leads to frustration and the need to retake the exam.
2. TOEFL iBT Home Edition: The TOEFL iBT Home Edition uses a live human proctor who watches the candidate in real time via webcam, often through a service like ProctorU. The proctor runs the check in process, can be contacted for help during the test, and can step in immediately if rules are broken. This adds a human element, but problems remain. Users have reported major technical issues with the proctoring software, long delays before the test starts, and cases where proctors were unresponsive or ended sessions suddenly because of connectivity problems on either side.⁵⁰
3. IELTS and TOEFL iBT (Test Center): IELTS and TOEFL iBT at test centers use in person invigilators, the traditional gold standard for test security. The IELTS Speaking test is a one on one interview with a human examiner. It assesses language and gives an authentic interactive experience that is hard to fake.³⁸ Many people see this human led model as the most secure and reliable way to proctor tests.

In-Test Policies: Breaks and Note Taking

The rules about what a candidate can do during the test are not minor details. They shape the exam's cognitive demands.

1. Breaks: The DET is a continuous, one hour session with no scheduled breaks. Similarly, the newer, shorter TOEFL iBT, which runs under two hours, also has no breaks. The IELTS requires candidates to finish the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections one after another without a break, a session that lasts nearly three hours. For candidates with documented disabilities, supervised breaks can be arranged for IELTS.
2. Note-Taking: This is a key point of difference. Note taking is strictly forbidden during the Duolingo English Test. That rule places a heavy demand on a test taker's short term memory, especially during listening and reading tasks. In contrast, note taking is permitted and encouraged in both IELTS and TOEFL. In IELTS, candidates can write notes on the question booklet. For the TOEFL iBT, test centers provide scratch paper, while the Home Edition requires a small whiteboard or a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker. Being able to take notes lets candidates write down information, organize their thoughts before speaking or writing, and track details in complex passages, which changes how they should approach the test.

The logistical setup of each test makes the trade offs clear. The DET offers the most convenience, but it carries a significant risk of technical or procedural invalidation. The TOEFL Home Edition gives similar convenience, but it adds live remote proctoring. The test center models of IELTS and TOEFL provide the most reliable security, but they sacrifice convenience and flexibility. For comprehensive guidance on setting up your testing environment, check our step-by-step tech setup guide.

Ready to Practice? Try these question types based on your current section:

• Practice Speaking Questions →
• Practice Writing Questions →

Try Interactive Listening Practice

Experience the DET's conversation-based listening tasks that test your ability to follow multi-turn dialogues:

Scoring, Subscores, and Concordance

A proficiency test score is the final result, a number that shows a candidate's language ability and that institutions use for high-stakes admissions decisions. Knowing how scores are calculated, what the subscores mean, and how scores compare across different testing systems matters for applicants who set targets and for admissions officers who review them. The 2025 landscape becomes more complex because Duolingo introduced a new, dual-subscore system, meant to make its results easier to compare with those from more established competitors.

Overall Score Scales and Interpretation

Each test uses its own scale to report a candidate's overall proficiency.

1. Duolingo English Test (DET): The overall score is reported on a scale of 10 to 160, in 5 point increments. This detailed scale shows small differences in ability.⁵¹
2. IELTS: The overall score is a band score from 0 to 9, reported in half band increments (e.g., 6.5). It is calculated by averaging the four individual section scores. Then the average is rounded to the nearest half or whole band using set rules. For example, an average of 6.25 rounds up to 6.5, and 6.75 rounds up to 7.0.
3. TOEFL iBT: The total score is on a scale of 0 to 120. It equals the sum of the four section scores. Each section is scored on a 0 to 30 scale.³⁵

Subscores: Interpreting Skill Scores

Subscores give a clearer picture of a candidate's strengths and weaknesses. The biggest change in this area is Duolingo's new reporting system.

Duolingo English Test (Post-July 1, 2024): A Dual System

Beginning in mid-2024, the DET shows two sets of subscores on every certificate. This step offers a new assessment model and lets institutions compare results directly with traditional tests.³⁴

Integrated Subscores (Updated)

These scores reflect Duolingo's view of integrated language use. They are calculated as simple averages of the new individual skill scores:

• Literacy: The average of Reading and Writing scores.
• Comprehension: The average of Reading and Listening scores.
• Conversation: The average of Listening and Speaking scores.

Individual Subscores (New)

For the first time, the DET reports separate scores for each core skill. This responds to admissions offices used to the four-skill framework of IELTS and TOEFL, and lets institutions set specific minimums for individual skills:³⁴

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

Official Score Concordance: Comparing Systems

Applicants and institutions need a way to compare scores from different tests. All three test providers published concordance tables based on research that map their scores to each other and to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

These tables come from statistical analyses of thousands of test takers who sat more than one exam. They are reliable guides, but they show statistical correlations, not perfect one to one matches. The correlation coefficient between DET and its counterparts is about 0.77 to 0.78, which shows a strong but not perfect link. Use these tables as a solid tool for estimating scores.

Table 4: Score Concordance Matrix (DET vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. CEFR)

Sources:. This table combines official concordance data from Duolingo and ETS. Ranges are approximate and meant for general comparison.

This matrix works as a key translation tool. For example, a university that asks for a "good" level of proficiency (high B2, low C1) might set its minimum at an IELTS band of 7.0. The table shows this equals a TOEFL iBT score of about 94 to 101 and a DET score of about 130 to 135. That lets candidates set clear targets no matter which test they take. For detailed score interpretation and preparation strategies, explore our interactive deep dive into DET.

University and Visa Acceptance: Global Overview

The best test of a proficiency exam's value is whether institutions and governments accept it. For an applicant, the main question is if a test score will be accepted by their chosen universities. They also need to know if immigration authorities in the country they want will accept it. In 2025, acceptance rules are mixed. Academic admissions are becoming more flexible, but visa and immigration rules remain strict.

University Acceptance: Trends

The long-standing duopoly of IELTS and TOEFL faces its biggest challenge from the rapid rise of the Duolingo English Test.

Overall Trends and Regional Preferences

IELTS and TOEFL remain the main tests worldwide. They are accepted by over 12,000 and 13,000 institutions, respectively.⁴⁷ The DET's acceptance has grown rapidly. It is now recognized by over 6,000 programs worldwide.⁸ United States & Canada: This region is where DET has made its largest gains. It is accepted by 95 of the top 100 US universities, including all Ivy League schools, and by 90% of top Canadian universities for undergraduate admissions.⁸ TOEFL has long been the preferred test in the US. However, IELTS and now DET are nearly universally accepted alternatives.

United Kingdom, Australia & New Zealand

In these countries, IELTS has traditionally dominated. DET's acceptance is growing but still limited. It is accepted by leading UK universities such as Imperial College London and LSE. Its adoption in Australia is less complete.⁸

Illustrative University Requirements

The specific scores required by top universities show the level expected for high-level academic work.

1. University of Toronto: Requires an IELTS overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 100, with 22 in Writing. It also accepts the DET with a minimum overall score of 120. For tests taken after July 1, 2024, it requires a minimum Production subscore of 120.
2. Stanford University (Graduate School): Requires a minimum TOEFL iBT of 100, or an IELTS Academic score of 7.0.
3. ETH Zurich (Master's Programs): Requires a TOEFL iBT of 100, or an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 overall.
4. Imperial College London: Uses two tiers. The "Standard" level requires an IELTS 6.5, with 6.0 in all elements, or a TOEFL 92, with 20 in all elements. The "Higher" level requires an IELTS 7.0, with 6.5 in all elements, or a TOEFL 100, with 22 in all elements. The university also accepts the DET. It requires 115 for Standard or 125 for Higher.
5. Peking University: Requires a TOEFL score of 90, or an IELTS score of 6.5, for its English-taught graduate programs.

Visa Requirements: Official Rules

This is the most important distinction for applicants. University admission does not guarantee a student visa. Immigration authorities set their own English language rules, and these are often stricter.

United States (F-1 Visa)

The U.S. government does not require a specific English proficiency test for the F-1 student visa. The key document is Form I-20, issued by a SEVP-approved institution. Applicants must show the consular officer they have enough English to succeed at that institution. If a university accepts the DET for admission, that score counts as evidence for the visa interview.

Canada (Study Permit)

For the standard study permit application, proof of language proficiency is not mandatory, though an officer can request it. The main document is the acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). However, for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), available to residents of 14 countries, an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 is explicitly required. #### United Kingdom (Student Visa)

The UK requires applicants to prove English proficiency, often by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. IELTS for UKVI is a common SELT. If a student will study at degree level or above at a Higher Education Provider (HEP) with a track record of compliance, the university can self-assess the student's English and state this on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). In that case, a separate SELT may not be required. #### Australia (Subclass 500 Visa)

Australia's Department of Home Affairs keeps a strict list of accepted English tests and minimum scores. As of March 2024, the minimum score for a direct Student visa application was raised from IELTS 5.5 to IELTS 6.0 overall (or its equivalent). Critically, the Duolingo English Test is NOT currently on the list of approved tests for Australian visa purposes.⁸ This creates a significant mismatch, because a student could be admitted to an Australian university with a DET score but be unable to get the necessary visa using that same test. #### Germany and Japan

Like the U.S., these countries' visa processes focus on the admission letter from a recognized educational institution. There is no separate government-mandated English test for a student visa. If the university's language requirements are met with any test they accept, that is generally enough for the visa application.

The gap between academic and immigration rules is a major risk. The DET's wide acceptance by universities, especially in the U.S., shows its strong market reach. But its absence from key government-approved lists, most notably Australia's, makes IELTS the most broadly accepted safe option for applicants who need one test that works for both admission and immigration across many countries.

Table 5: Student Visa English Language Requirements by Country (2025)

Sources:.⁸ Visa policies are subject to change and should always be verified with the respective government immigration authorities.

Recommendations for 2025 Applicants

Choosing between the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL is an important decision that depends on a careful understanding of an applicant's goals, resources, and situation. There is no single "best" test for everyone. Instead, the right test varies by applicant profile. This section brings together the earlier analysis into a practical guide to help applicants in 2025 decide.

Choosing Your Test: Decision Guide

The following profiles show common applicant scenarios. Each gives a test recommendation based on the detailed data in this report.

Profile 1: The Budget Conscious, Tech Savvy Applicant Targeting North America

1. Primary Concerns: Keep costs low, make the process convenient, and apply mainly to universities in the United States or Canada.
2. Recommendation: Duolingo English Test (DET)
3. Justification: The DET is the most cost effective option, with a low, flat global fee of $70 and unlimited free score reports. This can save applicants hundreds of dollars when applying to many schools.¹ Its on demand, at home format offers unmatched scheduling flexibility.⁵² It has near universal acceptance by undergraduate programs and a growing number of graduate programs in the US and Canada. Since visa processes in those countries usually follow university rules, the DET creates the lowest barrier to entry for this profile.⁸

Profile 2: The Applicant Targeting Australia or Requiring a Globally "Safe" Option

1. Primary Concerns: Make sure the test works for university admission and for visa applications in several possible destination countries, including Australia, the UK, and Canada.
2. Recommendation: IELTS Academic
3. Justification: The Australian government does not accept the DET for student visa applications. That makes IELTS the wisest choice for anyone considering Australia.⁸ The test is also accepted by UK immigration authorities as IELTS for UKVI, and Canada requires it for the SDS stream. An IELTS score is widely accepted by universities and governments around the world. This removes the risk of having to take a second test later in the application process.⁴⁷

Profile 3: The Applicant with High Test Anxiety or a Preference for Human Interaction

1. Primary Concerns: A test that feels predictable, less intimidating, and lets them interact with a person.
2. Recommendation: IELTS Academic
3. Justification: IELTS uses a face to face Speaking test with a human examiner. Many people find this more natural and less stressful than speaking to a computer, as TOEFL and DET require.³⁸ IELTS has a linear, non adaptive format. That predictable structure can comfort anxious test takers. Test takers can take notes freely on paper. That helps thinking and reduces the mental load during the exam.

Profile 4: The Applicant with Strong Academic Skills Targeting Elite US Graduate Programs

1. Primary Concerns: Showing they can handle the linguistic demands of top US graduate programs.
2. Recommendation: TOEFL iBT
3. Justification: TOEFL is widely accepted and keeps its reputation as a test created by and for American academia. The content comes only from university level contexts. Its integrated tasks, such as summarizing a lecture and a reading, simulate the skills needed in graduate seminars and research.³⁵ For applicants aiming at very competitive programs, a strong TOEFL score can signal academic readiness.

Profile 5: The Last Minute Applicant with an Impending Deadline

1. Primary Concerns: Speed of scheduling and receiving results.
2. Recommendation: Duolingo English Test (DET)
3. Justification: The DET's logistics are built for speed. An applicant can decide to take the test, buy it, finish it, and get official results within 48 hours, or even 12 hours with the expedited option.⁶ This is a major advantage when deadlines are imminent. The advance scheduling needed for IELTS and TOEFL would be prohibitive in that case.

Final Checklist for Test Takers

Before making a final decision, every applicant should do their own checks using the following checklist:

1. Verify, Don't Assume: Go to the admissions website for each university and each graduate program on your list. Check which tests they accept and what their minimum overall and subscore requirements are. Do not rely on general lists or third-party information.
2. Check Visa Rules First: This is the most important step. Visit the official immigration website for your main target country, for example, Australia's Department of Home Affairs or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Confirm the current English language requirements for a student visa. Do this before booking any test.
3. Assess Your Resources: For at-home tests (DET or TOEFL Home Edition), run a full technical check. Is your internet connection stable? Is your computer's operating system compatible? Can you find a private, quiet, well-lit room for the whole test without interruption? Be honest about the risk of technical or environmental failure.
4. Match Your Strengths: Think about your test-taking style. Do you do well under the pressure of quick, varied tasks (DET), or do you perform better during long, focused sessions (IELTS/TOEFL)? Are you more at ease speaking to a person (IELTS) or to a computer (TOEFL/DET)? Does being able to take notes (IELTS/TOEFL) matter to your approach?
5. Plan Your Preparation: Use the free official practice tests to get a baseline score. That will show your weak areas and how much study time you need. The baseline will also help you decide if you should invest in paid preparation resources.

Try Speaking Practice

Before you start your DET preparation journey, experience the "Speak About the Photo" task that evaluates your ability to describe visual content fluently:

Start Your Practice Journey: Ready to begin? Try our interactive practice questions to build confidence:

• Practice Reading Questions →
• Practice Speaking Questions →
• Practice Writing Questions →

Future Outlook: English Proficiency Testing

The English proficiency testing market is changing because of new technology and shifting institutional needs. The rise of the Duolingo English Test shows clear demand for tests that are easier to access, cheaper, and more convenient. That competition will probably push established providers like IELTS and TOEFL to keep changing how they deliver tests, their prices, and their formats.

Key trends to watch are improvements in AI and remote proctoring technologies. As these systems become more reliable and capable, the technical and security problems that affect at-home testing may ease. That could make at-home testing the main delivery method. The biggest barrier to the DET disrupting the market fully is its limited acceptance by immigration authorities. If major governments such as Australia and Canada (for SDS) start to accept the DET for visa purposes, the market would change permanently. That would signal a new phase in global proficiency testing. For applicants in 2025, the choice remains strategic. They must weigh convenience, cost, and official recognition.

Additional Resources

For practical preparation strategies and detailed guides, explore our related content:

• Complete Beginner's Guide to DET Preparation - Step-by-step test walkthrough and anxiety management
• Interactive Deep Dive into DET - Advanced strategies and tips
• Step-by-Step DET Guide - Detailed preparation framework
• Tech Setup Guide for DET - Technical requirements and troubleshooting

Works cited