How Much Does the Duolingo English Test Cost in 2026?
Verified Update: March 2026 The standard price for a single Duolingo English Test (DET) is currently $70 USD. Duolingo implemented a slight price increase in early 2025 (up from $65), and the $70 rate remains the official base price worldwide. The two-test bundle is available for $118 USD. The "Faster Results" add-on costs an additional $40 USD.
If you are budgeting for your university applications, the cost of an English proficiency exam is one of the most immediate hurdles. Fortunately, the Duolingo English Test (DET) was specifically designed to disrupt the high-cost duopoly of traditional testing.
This guide breaks down the exact cost of the DET in 2026, explores bundle deals and add-ons, looks at the lack of "hidden fees," details worldwide payment methods, and shows you where students are actually finding discount codes.
The 2026 Official DET Price Breakdown
The Duolingo English Test uses a flat, global pricing model. Unlike other standardized tests that charge different base rates depending on the country you live in, the DET costs the exact same amount for a student testing in Brazil as it does for a student testing in India or the United States. All prices are charged in United States Dollars (USD).
Here is the exact pricing structure available on the official platform in 2026:1
1. The Single Test: $70 USD
When you log into your DET account and click "Purchase a Test," the default option is a single test credit for $70 USD.
What is included in this $70 fee?
- One full test attempt: Access to the adaptive test and the ungraded video/writing sample.
- Standard result turnaround: Your official, certified score will be delivered to your inbox within 48 hours.
- Remote proctoring: The cost of human and AI proctors reviewing your test recording is baked into the price.
- Unlimited score sending: You can send your official certificate to as many of the 5,500+ accepting institutions as you want, forever, for free.
2. The Two-Test Bundle: $118 USD ($59 per test)
Duolingo offers a "Best Value" package that allows you to purchase two test credits upfront for $118 USD. This brings the cost of each individual test down to $59 USD, saving you $22 overall.
Who should buy the bundle? The bundle is highly recommended for students who suffer from test anxiety or are aiming for highly competitive programs (requiring scores of 130+). Taking the DET for the first time can be a unique experience; having a pre-purchased backup test removes the pressure of needing a perfect score on your first try. If you plan your study schedule properly using a DET study plan, you can use the first test as a realistic benchmark and the second to secure your target score.
Important rules for the bundle:
- You have 21 days to take the first test from the moment you complete the purchase.
- You cannot take the second test until you have received the results of the first test.
- Once you receive the results of your first test, a new 21-day timer begins for your second test credit.
3. The "Faster Results" Add-On: $40 USD
By default, Duolingo promises results within 48 hours. However, if you are racing against a strict university application deadline, you can purchase the "Faster Results" upgrade at checkout for an additional $40 USD.
This upgrade guarantees that your test will be placed at the front of the proctoring queue, and you will receive your certified results within 12 hours of completing the exam.
Note: If you purchase the two-test bundle alongside the Faster Results upgrade, the $40 fee only applies to the first test. If you want fast results on your second attempt, you will need to pay for the upgrade again when you initiate the second test.
Comparing the DET Cost to IELTS and TOEFL
To truly understand the value of the DET's $70 price tag, you need to compare it against the legacy exams: the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS Academic.2
While the base price difference is stark, the real financial divergence happens during the university application phase. Traditional testing companies treat score reporting as a secondary revenue stream.
| Feature | Duolingo English Test (DET) | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Base Price | $70 USD | $185 to $250+ USD | $215 to $250+ USD |
| Included Score Reports | Unlimited | 4 (must be chosen before testing) | 5 (must be chosen before testing) |
| Additional Score Reports | $0 (Free) | ~$20 USD per university | ~$30 USD per university |
The Score Sending Scenario: Imagine you are applying to six universities in the United States and Canada to maximize your chances of acceptance. You take your exam, wait for your scores to ensure they are high enough, and then send them out.
- With DET: You pay $70. After seeing your score, you select all six universities from a dropdown menu. Total cost: $70.
- With TOEFL: You pay an average of $220 for the test. Because you waited to see your scores before sending them, you missed the window for the 4 "free" pre-test reports. You must pay $20 for all six reports ($120). Total cost: $340.
For more detail on how these tests differ in format, difficulty, and acceptance, read our complete comparison guide.
Are There Any Hidden Fees?
The short answer is no. The DET is uniquely transparent about its pricing. However, there are administrative policies regarding rescheduling and cancellations that you must understand so you don't accidentally forfeit your money.
1. Rescheduling Fees: $0
Because you take the DET at home, on your own computer, whenever you feel like it, there are no "appointments" to book. Therefore, there are no rescheduling fees. If you plan to take the test on a Tuesday but wake up with a sore throat, you can simply wait until Friday. You will never be charged a fee for changing your testing day.
2. Cancellation and Expiration Rules (The 21-Day Trap)
The only way to "lose" money on the DET is by letting your test credit expire. Once you pay your $70, a 21-day countdown begins. You must complete the test within these 21 days. If you fail to launch the test within that window, the credit expires, and your money is not refunded. You cannot cancel a purchased test for a refund. Therefore, you should only purchase the test when you are fully prepared and ready to test within the next three weeks. To ensure you are ready, review our practice accuracy post before opening your wallet.
3. Invalid Results and Re-testing
If proctors deem your test "Invalid" (e.g., your internet disconnected, a loud noise occurred outside, or your webcam glitched), Duolingo will almost always grant you a free re-test credit. You simply take the test again at no extra charge.
However, if your account is "Blocked" due to a clear violation of the rules (e.g., you were caught using unauthorized software, someone else was in the room helping you, or you repeatedly looked off-screen after warnings), you will be banned from testing, and your $70 will be forfeited.
Payment Methods and Regional Access
Because the DET is a digital-first product catering to an international audience, Duolingo has built in localized payment gateways to make the checkout process as smooth as possible.
Accepted Global Payment Methods
For the vast majority of test-takers, the $70 fee can be paid directly on the DET website using:
- Major Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and China UnionPay.
- PayPal: Available in most regions as a secure checkout alternative.
Regional Payment Gateways
To circumvent the high fees or blocking issues often associated with cross-border USD credit card transactions, Duolingo accepts major domestic payment networks:3
- India: UPI and RuPay are widely supported, making it incredibly easy for Indian students to pay directly from their bank accounts without needing an international credit card.
- China: Alipay and WeChat Pay are fully integrated into the checkout flow.
- Brazil: PIX and Boleto Bancário are accepted.
A Warning About Currency Conversion
While the price is universally $70 USD, the amount deducted from your local bank account will depend on the real-time exchange rate on the day of your purchase. Additionally, if you are paying with a standard debit card, your bank may charge a small "Foreign Transaction Fee" (usually 1% to 3%).
Student Pain Point: According to discussions on student forums like Reddit and Quora, the most common issue test-takers face is payment failure at checkout. This almost always occurs because the student's debit card is not enabled for international or online transactions by their bank. If your card is declined, call your bank and ask them to temporarily lift the block on international online purchases.
How to Get a Discount: Coupons, Vouchers, and Fee Waivers
Given the overall expense of studying abroad, students are constantly searching for a Duolingo English Test coupon code. Here is the reality of DET discounts in 2026: traditional, publicly available promo codes (like you might find for clothing brands) are exceedingly rare. Duolingo tightly controls its pricing.
However, there are three legitimate ways to secure a discount or a free test:4
1. University Fee Waivers (The Free Option)
Duolingo provides thousands of free test vouchers directly to universities through their Access Program. Universities use these to help high-achieving, low-income applicants.
- How to get it: Do not ask Duolingo for a waiver. Instead, email the international admissions office of the university you are applying to. Explain your financial situation and ask if they have any DET fee waivers available for prospective applicants.
2. Verified Third-Party Partners
Duolingo operates a Global Partner Network (GPN) for language schools, study abroad agencies, and prep platforms. These official partners are allowed to buy test vouchers in bulk at a wholesale rate and resell them to students.
- The Benefit: Many partners pass a 10% to 15% discount onto the student, allowing you to buy a voucher for around $59 to $63 USD. Some partners sell the voucher at the standard $70 but bundle it with a free upgrade to the 24-hour fast-scoring track.
- The Risk: You must ensure the third-party seller is legitimate. Never buy a voucher from a random individual on Telegram, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Only use established, web-based prep companies or registered study-abroad agencies. You will be given a unique alphanumeric code to paste into the "Apply a Coupon" box at the Duolingo checkout.
3. Student Forums (Reddit)
If you visit the r/DuolingoEnglishTest subreddit, you will occasionally find threads where users or partner agencies drop limited-use discount codes (often giving 10% to 20% off). These codes are usually claimed within hours, so you have to check the forum actively.
Price History: How We Got to $70
When the Duolingo English Test first gained major traction around 2019, its primary selling point was its unbelievably low price of $49 USD. As the test's acceptance network grew from a few hundred schools to over 5,500 elite institutions (including Yale, MIT, and Imperial College London), the infrastructure required to secure and proctor the exam remotely expanded significantly.
- 2019 to 2021: $49 USD
- 2022 to 2023: $59 USD
- 2024: $65 USD
- February 2025 to Present: $70 USD
Despite these incremental increases, the DET has maintained its main mission. Even at $70, it remains drastically cheaper than legacy alternatives, and by keeping score sending free, it continues to save international students millions of dollars globally every year.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Budgeting $70 for the Duolingo English Test is a highly efficient use of your application funds, provided you pass it on the first try. The key to getting the most from your investment is ensuring you don't waste your test credit on an invalidation or a low score.
If you are planning to take the test soon, your very next step should be structured preparation. Avoid taking the paid test "just to see how it goes." That is what free practice materials are for.
Would you like me to help you map out a personalized study schedule so you can secure your target score on your first $70 attempt?
Additional Resources
For practical preparation strategies and detailed guides, explore our related content:
- Complete Guide to DET Basics and Practice - Format overview and preparation
- How to Practice for the DET: A 4-Week Study Plan - Structured preparation framework
- Is the Duolingo Practice Test Accurate? - How to interpret your practice score
- DET vs IELTS/TOEFL in 2025 - Cost and format comparison
- Practice Questions →