TOEFL or Duolingo for University: Which Will Your Application Accept?
The Duolingo English Test has become popular because it is online, short and relatively affordable. But a test is only useful if your university accepts it. Here's how to decide between it and the TOEFL iBT.
Start with acceptance
TOEFL iBT is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide and is a standard choice for scholarships and competitive programmes.
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by many universities, especially for undergraduate entry, but not by every programme, scholarship body or visa route.
Always check the official admissions page of each programme, and your scholarship provider's rules, before you book.
How they compare
Format: TOEFL iBT is taken at a test centre or at home with a proctor; Duolingo is taken online at home.
Length: Duolingo is shorter; TOEFL iBT became shorter in 2026 but is still a longer, more academic test.
Scoring: TOEFL now reports a 1–6 band score alongside a comparable 0–120 score; Duolingo uses its own scale.
Content: TOEFL uses university lectures and academic texts; Duolingo uses many short, varied task types.
Which should you choose?
If any of your universities or your scholarship requires TOEFL, choose TOEFL.
If all your universities accept Duolingo and you need a result quickly, Duolingo can be practical.
If you're unsure, TOEFL is the safer, more widely recognised option.
How to prepare
For TOEFL, build academic reading, note-taking and typing speed.
For Duolingo, practise its short task types and timed speaking and writing.
For both, a full practice test shows your starting point.
See our TOEFL preparation course and our TOEFL guide for university admission.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted everywhere?
No. Many universities accept it, but some programmes, scholarships and visa routes do not.
Is Duolingo easier than TOEFL?
It is shorter and different, not simply easier; what matters is which test your university accepts.
Can I take TOEFL at home?
Yes, with the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, if your university accepts it.
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