The UK's approved English tests
If you prove your English with a test, it must be a SELT from an approved provider, on the approved list, taken at an approved test location and awarded in the two years before you apply (gov.uk). The providers are Trinity College London, the IELTS SELT Consortium, LanguageCert and Pearson in the UK, with PSI Services replacing Trinity outside the UK. The Duolingo English Test is not on the list.
| Provider | SELT to book |
|---|---|
| IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills |
| LanguageCert | International ESOL SELT, Academic SELT or General SELT |
| Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Home |
| PSI Services (outside the UK) | Skills for English UKVI |
| Trinity College London (in the UK) | ISE or GESE Secure English Language Tests for UKVI |
Student visa: the university route
For a Student visa you need English at CEFR B2 for degree level and above, or B1 below degree level (gov.uk). Gov.uk says a Higher Education Provider can assess your English itself for degree-level study, so "they may ask you to do a different test", which must still be equivalent to B2. Whether that can be a DET result is your university's decision, so ask its admissions or visa team in writing.
DET's official blog names UK universities that accept DET for engineering admission, including Imperial College London, Southampton, Bath, Warwick, Durham and Newcastle, and says requirements vary by course (DET blog).
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Work, family and settlement visas
Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker applicants without a qualifying degree or school qualification must pass a SELT at B2 or above (gov.uk, gov.uk). Family visa applicants need a SELT at A1 or above for the first application (gov.uk), and settlement and citizenship need B1 or above (gov.uk). A DET result cannot meet any of these.
IELTS for UKVI and LanguageCert SELT are both approved SELTs (gov.uk). If you need one, try an IELTS for UKVI practice test or compare LanguageCert vs IELTS for UK visa.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by UKVI?+
No. It is not one of the Secure English Language Tests on gov.uk, so it cannot be used where a visa needs a SELT.
Can I get a UK Student visa with the Duolingo English Test?+
Only if your university assesses your English itself and accepts DET. Gov.uk allows Higher Education Providers to do this for degree-level study at B2. Confirm with the university.
Which UK universities accept the Duolingo English Test?+
DET's official blog lists Imperial College London, Southampton, Bath, Warwick, Durham, Newcastle and others for engineering. Check each course's own requirements.
Can I use DET for a Skilled Worker visa?+
No. Without a qualifying degree or UK school qualification you need a SELT at B2, such as IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI.
How long is a UK SELT valid?+
Gov.uk says SELT results are valid for two years from the date the test is awarded.
Keep reading
Related
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- IELTS for the UK Student visa
- LanguageCert scores for UK visas
- IELTS for UKVI practice test
- All 1712 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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