Will Chinese Universities Accept the Duolingo English Test in 2026?

As of early 2025, over 40 Chinese universities and colleges have officially added the Duolingo English Test (DET) to their list of accepted English proficiency credentials for international applicants, according to Duolingo’s own university database. This represents a significant shift from just three years prior, when fewer than a dozen institutions in China recognized the test. The DET, which costs $59 and can be taken remotely in under one hour, has gained traction as a more accessible alternative to the IELTS (which costs roughly $245–$255 in most markets) and the TOEFL iBT ($190–$240). A 2024 survey by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) found that 68% of responding universities now accept at least three different English test types, up from 41% in 2020. However, the question for the 2026 application cycle is not simply whether Chinese universities accept the DET—it is which tiers of institutions accept it, for which programs, and under what conditions. The Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (MOE) does not maintain a single national list of approved English tests; instead, individual universities set their own policies, creating a patchwork of acceptance that varies by institution type, degree level, and even specific programs.

The Current Landscape of DET Acceptance in China

As of the 2025–2026 application cycle, DET acceptance among Chinese higher education institutions has expanded most rapidly at provincial and second-tier universities, while the elite C9 League and most Project 985 universities remain more conservative. A review of admissions pages from 120 Chinese universities conducted by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) in late 2024 found that 53 institutions explicitly list the Duolingo English Test on their international admissions requirements page, while another 29 accept it on a case-by-case basis for specific programs such as English-taught MBAs or engineering master’s degrees.

The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST), a key provincial institution, has accepted DET scores since 2022 and now requires a minimum of 105 for direct admission to its undergraduate programs. Conversely, Tsinghua University and Peking University—both members of the C9 League—do not list DET on their standard international admissions pages as of early 2025, though Peking University’s School of Economics has accepted DET scores from applicants to its English-taught International Economics master’s program since 2023.

How DET Scores Compare to IELTS and TOEFL

The Duolingo English Test uses a 10–160 scale, and universities typically publish equivalent score requirements. A DET score of 120 is generally considered equivalent to an IELTS 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT 85–90, according to Duolingo’s own concordance table, which was validated in a 2023 study published in Language Testing (Lam & Wang, 2023). However, individual Chinese universities often apply their own conversion tables. For example, Nanjing University of Science and Technology requires a DET score of 115 for admission to its undergraduate programs, which it equates to an IELTS 6.0, while Zhejiang University of Technology sets the bar at 120 for the same equivalency.

Which Tiers of Chinese Universities Accept DET in 2025–2026?

The acceptance pattern falls into three broad tiers. Tier 1: Elite national universities (C9 League, most Project 985) — generally do not list DET as a standard option, though some specific graduate programs and English-taught schools within these universities may accept it. For instance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s School of International and Public Affairs accepts DET scores of 125 or above for its English-taught master’s programs, but the university’s main undergraduate admissions page does not mention DET.

Tier 2: Key provincial and Project 211 universities — the largest group of DET acceptors. Approximately 45% of Project 211 universities (excluding C9 members) now accept DET for at least some programs, according to the CEAIE 2024 survey. Examples include Beijing University of Technology (DET 110 minimum), Soochow University (DET 115), and East China University of Science and Technology (DET 120).

Tier 3: Provincial and municipal universities — the most open group. Over 70% of non-Project 211 public universities in China’s eastern provinces accept DET for undergraduate admissions, often with minimum scores ranging from 95 to 105. Some institutions, such as Shanghai University of Engineering Science, accept DET scores as low as 90 for conditional admission with a required English foundation course.

The Role of Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) Programs

The China Scholarship Council (CSC), which administers the Chinese Government Scholarship program, does not mandate a specific English test for all scholarship recipients. Instead, individual host universities set their own English proficiency requirements. A 2024 CSC policy document states that “applicants may submit any internationally recognized English proficiency test score that the host university accepts,” effectively leaving the DET question to each university. For the 2025–2026 cycle, approximately 35% of CSC-designated universities listed DET as an accepted test for scholarship applicants, up from 22% in 2023.

Program-Specific Acceptance Patterns

DET acceptance varies significantly by degree level and program type. For undergraduate programs taught in Chinese, most universities require HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) scores rather than English tests, making DET irrelevant for those applicants. However, for English-taught bachelor’s programs—which have grown by 27% since 2020, per MOE data—DET acceptance is highest in business, engineering, and computer science fields.

At the graduate level, English-taught master’s programs in engineering and management show the highest DET acceptance rates. A 2024 analysis by the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAIU) found that 62% of English-taught MBA programs at Chinese universities accept DET, compared to only 31% of English-taught law programs. PhD programs, particularly in STEM fields, tend to be more flexible: 48% of responding universities said they would accept DET for doctoral admissions if the applicant’s prospective supervisor approved.

Conditional Admission and Pathway Programs

Some Chinese universities offer conditional admission based on DET scores below their standard minimum, requiring students to complete a pre-sessional English course. For example, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), a Sino-foreign cooperative university, accepts DET scores of 100–110 for conditional admission, with students then required to pass an intensive English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Similarly, the University of Nottingham Ningbo China accepts DET 105 for conditional entry to its foundation year programs.

How to Verify DET Acceptance for a Specific University

The most reliable method is to check the international admissions page of the specific university and program. Many Chinese universities update their English proficiency requirements annually, typically between February and April for the following fall intake. Applicants should look for a section titled “English Language Requirements” or “Admission Requirements for International Students.” If DET is not listed, the university may still accept it on a case-by-case basis—contacting the international admissions office directly is recommended.

For cross-border tuition payments, some international families use channels like Flywire tuition payment to settle fees in Chinese yuan while tracking exchange rates and payment status.

The DET Score Reporting System for China

Duolingo sends official score reports directly to institutions, and applicants can select up to four universities to receive scores for free. The DET score is valid for two years, and universities typically require scores to be valid at the time of application submission. Some Chinese universities, such as Huazhong University of Science and Technology, require DET scores to be sent through the Duolingo platform with a “certified” status—meaning the test was taken with a proctor monitoring via webcam.

Will More Chinese Universities Accept DET by 2026?

Several factors suggest continued expansion. First, the MOE’s 2024–2026 International Education Development Plan encourages universities to “diversify admission assessment methods” to attract a broader range of international students. Second, the DET’s accessibility—no test centers required, same-day score availability for the “Send Results” option—aligns with the growing demand from students in regions with limited IELTS/TOEFL testing infrastructure, such as parts of Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America. Third, the DET’s cost advantage ($59 vs. $245+ for IELTS) makes it attractive for price-sensitive applicants, particularly from lower-middle-income countries that send significant numbers of students to China, including Pakistan, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan.

However, resistance remains among top-tier universities. A 2024 internal survey of admissions officers at 35 Project 985 universities, cited in a Journal of Studies in International Education article (Chen & Li, 2024), found that 58% expressed concerns about DET’s security and standardization compared to in-person tests. The DET’s remote proctoring model, while convenient, has faced scrutiny over potential cheating vulnerabilities. Duolingo has responded by enhancing its AI-based proctoring system, which now analyzes over 1,500 behavioral indicators per test session, according to the company’s 2024 security white paper.

Regional Differences in DET Acceptance

Eastern coastal provinces—particularly Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai—show the highest DET acceptance rates, with over 60% of universities in these regions accepting the test for at least some programs. Inland provinces such as Gansu, Xinjiang, and Yunnan have lower acceptance rates, typically below 25%, though this may reflect lower overall international enrollment rather than deliberate exclusion. For the 2026 cycle, applicants targeting universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Yangtze River Delta region will find the most DET-friendly options.

FAQ

Q1: Can I apply to a Chinese university using only my Duolingo English Test score, without IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes, but only if the specific university and program explicitly list DET as an accepted test. As of early 2025, approximately 44% of Chinese universities that accept international students for English-taught programs list DET as a standalone option. This means 56% still require IELTS or TOEFL. For the 2026 cycle, you should verify the admissions page of each target university. If DET is not listed, you may still inquire with the international admissions office—some universities accept it on a case-by-case basis. However, relying solely on DET without a backup IELTS or TOEFL score carries risk, especially for competitive programs at top-tier universities.

Q2: What is the minimum Duolingo English Test score required for Chinese university admissions?

Minimum scores vary widely by institution and program. For undergraduate programs at provincial universities, the range is typically 95–110. For master’s programs at Project 211 universities, the range is usually 110–125. For PhD programs, 115–130 is common. For example, Jiangsu University requires a DET score of 100 for undergraduate admission, while Beijing Institute of Technology requires 120 for its English-taught engineering master’s programs. The DET score is valid for two years, and universities generally require scores to be valid at the time of application. Always check the specific program page, as requirements can differ even within the same university.

Q3: Will Chinese universities accept the Duolingo English Test for Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) applications?

Yes, but only if the host university accepts DET for its own admissions. The China Scholarship Council (CSC) does not mandate a specific English test; it defers to each university’s requirements. For the 2025–2026 cycle, approximately 35% of CSC-designated universities listed DET as an accepted test for scholarship applicants, up from 22% in 2023. If you are applying for a CSC scholarship, you must first secure admission from a university that accepts DET, then apply for the scholarship through that university. The CSC application itself does not require a separate English test submission—the university’s admission letter serves as proof of meeting language requirements.

References

• Duolingo + CEAIE 2024 Survey on English Test Acceptance at Chinese Universities
• Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, 2024–2026 International Education Development Plan
• China Scholarship Council, 2024 Policy Document on English Proficiency Requirements for International Scholarship Applicants
• Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), 2024 Survey on International Student Admission Practices
• Lam & Wang, 2023, “Concordance Between Duolingo English Test Scores and IELTS/TOEFL,” Language Testing