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More UK Universities Say Yes to Alternative English Test Scores
For Indian students planning to study in the UK, English language proof often feels like the biggest hurdle. For a long time, many families believed there was only one route: a single test with limited dates and higher costs. Over the last few years, things have changed. A growing number of UK universities now accept alternative English test scores, including Duolingo, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and other exams, for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
As someone who guides Indian students on UK admissions every day, I see this shift making a real difference in terms of cost, flexibility and access.
Why English language proof matters for UK study and visas
To secure a UK Student Route visa, students must show that they can read, write, speak and understand English at a minimum level. For degree-level study, this level is usually CEFR B2.
There are two main stages where English proficiency is checked:
University admission – each institution sets its own English language requirements for entry to a course (for example, an MBA, MSc, BSc or BA).
Visa process – official immigration rules say that students must meet the English language requirement. If they do not have an accepted qualification, they may be asked to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
However, for degree-level courses at licensed student sponsors, universities can often assess a student’s English themselves and confirm on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that the student meets B2 level. This is the key reason why alternative English tests are becoming common.
What are “alternative” English language tests?
When we talk about alternative English tests for UK universities, we usually mean exams other than the traditional choice many students first hear about. Common examples include:
Duolingo English Test (DET) – an online English proficiency test that can be taken from home.
PTE Academic / PTE Academic UKVI – a computer-based test widely accepted by UK universities and recognised for UK visas.
TOEFL iBT – an internet-based test accepted by all UK universities as proof of English proficiency.
Other academic English exams (for example, certain Cambridge English qualifications and internal university tests) that measure reading, writing, listening and speaking.
These tests have different score ranges, formats, fees and result timelines, but they all serve the same goal: to show that the student can study in English at the required level.
Duolingo English Test: flexible online option for UK-bound students
The Duolingo English Test, often simply called Duolingo, has become popular among Indian students who prefer an online exam with quick results and lower test costs. The test is fully computer-based, takes about an hour, and covers reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
Current public data from admission guides and counselling platforms shows that:
Over 45 universities in the UK recognise Duolingo English Test scores for postgraduate programmes.
More than 60 UK institutions list Duolingo as an accepted option for selected undergraduate and postgraduate courses, covering around 160 programmes.
Score bands are usually mapped to CEFR levels; many UK universities look for a score roughly in the 105–120 range or higher, depending on the course.
Recent articles also describe “strong university acceptance” for Duolingo in the UK and point out that it can be used in the visa process when universities rely on their own English assessment method for degree-level study and confirm this on the CAS.
Key practical points for Indian students:
Duolingo can be a good choice if local test centres are full or travel is difficult.
It is vital to check the exact minimum Duolingo score for each course and confirm whether that score is enough both for admission and for the visa stage.
Not every programme in the UK accepts Duolingo, so careful list-building is essential.
PTE Academic, TOEFL and other recognised exams
Along with Duolingo, other alternative English exams have very strong acceptance in the UK:
Public information from test providers states that around 99% of UK universities accept PTE Academic and that PTE Academic UKVI is recognised as a SELT for UK student and work visas.
Official score maps show that TOEFL iBT scores are accepted by 100% of UK universities, including highly ranked institutions, with typical requirements ranging between 72 and 100+ depending on the course level.
Many universities outline detailed English language requirements on their own pages, listing PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and other tests as valid options, with clear minimum scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking.
From an Indian student’s point of view, this means that you are not restricted to a single test. If one format does not suit your learning style or your schedule, you can often switch to another exam that the same university still accepts.
How UK universities are using alternative English test scores
Official guidance for student sponsors explains that universities must check that a student meets the English requirement before issuing a CAS. They can rely on:
A recognised test (SELT or other academic English exam).
A previous academic qualification taught in English that meets certain rules.
Their own method of English language assessment, which can include internal tests or a combination of documents and interviews.
Because of this flexibility, many institutions now do the following:
Publish minimum scores for Duolingo, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and other exams on their admission pages.
Use alternative English tests for course admission, then reflect that decision in the CAS, so students do not need a separate SELT for degree-level programmes in many cases.
For non-degree or pathway courses, they may still insist on a specific SELT, so the policy can vary by level and by course.
The clear trend is that more UK universities are open to multiple exam routes, as long as they can map the score to CEFR B2 or higher and feel confident about the student’s academic success.
Choosing the right English test as an Indian student
When I sit with families in India to plan a UK application, I usually ask a few practical questions before deciding on an English exam:
Target course and level
Degree-level programmes often allow more freedom in test choice, while foundation or language courses may have stricter SELT rules.
Accepted tests for that university
Check the list of accepted exams: Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL, and others. Match your plan with official entry requirements, not just generic online lists.
Format comfort
Some students perform better in centre-based tests; others like the home-based model of Duolingo. Mock tests make this clear very quickly.
Score targets and retake flexibility
Duolingo offers quick results and flexible retakes. PTE and TOEFL have regular dates in many Indian cities. Score reports can usually be sent digitally to universities.
Timeline for CAS and visa
Always work backwards from the expected course start date, keeping enough time for test booking, results, university decision, CAS issue and visa filing.
Practical tips before you book an alternative English test
To make the most of these new options, Indian students should keep a few simple rules in mind:
Cross-check every requirement on official pagesUse general blogs and counsellor notes only as a starting point. Final decisions must match the university’s own English language and admission pages, which are updated from time to time.
Confirm how English will be shown on your CASAsk the admissions team whether they will use your Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL or other score as the main proof of English for the visa stage, or whether a separate SELT is needed.
Match your strengths to the test patternStudents who type quickly and are comfortable with adaptive computer tasks may enjoy Duolingo. Those who want structured sections and more traditional question types may prefer PTE or TOEFL.
Keep CEFR levels in mindRemember that degree courses usually expect at least B2 level, which guides the score you should aim for in any English test.
Save test reports and screenshotsEven when scores are sent directly to universities, keep your own records of test dates, scores and confirmation emails, in case you need to clarify something during CAS or visa processing.
Final thoughts for Indian students
The biggest change today is choice. Reliable public data shows that almost all UK universities now accept tests like PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, and a growing number also accept Duolingo English Test scores for a wide range of programmes.
For Indian students, this means:
More flexible English language pathways to UK universities.
Better chances to pick a test format that matches personal strengths.
The possibility to reduce extra travel and repeat exam costs by choosing online or computer-based options.
With careful research, clear score targets and early planning, alternative English tests can help you meet admission and visa requirements without extra stress, while keeping your study-abroad dream for the UK very much within reach.