Duolingo English Test to IELTS Converter
Find the approximate IELTS band equivalent of your DET score and understand whether your result meets IELTS-listed university requirements.
Most global university requirement benchmarks use IELTS as their reference point — meaning students with a DET score often need to understand it in IELTS terms. However, unlike the TOEFL-IELTS comparison which has an official ETS statistical linking study, DET-IELTS conversion is CEFR-mediated and approximate. In practice, most universities accepting DET set their own DET minimums directly — so you rarely need to convert.
DET to IELTS Score Converter
Complete DET to IELTS Score Comparison Table
All DET score ranges with approximate IELTS equivalents, CEFR levels, and university standing. Conversion is based on shared CEFR framework alignment.
| DET Score | CEFR Level | Approx. IELTS Band | Descriptor | University Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 145–160 | C2 | 8.5–9.0 | Exceptional | Exceeds virtually all university requirements |
| 120–140 | C1 | 7.0–8.0 | Proficient | Meets most top university requirements |
| 110–115 | B2 | 6.5–7.0 | Competent (strong) | Meets many mid-to-upper tier university requirements |
| 95–105 | B2 | 6.0–6.5 | Competent | Meets minimums at some universities |
| 75–90 | B1 | 5.0–5.5 | Developing (strong) | Below most selective university minimums |
| 65–70 | B1 | 4.5–5.0 | Developing | Pathway or foundation programs recommended |
| 45–60 | A2 | 3.5–4.0 | Elementary | Significant English development needed |
| 10–40 | A1 | < 3.5 | Beginner | Substantial preparation required |
Does My DET Score Meet IELTS-Listed University Requirements?
Most universities accepting DET publish their own DET minimum score directly — students should use that number, not convert from IELTS. This conversion is most useful when a university only lists IELTS and you want to estimate if your DET is equivalent, when comparing your readiness against general IELTS benchmarks, or when deciding whether to take IELTS in addition to DET.
United Kingdom
IELTS often required — DET acceptance limited
- Most UK universities primarily list IELTS requirements; DET acceptance is growing but limited.
- If a UK university lists IELTS 6.5 and does not list DET, you cannot substitute your DET score — you must take IELTS.
- Always check the university's specific language requirements page for DET acceptance.
- DET is NOT accepted for UK Student Visa applications — IELTS UKVI is required regardless.
United States
DET widely accepted at US universities
- Most US universities accepting DET publish their own DET minimum (typically 100–120).
- Use the university's stated DET minimum directly — no conversion needed.
- If a US university only lists IELTS, DET 120 ≈ IELTS 7.0 and DET 105 ≈ IELTS 6.5.
Australia
DET accepted for admissions — IELTS/PTE needed for visa
- Many Group of Eight universities now accept DET for admissions.
- DET is NOT accepted for Australian Student Visa purposes — IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL required.
- If the university accepts DET but you need a visa, you will need a separate IELTS or PTE score for the visa application.
Canada
DET accepted for study — IELTS required for Canadian immigration
- Most major Canadian universities now accept DET for admissions.
- DET is NOT accepted for Canadian PR via Express Entry — IELTS is required.
- If you plan to apply for Canadian PR after graduation, you will need IELTS regardless of DET acceptance at your university.
Europe
Verify per university — acceptance varies
- Many continental European universities teaching in English accept DET.
- IELTS remains more widely listed as the primary benchmark.
- Netherlands, Germany, Sweden: generally accept multiple tests including DET at many institutions.
DET vs IELTS — Why Scores Are Not Directly Comparable
The two tests measure English proficiency using fundamentally different formats. These differences explain why CEFR-mediated ranges rather than exact equivalencies are the most honest representation of cross-test comparison.
| Feature | DET | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Test duration | ~1 hour | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Format | Computer-adaptive, at home | Test centre (or IELTS on Computer) |
| Score scale | 10–160 | 0–9 in 0.5 increments |
| Speaking format | Recorded responses, AI-scored | Live face-to-face interview with examiner |
| Writing | Short tasks integrated throughout | Task 1 (graph/letter) + Task 2 (essay) |
| Proctoring | AI proctoring — take anywhere | Human invigilation at approved centres |
| Cost | ~$65 USD | ~$200–260 USD |
| Results time | Within 48 hours | 3–5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) |
| Score validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Video interview | Unscored 3-min video — sent to unis | No equivalent |
| Retake | Any time after 21 days | Any time; One Skill Retake available |
| Visa use | Not accepted for visas | IELTS UKVI accepted for UK visa |
Listening
| DET (approx.) | IELTS (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 28–30 (Comprehension/Conversation) | 8.5–9.0 |
| Strong B2 (Comprehension ~22–25) | 7.0–7.5 |
| Moderate B2 (Comprehension ~18–22) | 6.0–6.5 |
TOEFL Listening is entirely academic. IELTS Listening includes everyday contexts alongside academic ones. DET Comprehension and Conversation subscores are the closest approximation.
Reading
| DET (approx.) | IELTS (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Literacy ~145+ | 8.5–9.0 |
| Literacy ~120–140 | 7.0–8.0 |
| Literacy ~95–115 | 6.0–6.5 |
IELTS Reading includes True/False/Not Given questions which DET does not test directly. DET Literacy subscore is the closest approximation to IELTS Reading ability.
Writing
| DET (approx.) | IELTS (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Production ~145+ | 8.0–9.0 |
| Production ~120–140 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Production ~95–115 | 6.0–6.5 |
IELTS Writing Task 1 (graph/chart description) and Task 2 (250-word essay) are not directly tested in DET. DET writing tasks are shorter. Students strong in structured essay writing may score relatively better in IELTS Writing.
Speaking
| DET (approx.) | IELTS (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Conversation ~145+ | 8.0–9.0 |
| Conversation ~120–140 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Conversation ~95–115 | 6.0–6.5 |
IELTS Speaking is a live face-to-face interview with a human examiner. DET Speaking is recorded and AI-scored. Students accustomed to live conversation may perform better in IELTS Speaking; those who prefer recorded formats may prefer DET.
Should I Take IELTS If I Already Have a DET Score?
The answer depends entirely on your target universities, visa requirements, and immigration plans. Here are the six key scenarios:
Applying only to US universities where DET is accepted
DET is sufficient where it is accepted. Use the university's stated DET minimum directly. No need to take IELTS.
Applying to UK universities
Check whether the specific university and program accepts DET. Many do not. If DET is not listed as an accepted test, IELTS is required. The UK Student Visa always requires IELTS UKVI regardless of which test your university accepts for admissions.
Applying to Australian universities where DET is accepted
DET is sufficient for admissions at universities that accept it. However, the Australian Student Visa requires IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL — not DET. You will need a separate IELTS or PTE score for your visa application.
Planning Canadian immigration after study
IELTS is required for Canadian PR via Express Entry. DET is not accepted for Canadian immigration. If you plan to apply for Canadian PR after graduating, take IELTS before your scores expire relative to your immigration timeline.
Applying to a mix of DET-accepting and non-accepting universities
Check each target institution individually. Only take IELTS if a key target institution does not accept DET. Taking both tests adds cost and preparation time — only worthwhile if critical.
UK professional registration (nursing, medicine, pharmacy)
UK professional bodies including the NMC (nursing), GMC (medicine), GPhC (pharmacy), and SRA (law) require IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI specifically. DET is not accepted for UK professional registration.
Key DET Score Thresholds and Their IELTS Equivalents
Quick reference for the most commonly searched DET score equivalencies.
DET 145 is C2 level — approximately IELTS 8.5+. Exceptional score exceeding virtually all requirements globally.
DET 130 is strong C1 level — approximately IELTS 7.5–8.0. Meets requirements at highly selective universities.
DET 120 is C1 level — approximately IELTS 7.0–7.5. Meets requirements at most top universities accepting DET.
DET 105 is B2+ level — approximately IELTS 6.5. Meets minimums at many mid-to-upper tier universities.
DET 95 is B2 level — approximately IELTS 6.0–6.5. Meets minimums at some universities.
DET 90 is B1+ level — approximately IELTS 5.5–6.0. Below most selective university minimums.
All equivalencies are based on CEFR framework alignment. Small differences in DET score can shift the IELTS band range, particularly around the 95, 110, and 120 thresholds. Always use the university's stated DET minimum where available.