Study abroad in the US: Making the right English test choice

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Choosing to study abroad is a relatively common decision, but also a hugely significant one. According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, a record high figure of 1,126,690 international learners decided to study at US colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Studying in the US brings many benefits to international students, but there are still challenges to overcome when making this choice. A recent survey published by College Pulse, asking international students who are currently enrolled at US colleges about their study abroad journey, applications and English-language test taking, looked to demystify study abroad options.

More students are choosing the Duolingo English Test

The landscape of English proficiency testing is shifting. The College Pulse survey reveals that one in five international students currently choosing to study in the United States has taken the Duolingo English Test (DET). This growth is accelerating rapidly among incoming cohorts:

• Adoption: While only 13 per cent of 2025 graduates took the DET, that figure has jumped to 21 per cent for 2028 graduates – a 60 per cent increase in just three years
• Awareness: Student awareness of the DET has also nearly doubled, rising from 34 per cent among 2025 graduates to 62 per cent for the class of 2028.

The DET’s convenience is a major draw – 39 per cent of test-takers require less than a month of preparation, compared to the six-month lead time often required by traditional exams like TOEFL.

Students are applying globally

In a volatile US political environment, international students are navigating increased uncertainty and complexity. This has led many students to adopt a multi-country application strategy to mitigate visa risks and other potential issues.

• Visa sensitivity: More than one-third of international students applied to countries perceived to have friendlier visa policies than the US
• Diversified applications: 32 per cent of international students currently enrolled at US institutions also applied to universities outside the country
  • 51 per cent applied to the UK
  • 31 per cent applied to Canada

The DET: A passport for global admissions

The DET is rapidly gaining acceptance at thousands of institutions across the US, UK, Canada and Australia. This universal recognition makes it the ideal choice for students applying to multiple countries simultaneously, removing the need to take different tests for different regions.

You can find out more about which countries and institutions accept the DET as part of a student application, as well as visa-specific information in our detailed guide, “Duolingo English Test 2025: Accepted countries, schools, and visas”.

Thinking beyond admission and graduation

Today’s international students are looking past the initial acceptance letter. While quality of education (55 per cent) and university reputation (52 per cent) remain the top drivers, long-term career outcomes are now a primary factor influencing where students choose to enrol.

The US remains a top destination for career building. More than one-third of international students plan to stay in the country after graduation, with 53 per cent aiming to start their professional careers in the US following the completion of their studies. Among a plethora of choices, choosing a streamlined testing path like that offered through the DET means students can fulfil their English proficiency requirements quickly, affordably and conveniently – wherever in the world they call home.

Find out more about the Duolingo English Test.