One of the biggest reasons students choose the Duolingo English Test over IELTS or TOEFL is the price — but the fee has changed several times, and old numbers ($49, $59, $65) are still floating around the internet. Here’s the accurate, current breakdown.
This guide covers the official Duolingo English Test fees for 2026: the single-test price, the two-test bundle, the fast-results add-on, what’s included, payment methods, refund rules, and fee waivers.
DET Fees 2026: At a Glance
| Option | Price (USD) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Single test | $70 | One certified attempt, 48-hour results |
| Two-test bundle | $118 ($59/test) | Two attempts, saves $22 — the smart retake strategy |
| Fast Results add-on | +$40 | Results in 12 hours instead of 48 |
Price History: Why You See Old Numbers Online
| Period | Fee |
|---|---|
| Launch era – ~2021 | $49 |
| ~2022 – 2023 | $59 |
| 2023 – Feb 2025 | $65 |
| Feb 11, 2025 – now | $70 |
What’s Included in the Fee
- ~60-minute adaptive test taken at home, 24/7 — no appointment needed
- Results in 48 hours (AI + human review)
- Unlimited FREE score reports to universities — send to as many institutions as you like
- One free official practice test
- Score valid for 2 years
The Real Savings: Score-Sending Math
This is where DET destroys the competition on cost. IELTS and TOEFL charge per additional score report — TOEFL charges $29 per extra report beyond the 4 free ones.
| Applying to 10 universities | DET | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Test fee | $70 | $255 |
| Score reports (10) | $0 (unlimited free) | ~$174 (6 extra × $29) |
| Total | $70 | ~$429 |
Payment Methods
DET accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, and PayPal — plus Alipay in China. Payment is online only and charged in USD.
Purchase Rules & Refunds
- Credit expires 21 days after purchase — take the test in time, no refunds for expiry
- Max 3 tests per 30 days; each credit allows up to 3 attempts to complete a session
- Refunds: essentially none — except verified Duolingo-side technical failures (contact support within 24 hours). Rule-violation voids are non-refundable
- There is no rescheduling — but since there’s no appointment either, you just take it when ready
Fee Waivers: The Duolingo Access Program
Duolingo distributes 10,000+ test fee waivers per year across 200+ countries through partner universities, schools, counselors and NGOs — plus a UNHCR partnership for refugee students. Students can’t apply directly; waivers come via these partner organizations, so ask your school counselor or university.
FAQs
How much is the Duolingo English Test in 2026?
$70 USD for a single test, $118 for a two-test bundle, plus an optional $40 for 12-hour fast results.
Is the DET cheaper than IELTS and TOEFL?
Dramatically. IELTS runs ~$215–250 and TOEFL ~$255 in the US — and both charge per extra score report, while DET’s unlimited free score sends are included.
Can I get a refund if I fail or my test isn’t certified?
No. Failed certifications and rule violations are non-refundable. Only Duolingo-side technical issues qualify, and you must contact support within 24 hours.
Are there discount codes for the DET?
Occasional third-party promos exist (e.g., 10% off codes shared by prep sites, or ~$60 vouchers via some counseling platforms). Verify any code is current before relying on it.
How long is my DET fee credit valid?
21 days from purchase. After that it expires with no refund — schedule your test promptly.
Ready to take it? Read our DET preparation guide 2026 and the question types explained before you book.
