Good News: Leeds Beckett University Now Accepts Duolingo & TOEFL Home Edition for September 2025 Intake
Leeds Beckett University has announced a major update for prospective students: starting from the September 2025 intake, the university will accept Duolingo English Test (DET) and TOEFL Home Edition as valid alternatives to IELTS for English language proficiency. This provides greater flexibility for students worldwide, including those from Pakistan, who are looking for cost-effective and convenient testing options.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
✅ Duolingo & TOEFL Home Edition Accepted – New alternative options for English proficiency. ✅ Clear Duolingo Equivalency – Example: IELTS 6.5 = Duolingo 120-125, IELTS 7.0 = Duolingo 130-135. ✅ More Flexibility for Admissions – Students can now prove their English proficiency without taking the traditional IELTS exam.
Impact on Pakistani Students
This update is particularly beneficial for Pakistani students planning to study in the UK. Here’s why:
1. More Accessibility & Convenience
Traditional IELTS exams require in-person attendance at designated test centers, which may be inconvenient. Duolingo and TOEFL Home Edition allow students to take the test from the comfort of their homes.
2. Cost-Effective Alternative
Duolingo is significantly cheaper than IELTS and TOEFL, making it an affordable option for students facing financial constraints.
3. Faster Results
Unlike IELTS, which takes about 13 days for results, Duolingo results are available within 48 hours. This speeds up the application process.
4. More Flexibility in Admissions
Many students struggle to achieve the required IELTS score. With Duolingo and TOEFL Home Edition, students now have additional pathways to prove their English proficiency.
5. Increased Chances of Acceptance
Students who may have been rejected due to lower IELTS scores now have another opportunity to qualify for admission.
What Should Pakistani Students Do Next?
🔹 Check Admission Requirements – Visit Leeds Beckett University’s official website or contact their admissions office to confirm specific requirements for your chosen program.
🔹 Prepare for Duolingo or TOEFL Home Edition – Since these tests differ from IELTS, practice using sample questions available on the official Duolingo and TOEFL websites.
🔹 Plan Your Application Early – With an easier English proficiency option, students should start the application process as soon as possible to secure their spot for September 2025.
🔹 Consult an Education Advisor – If you are unsure about the process, seek guidance from a study abroad consultant to navigate your application smoothly.
🔹 Stay Updated on More Universities – As Leeds Beckett University has accepted these tests, other UK universities may follow suit. Keep checking for updates to explore more options.
Conclusion
Leeds Beckett University’s decision to accept Duolingo and TOEFL Home Edition for English language proficiency is a significant step forward in making UK education more accessible to international students. Pakistani students now have an additional opportunity to qualify for their dream university without the challenges of traditional IELTS testing. Take advantage of this opportunity and start preparing for your application today!
Duolingo Score Equivalency to IELTS
The following table shows the Duolingo score requirements based on the equivalent IELTS band:
| IELTS Score | Duolingo Overall Score |
|---|---|
| 6.0 / 5.5 | 110-115 / 95 |
| 6.0 / 6.0 | 110-115 / 110 |
| 6.5 / 5.5 | 120-125 / 95 |
| 6.5 / 6.0 | 120-125 / 95 |
| 7.0 / 6.0 | 130-135 / 130 |
| 7.5 | 140-145 / 130 |
For detailed section-wise equivalency, students should refer to the official document provided by the university.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Leeds Beckett University accepting Duolingo and TOEFL Home Edition?
Leeds Beckett University now allows students to submit Duolingo and TOEFL Home Edition scores as proof of English proficiency, offering a flexible and accessible alternative to traditional IELTS exams.
2. What are the minimum Duolingo scores required for admission?
The required Duolingo scores vary based on IELTS equivalency:
IELTS 6.0 / 5.5 → Duolingo 110-115 / 95
IELTS 6.5 / 6.0 → Duolingo 120-125 / 95
IELTS 7.0 / 6.0 → Duolingo 130-135 / 130
3. How does Duolingo compare to IELTS in terms of cost and convenience?
Duolingo is cheaper, can be taken from home, and provides results within 48 hours, making it a cost-effective and faster alternative compared to IELTS, which requires in-person attendance and takes around 13 days for results.
4. Can Pakistani students use Duolingo or TOEFL Home Edition for a UK student visa?
While Leeds Beckett University accepts Duolingo and TOEFL Home Edition for admission, students should check with UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) to confirm if their chosen test is valid for visa applications.
5. How can students prepare for Duolingo or TOEFL Home Edition?
Students can practice using official sample tests on the Duolingo English Test and TOEFL Home Edition websites to familiarize themselves with the test format and improve their scores.