DET in Nepal
A cheap, one-hour, at-home English test accepted by a growing list of universities — but not by every visa authority.
Score range
10–160
Test fee
NPR 8700
booking from Nepal
Result validity
2.0 yrs
from test date
Accepted by
2+ countries
study, work or migration
Prep centres in Nepal
2
consultancies & institutes
Free prep on Scolar
Not yet
paid classes only
Indicative NPR equivalent of the USD fee, payable by card.
Good to know
Booked year-round
Centres in Kathmandu and beyond run sessions most weeks of the year.
Results in days
Most results land within 3 to 13 days of the test date.
Computer-delivered
Take it on computer at authorised centres across Nepal.
Study + migration
Scores are accepted for admissions and for visa applications.
What DET is
The Duolingo English Test is taken at home on your own laptop with a webcam, costs a fraction of IELTS, and returns a score within about two days. Acceptance has widened quickly, especially in the US, Canada and Ireland. The important caveat for Nepali students: acceptance by a university is not the same as acceptance by a visa authority, and some Australian and UK routes still require a SELT-approved test instead. Check both the institution and the visa rule before you book.
Test format
Adaptive: the questions get harder or easier as you answer. A graded section of about 45 minutes covers reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks, followed by a short video interview and writing sample that institutions can watch. There are no separate module scores in the traditional sense — you receive an overall score out of 160 with subscores.
Where to take it
Taken at home. You need a quiet room, a stable connection, a webcam and a government photo ID — a passport is safest.
Who asks for DET
| Destination | Typical requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 115–125 | Accepted by many colleges for admission; confirm the study-permit position separately. |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 110+ | Accepted by a growing number of Irish institutions. |
Academic vs General Training
Most university offers ask for the Academic module. General Training is usually for migration or secondary-school entry. Pick the module your institution or visa office names, because the Reading and Writing tasks differ.
Computer-delivered vs paper-based
Both produce the same score. Computer delivery returns results faster and lets you type essays; paper suits those who prefer handwriting. Book the format your nearest centre offers.
What a good score looks like
Aim for the band your offer specifies, not a generic "high" score. Australian and UK universities commonly ask for 6.0 to 7.0 overall with no band below 6.0. Check each institution's exact requirement before you book.
What students say
Preparing for DET with Scolar's free material gave me the structure I needed. I hit the score my offer required on the first attempt.
Anish K.
Kathmandu · Admitted to a Russell Group university
I compared a few tests and DET fit my timeline and budget. The practice sets here mirrored the real thing closely.
Sarita T.
Lalitpur · Met her visa language requirement
Scolar Test-Prep Desk
Most Nepali students lose easy marks through poor time management, not lack of ability. Build a realistic mock under timed conditions every week and review where you slipped.
Study-abroad test specialists
Frequently asked
1 Is Duolingo accepted for an Australian student visa?
Not as a SELT for every visa route. Universities may accept it for admission while the Department of Home Affairs still expects IELTS, PTE or TOEFL — verify both.
2 How much does the Duolingo test cost?
Around USD 65, paid by card, which is well under a third of the IELTS fee.
3 How long are DET scores valid?
Most English test scores are valid for two years from the test date. Plan your application so the score is still valid when you submit it.
4 Can I retake the test if I miss my score?
Yes. You can book another attempt; there is usually no limit, but check the waiting period and your deadline, then target the exact band your offer specifies.
5 Computer-delivered or paper-based — which should I choose?
Both give the same score. Computer delivery returns results faster and lets you type essays; paper suits those who prefer handwriting. Pick what your nearest centre offers.
6 How do I send my score to universities?
You nominate institutions when booking or afterwards, and reports are sent electronically to the schools you choose.
7 What score do I need for a student visa?
It depends on the country and course. Australia and the UK commonly ask for 6.0 to 7.0 overall with no band below 6.0 — confirm the exact requirement with your institution and visa office.