A Duolingo English Test score of 130 is a CEFR C1 (advanced) level. On Duolingo’s official comparison table it is roughly IELTS 7 and TOEFL iBT 98 – 103. Among the 1001 institutions that publish a DET minimum on their website, 991 (99%) ask for 130 or lower, and 43 list exactly 130.
Score 130 compared with nearby scores
| DET | CEFR | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Institutions listing this minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 | C1 | 7.5 | 109 – 112 | 2 |
| 135 | C1 | 7 | 104 – 108 | 5 |
| 130 | C1 | 7 | 98 – 103 | 43 |
| 125 | B2 | 6.5 | 93 – 97 | 21 |
| 120 | B2 | 6.5 | 87 – 92 | 103 |
Institutions that list 130 as their minimum DET score
Minimum taken from each institution’s own website; programs may differ and requirements change — confirm before you book.
- Austria: IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems
- Canada: Cranston Ridge Medical Clinic
- China: Schwarzman Scholars
- Denmark: Copenhagen Business School
- France: Sciences Po
- Germany: WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
- Grenada: St. George's University
- Qatar: Georgetown University
- Spain: EADA Business School · ESADE Business School · IE University
- United Kingdom: Aston University · University of Bath · University of Sussex
- United States: American Film Institute · Amherst College · Brooks School · Brown University · Bucknell University · California Institute of Technology · Carleton College · Claremont McKenna College · Colgate University · Colorado College · Columbia University in the City of New York · Davidson College · Frederick Gunn School · Georgetown University · Hamilton College · Kenyon College · Lafayette College · Mount Holyoke College · Occidental College · Pomona College · Princeton Theological Seminary · Rhodes College · Shady Side Academy · Sotheby's Institute of Art · Texas Christian University · University of Arkansas · University of Southern California · University of Virginia · Vanderbilt University · Wesleyan University
Is 130 a good Duolingo score?
Yes. 130 is above what most programs ask for: 99% of institutions with a published minimum accept 130 or lower, including many selective graduate programs. Some top universities ask for 130–140 plus minimum subscores, so check your specific program.
How to go from 130 to 135 or higher
- Precision now matters more than range: in Writing Sample and Speaking Sample, use varied sentence structures and specific vocabulary, and leave 30 seconds to check articles and agreement.
- Read and Complete and Interactive Reading reward speed: practise with academic texts (science, economics, history) and time yourself.
- Listen and Type at this level uses long, fast sentences: train with podcasts at natural speed and type what you hear.
Start with the free level test to estimate your current score, train your typing with the typing trainer, and prepare properly with the Duolingo English Test course.
Message us on WhatsApp Live DET classes with certified instructors and personal Speaking and Writing correction.
Last updated: November 2026