A Duolingo English Test score of 65 is a CEFR B1 (intermediate) level. On Duolingo’s official comparison table it is roughly IELTS 4.5 and TOEFL iBT 24 – 29. Among the 1001 institutions that publish a DET minimum on their website, 11 (1%) ask for 65 or lower, and 6 list exactly 65.
Score 65 compared with nearby scores
| DET | CEFR | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Institutions listing this minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75 | B1 | 4.5 | 35 – 40 | 14 |
| 70 | B1 | 4.5 | 30 – 34 | 6 |
| 65 | B1 | 4.5 | 24 – 29 | 6 |
| 60 | A2 | 4 | under 24 | 5 |
Institutions that list 65 as their minimum DET score
Minimum taken from each institution’s own website; programs may differ and requirements change — confirm before you book.
- Australia: Greystone College
- Canada: Greystone College
- New Zealand: University of Waikato
- United States: Darrow School · Fort Hays Tech Northwest · Manhattan Institute of Management · University of Colorado – Boulder
Is 65 a good Duolingo score?
65 is below the range most universities ask for (usually 95–125): only 1% of institutions with a published minimum accept 65 or lower, mainly language programs, pathway courses and some colleges. Plan on reaching at least 100–110.
How to go from 65 to 70 or higher
- Below 100 the fastest gains come from vocabulary: learn the 2,000 most common English words and practise Read and Select every day.
- In Listen and Type, write every word you hear even if you are unsure of the spelling — partial credit counts.
- Use the free typing trainer: typing faster gives you more time to think in the writing tasks.
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.
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Last updated: November 2026