How many universities accept each test
| Test | US universities that list it | List |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 469 | See |
| IELTS Academic | 440 | See |
| Duolingo English Test | 358 | See |
| PTE Academic | 157 | See |
| Cambridge English (C1/C2) | 69 | See |
Counts out of the 470 universities that publish their list for 2026–27. A university missing from a list may still accept that test: check its international page, linked from its page on Edlume.
Which test should you take?
- TOEFL iBT: accepted by the most universities that publish a list. The safest choice if your list is long or undecided.
- IELTS Academic: very common outside the US and widely accepted.
- Duolingo English Test: taken at home in about an hour, results in about two days, and cheaper. Check that every university on your list accepts it before you book.
Can you skip the English test?
Often, yes: many universities waive it if you studied for several years in English, if English is your first language, or sometimes with a strong SAT Reading and Writing score. The conditions are precise and differ by university: read them word for word on its international page.
When to take it
By October of your final year for early deadlines, by December for Regular Decision, so official results reach universities in time.
Questions
Do US universities accept the Duolingo English Test?
358 US universities list it among their accepted English tests for 2026–27, out of 470 that publish a list.
Which English test is accepted by the most US universities?
The TOEFL: 469 of the 470 universities that list their tests accept it, then the IELTS (440).
Do I need an English test if I studied in English?
Many universities waive it in that case, but each sets its own conditions: check its international page before you skip the test.