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If you're wondering how much is the price for the Duolingo English Test, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the costs involved. We will detail the various pricing tiers, including how much the Duolingo premium subscription is, to help you decide if this is the right test for you. Understanding the fees and choosing the appropriate test is essential as it can significantly impact your budget and future plans, whether you're aiming for higher education, career advancement, or immigration from Singapore.

This guide will also compare these costs to the investment required for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), another widely recognised English proficiency test. By comparing the fees, benefits, and acceptance rates of both tests, you will gain a clear understanding of your options and be able to make an informed decision that best aligns with your goals and financial situation. 

Standard Duolingo English Test exam fees in Singapore

Currently, one Duolingo English Test costs USD65. If you purchase two tests, the cost is USD55 each, totalling USD110. Additionally, if you want your results within 12 hours, there is an additional fee of USD39. Otherwise, results will only be available within 2 days.

Potential additional costs

It's important to be aware of potential additional costs associated with the Duolingo English Test in Singapore. This includes rescheduling fees and cancellation fees. Additionally, if Duolingo suspends or terminates your account for breaking its rules or if you close your account voluntarily, no refund or exchange is provided, including for any unused test credits. 

Once your payment is made and confirmed, you have 21 days to take the test at your convenience. If you do not take the test within this timeframe, it will be automatically cancelled, and no refund will be issued. However, you do have the flexibility to reschedule the test within these 21 days, so if you foresee any changes in your schedule that will affect your ability to take the test, it is best to reschedule as soon as possible to avoid forfeiting the test fee.

Furthermore, while Duolingo is free to use, if you want to practise more and potentially score better, you might want to consider subscribing to Super Duolingo (explained in the following section). This service comes with a 2-week free trial, which will subsequently cost approx. USD$10 per month.

If you encounter problems with your test or results, you can contact Duolingo’s customer service and request a refund. However, do note that if you do not follow the test rules, you will not be eligible for a refund.

Payment options

You can use the following methods to pay for the Duolingo English Test fee:

  • Card Payment (Debit or Credit)

  • PayPal (Unique Online Payment platform)

After applying for the test through your account, you can pay the Duolingo test fees by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button.

Prepare for the Duolingo English Test

Like with all tests and examinations, preparation is crucial for achieving a good score. Here's how you can prepare for the Duolingo English Test so your exam fee won’t go to waste:

  • Take the free practice test: With the free tests provided by Duolingo, you can see what the test is like and get an unofficial score estimate. This practice test will take approximately 45 minutes to complete and should give you a good sense of what to expect on the actual exam, helping you prepare more effectively.

  • Through Duolingo: Super Duolingo, formerly known as Duolingo Plus, offers a premium experience. Benefits include no ads, uninterrupted learning, mistake reviews with personalised lessons, and unlimited attempts at legendary challenges, which should improve your proficiency.

Comparing Duolingo English Test and IELTS fees in Singapore

When choosing between the Duolingo English Test and IELTS, considering the different exam prices is important as it can impact your budget and decision-making process.

Here are the fees for IELTS:

Test Format

IELTS test fee in Singapore

Standard IELTS on Paper Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$378

Standard IELTS on Computer Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$378

UKVI IELTS on Paper Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$398

UKVI IELTS on Computer Test (Academic or General Training Module)

S$398

IELTS Life Skills (A1/B1)

S$275

In general, the Duolingo English Test is significantly cheaper. As the newest and most modern English proficiency exam, it is also quickly gaining popularity worldwide. According to Duolingo, the Duolingo English Test is officially accepted by over 5,000 universities and institutions.

Additionally, the Duolingo test is reported to be easier. This is mostly because it focuses on basic language skills such as grammar and vocabulary and does not require a deep understanding of the English language. However, it’s very important to note that while some institutions accept the Duolingo English Test during the admissions stage, some applicants may need to submit additional proof of English proficiency, such as with a more recognised test like the IELTS. This will vary depending on the institution itself.

However, when it comes down to deciding which test to take, the IELTS is often slightly more preferred due to its wider acceptance and availability. The IELTS is recognised by over 12,000 organisations globally, including:

  • Immigration authorities

  • Government sectors

  • Multinational companies and employers

  • Academic institutions

  • Professional organisations (hospitals, accounting institutions, etc.)

The widespread acceptance of IELTS scores by universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies makes it an ideal choice for those aiming to pursue higher education, career advancement, or migration from Singapore.

Furthermore, the IELTS results can unlock opportunities in over 140 countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. This global recognition provides candidates with a significant advantage and greater flexibility in their plans. This is especially useful if you are considering multiple destinations for your future endeavours, as it ensures your English proficiency is recognised internationally. Ultimately, making an informed decision about which test to take will help you achieve your goals more effectively and open up a world of possibilities.

Find the right English proficiency test for you

Choosing the right English proficiency test is crucial as it can significantly impact your study, work, or migration plans. The appropriate test can enhance your opportunities and ensure that you meet the specific requirements of your target institutions or employers.

If you’re interested in finding out more about IELTS, you can find IDP’s IELTS sample tests online or check out our IELTS preparation guides to help you better understand the test and determine if it is suitable for your needs. 

Additionally, if you want to know anything about the Duolingo English Test or IELTS, from exam prices to the Duolingo English Test format, you can always reach out to our experienced education consultants. Whatsapp us at +65 9152 1436 to get started!