To study abroad in an English-speaking country, proving your language proficiency is mandatory. For years, IELTS and TOEFL were the only primary options, but the Duolingo English Test (DET) has quickly emerged as a highly popular and convenient alternative. Choosing the right one can save you time, money, and stress.

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) IELTS is the most widely recognized test globally, especially in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is available in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats. The test evaluates four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Notably, the speaking section is a face-to-face interview with a real examiner, which many students prefer over talking to a computer.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) TOEFL is highly preferred by universities in the USA. It is a fully computer-based test (TOEFL iBT). Unlike IELTS, the speaking section requires you to speak into a microphone, and your voice is recorded and graded later. TOEFL's reading and listening sections lean heavily toward academic and campus-life scenarios.
3. Duolingo English Test (DET) The Duolingo English Test is an online, adaptive test that you can take from home on your computer. It is much cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL and delivers results within 48 hours. While thousands of universities (especially in the US and Canada) now accept it, some high-tier institutions and visa offices (like Canada's SDS stream) still strictly require IELTS or TOEFL.

Conclusion: Which should you choose? Take the IELTS if you are targeting the UK, Canada, or Australia, or if you prefer a human-to-human speaking format. Choose TOEFL if your primary target is the USA and you are comfortable with an all-computer setup. Opt for Duolingo if you are on a tight budget, need quick results, and have verified that your shortlist of universities fully accepts it.