DET 125 compares with IELTS 6.5
This compares official-test score scales. It does not turn a PrepEx practice estimate into an official result or replace a test the university requests.
What 125 means for your next decision
125 is the upper end of the DET range associated with IELTS 6.5. The next reportable score, 130, compares with IELTS 7.0. University requirements can still distinguish 120 from 125 within the same IELTS band.
125 is MIT’s recommended DET score. It also reaches UBC Vancouver’s overall minimum, but UBC separately requires Reading 115, Listening 115, Writing 120, and Speaking 120. A low individual subscore can therefore remain the deciding issue.
University requirements alongside DET 125
These 9 profiles cover specific undergraduate policies. Reaching a listed overall benchmark does not establish admission eligibility: program rules, subscores, test dates, and the rest of your application still matter.
| University | Published DET requirement | Overall comparison with 125 |
|---|---|---|
| Purdue | 115 overall guidance; 110 in each individual subscore | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| Penn State | 120 overall | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| Waterloo | 120 overall; Literacy and Production 125 | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| ASU | 95 for general requirement programs | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| Arizona | 110 overall | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| Michigan State | 110 for regular admission | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| MIT | 120 minimum; 125 recommended | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| Toronto | 120 overall and 120 Production | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
| UBC Vancouver | 125 overall, plus four skill minimums | At or above the listed overall benchmark |
For ASU, the comparison uses its general-program minimum of 95; some programs require up to 120. MIT’s recommended score is 125. Purdue describes 115 as applicant guidance. Open each profile for its full scope and official source.
Filter the directory by overall benchmarks at or below 125 →How nearby DET scores compare
Two DET scores can share an IELTS comparison while meeting different university thresholds. Use the institution’s published requirement for the test you will submit.
Full DET to IELTS overall-score table
| DET overall score | Comparable IELTS overall band |
|---|---|
| 10–55 | 0–4 |
| 60 | 4.0 |
| 65–75 | 4.5 |
| 80–90 | 5.0 |
| 95–100 | 5.5 |
| 105–115 | 6.0 |
| 120–125 | 6.5 |
| 130–135 | 7.0 |
| 140–145 | 7.5 |
| 150–155 | 8.0 |
| 160 | 8.5–9 |
The broad 0–4 and 8.5–9 ranges are preserved as published; they are not single-band predictions. Duolingo’s August 2026 research update confirms that its newer subscore study did not change this overall table.
Explore a score in detail: DET 95 to IELTS · DET 100 to IELTS · DET 105 to IELTS · DET 110 to IELTS · DET 115 to IELTS · DET 120 to IELTS · DET 125 to IELTS · DET 130 to IELTS · DET 135 to IELTS · DET 140 to IELTS.
Choose practice around the requirement you need
If UBC is your target, compare each skill on your official report with its threshold. Prioritize a skill below its minimum before chasing a higher overall number. Keep Toronto’s separate Production requirement in view if it is also on your shortlist.
How to use this comparison
A concordance compares results across groups of test takers. It does not guarantee the IELTS band you would earn, certify proficiency, or override an institution’s policy. Do not use this overall table to convert a Writing, Speaking, Reading, Listening, or Production subscore.
- Duolingo score comparison
- Duolingo Scoring Guide for Teachers (2026), pages 5–6
- Duolingo’s August 2026 concordance research update
Reviewed by PrepEx on . University policies have separate official sources on their profiles. Confirm the policy for your application before booking or sending a test.
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