Guide to taking the Duolingo English Test for the RSSP
Last updated 8 February 2026
Why do you have to take the Duolingo English Test?
All students applying for the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway in 2026 must take a Duolingo English Test. This is based on lessons from the 2025 intake. We want to ensure consistency and fairness in our selection process and make sure all students accepted into the program have the level of English required to study at a university level in Australia.
If you need to take a new Duolingo English Test, we will provide you with a coupon to take a test for free. If you have already taken a DET recently, you will be able to share your scores with us through your Duolingo portal. If you have already taken an IELTS or other English test you can also upload these test scores into your application (but you will still be required to take the DET).
All English testing in supplied for FREE to RSSP applicants. Do not purchase a test, we will provide you with test coupons.
English test score requirements
You need a minimum DET score of 105 to apply for the RSSP. English requirements vary by course and stream:
Postgraduate stream: DET score of at least 130 to be considered
Undergraduate stream: DET score of at least 105 to be considered
Skill trades/vocational courses need a DET score of 95 to be considered
Nursing and medical students: DET score of at least 140 to be considered (due to university admissions requirements)
Find out more about Duolingo Test scores: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/scores
How it works
If your expression of interest is accepted you will be invited to submit a full RSSP application, including completing an English Assessment.
We will email you with a personalised form to upload your existing DET results or request a free test coupon to take a new test. All DET tests must be complete before the application deadline (16 March 2026). We strongly recommend you take the test at least 3 business days prior to the application close date, to avoid delays in your test scores reaching our shortlisting team. Students without English test scores will not be considered.
Option 1: Upload existing DET results to Skill Path
If you have already taken the DET recently (in the last 2 years) and you are happy with your results, you may upload your existing scores rather than taking the test again.
Log in to englishtest.duolingo.com with the email address you used to take the test.
Click on "My Tests" in the menu on the left side of the screen.
Scroll down to your certified test result and click "Share Score."
Search for “Skill Path Australia” (it may be listed as “Other Programs”). Select the checkbox next to Skill Path to send us your results.
Help us match up your scores to your profile by letting us know if your email address with Duolingo is different to your email address in your RSSP application.
Check out Duolingo’s detailed instructions here.
Option 2: Take a new Duolingo English Test
Before we can give you a free Duolingo English Test coupon we want to check you are ready to take the test.
Step 1: Take a practice test
Follow this link to take a free Duolingo practice test.
The practice test takes about 45 minutes, contains the same question types as the certified test, and can be taken unlimited times at no cost to familiarise yourself with the format.
Create an account with Duolingo (if you haven't already).
Do NOT pay for a test.
Click on the option for a free practice test.
Do the practice test in a quiet area with a stable internet connection.
Grant your browser access to your camera and microphone.
Take a screen shot of your final score
Technical specifications
You can complete the Practice Test on desktop/laptop computer, phone or tablet. We recommend you take the test on a computer for best results. For the best experience, we suggest using Chrome on both desktop and mobile devices.
Other desktop browsers: Chrome, Opera, 360 Browser, or QQ Browser.
Mobile: You can use Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, WeChat Browser, or Huawei Browser.
Step 2: Upload your results
Upload your practice test results into your RSSP application (English Assessment step).
Step 3: Check your email and activate the coupon
We will verify you practice test results. If they are accurate and meet the minimum scores required for the RSSP, we will email you to provide you with a FREE Duolingo English Test Coupon.
Please check your junk mail to make sure you receive your coupon and instructions for taking the proctored test.
Sign up to Duolingo https://englishtest.duolingo.com/register with the same email address you used for your RSSP application.
Duolingo will accept your UNHCR ID to register for the test (ID rules here). We recommend using your UNHCR ID as this will signal to Duolingo that you are applying through the RSSP, in case you need technical assistance.
Select Buy now and follow the prompts. Select the 2-test bundle (so you have a second test in the even you need to resit).
Do not enter in credit card details - instead select use coupon we email you to access the test for free
Step 4: Take the test online in a private space
What you need to do
You need 1 full hour of uninterrupted time to take the test. Let everyone around you know not to enter the testing area (Tip: print a sign and hang it on the entrance to avoid people interrupting your test and voiding the results). Take some time to prepare the test environment, and if necessary request assistance from local refugee-serving organisations.
You will need to arrange access to a computer (desktop or laptop) with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers. It must have Windows 7 or greater, or macOS 10.13 or greater.
You will also need a mobile phone with a camera. You will need to use this phone to record your keyboard and computer screen during the test.
Download the Duolingo English Test Desktop app to your computer. This requires 300 MB of free space, roughly the size of a 3 minute video. Instructions here.
To complete the test you will need a stable internet connection. If you lose connection, just use your second test to complete. If you have a second technical fail, just request another coupon from Skill Path.
Have your UNHCR issued ID with you for the test. By using this form of ID you will signal to Duolingo that you are a refugee, and therefore may need additional assistance. When using your UNHCR Id, you need to select "Refugee" as the country or issue.
What to avoid
Do not look away from the screen
Do not get any external assistance
Do not cover your face, ears or mouth
Do not memorise answers from other sources
Do not take notes
Do not sign up for multiple accounts to take the test
How does Skill Path receive your scores?
You do not need to send us the results, as Duolingo will send them directly within 2 days of your sitting the test. All you have to do is complete your test by the deadline. If you share more than one set of scores with us, we will take the best scores we receive. Students who secure less than the minimum score of 95 will unfortunately not proceed.
How do I contact support?
If you run into technical difficulties please contact Duolingo directly to request assistance. These issues may require step by step troubleshooting which is often best done by the tester themselves with Duolingo’s support team who may ask them for screenshots or other information to diagnose the issue.
You can chat with Duolingo’s test-taker support team by logging into your Duolingo English Test account and clicking the HELP button. They offer live chat support from 00:00 a.m. UTC on Monday until 00:00 a.m. UTC on Saturday. You can also email them at englishtest@duolingo.com. Duolingo respond to emails 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Duolingo must certify your identity and your test before your result will be finalised. If there are any issues with certification, please contact Duolingo Helpdesk directly and tell them you are applying for the Refugee Student Settlement Program and are having trouble with your test. Duolingo staff are trained to assist you. Skill Path Australia cannot fix certification issues, but if you copy us (apply@skillpath.org.au) we can potentially assist in following up with Duolingo.
More resources from Duolingo
Rules: This page includes a full list of all rules that test takers must follow. At the top of the page you'll find an embedded video explaining the rules; this video plays in full at the start of all test sessions so test takers will view it when taking any official test.
Understand scoring: This page explains how DET's scoring works.
Prepare the test environment: This page lists what test takers will need when completing the test.
Practice skills: This practice hub page provides an array of question types for testers to familiarise themselves with different types
Frequently Asked Questions: This page has many articles which may answer specific questions you or your testers may have.
Duolingo English Test Walkthrough 2025: Test overview with all question types
Help!
Thank you and good luck!
- Skill Path Team
