The task force behind the Graduate Management Education (GME) Admissions Reporting Standards, working with the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), has recognised the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an approved measure of English proficiency in its 2026 standards. Duolingo announced this on 27 January 2026.
Key facts
- Announced 27 January 2026
- Standards 2026 GME Admissions Reporting Standards
- Status Approved measure of English language proficiency
- Who Business school applicants and admissions offices
What the standards are
The GME standards set out how business schools report the profile of the classes they admit, including test data. They are reviewed every two years and changed only when there is broad agreement across the field. Being named means schools have clear guidance for reporting DET results alongside other English tests when they publish admissions data.
What it does not do
Recognition in the reporting standards does not oblige any business school to accept the DET. Each school still sets its own English requirements and decides which tests it takes. It also has no bearing on the GMAT itself, which measures reasoning, not English proficiency.
What this means
If you are applying to MBA or business master’s programmes and want to use the DET, check each school’s international applicant page for the tests it accepts and the minimum score. Some schools that previously did not list the DET may add it, so look at the current year’s requirements rather than older forum posts. If a school is silent, email admissions before you book. Plan your GMAT and English test dates so both results arrive before the application round you are aiming for. Keep a copy of your DET score report and note its date, since schools usually set how recent an English result must be.