Can students from Japan use the Duolingo English Test for New Zealand?

DET acceptance depends on the New Zealand university, not your nationality. This page pairs New Zealand's requirements with practical notes for applicants from Japan.

Your corridor

🇳🇿 Duolingo English Test for New Zealand — from Japan

New Zealand's universities recognise the DET for many undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

What New Zealand asks for

Scores run on the 10–160 scale; recognition is program-dependent, generally 105–125.

Admission is not the same as the visa

For New Zealand's fee-paying student visa (up to four years), separate English proof is generally not required if your institution has accepted you — including on a DET score. Confirm with the institution and current Immigration NZ rules.

From Japan — the essentials

Costs in: Japanese Yen (¥)
Credentials: MEXT — Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; NIAD-QE for recognition
Funding to search: Tobitate! Young Ambassador Program, JASSO outbound support, Fulbright Japan, private foundation scholarships
Where students go: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada
Apply from: Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya

English-taught programmes need Duolingo English Test/IELTS; Japanese applicants widely take the Duolingo English Test iBT, and the Tobitate programme actively funds outbound study. At about $70 the DET is taken online from Japan — no test-centre travel, and far cheaper than IELTS.

Plan the rest of your move for New Zealand

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Practice the DET

Try AlmiDET practice tasks on the real 10–160 scale with honest AI feedback.

Practice on the real 10–160 scale

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The Shamool pledge

AlmiDET is part of the AlmiWorld family. 25% of our sales go to the Shamool Foundation to support students who cannot afford fees and tests — so the work you do here helps fund a place for someone else.

AlmiDET is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Duolingo. All practice material is original and never copied from the Duolingo English Test. Acceptance figures and score bands change — always confirm the current requirement on the official university or government page before you rely on it.