Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Now Accepts Duolingo English Test for All Qualifications — Minimum Scores

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has added the Duolingo English Test (DET) to its list of approved English language proficiency tests for admission to all AUT qualifications. The change was confirmed in the AUT International newsletter on 13 August 2026, and it applies across undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, diploma and certificate programmes.

DET now gives applicants an additional route to prove English proficiency, alongside the tests AUT already accepts. The English language requirement applies when your first language is not English, Maori or New Zealand Sign Language.

DET minimum scores by qualification

The table below shows the minimum DET scores AUT requires for each qualification level. These are the official figures from AUT’s English language requirements page, accessed 13 August 2026.

Qualification	Minimum DET score
Diploma	90
Bachelor’s degree	105
Bachelor’s degree with honours	120
Conjoint programme	120
Graduate certificate	120
Graduate diploma	120
Master’s degree	120
Postgraduate certificate	120
Postgraduate diploma	120
Doctoral programme	120 overall; 130 in Writing; no band lower than 105
Certificates	Varies by programme — check the specific programme page on aut.ac.nz

For certificate-level programmes, the score is set per programme, so always confirm the requirement on the individual programme page before applying.

Validity and accepted tests

DET results are valid for two years from the test date to the time of application. If your test date is older than that, you will need to sit the test again or provide another accepted English test.

AUT also accepts IELTS One Skill Retake, which is useful if you want to redo a single component of an IELTS test rather than the whole thing. Two formats are not accepted: IELTS Academic Online and PTE Academic Online. If you hold results from either of those, they cannot be used to meet AUT’s English language requirement.

Alternative pathway — AUT Academic English

If you do not yet have the DET score you need, AUT Academic English (AUT AE) is an alternative pathway for entry into many AUT programmes. Be aware that some AUT programmes do not accept AUT AE for entry, so check the specific programme page to confirm whether this pathway is available to you.

AUT International Scholarship — Business School V3 2026

Alongside the DET update, AUT has opened applications for the AUT International Scholarship - Business School - V3 2026. This is a NZD 7,000 (including GST) contribution to tuition fees for new international students enrolling in V3 2026 — the October 2026 intake.

The scholarship is paid in the third week after the trimester commencement date of the programme, on Monday 9 November 2026, and covers one year only, on programme commencement.

Eligible programmes are the six 180-point master’s degrees offered by the AUT School of Business:

• Master of Applied Finance
• Master of Business Management
• Master of Global Business
• Master of Marketing
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Master of Supply Chain Management

Application window:

• Opens: 1 May 2026
• Deadline: 2 October 2026, 11:55 pm (NZT)
• Channel: online via the AUT scholarships database at aut.ac.nz/scholarships

Eligibility and conditions:

• Open to new full-fee paying international students
• You need a current and valid offer for an eligible programme commencing V3 2026. The application portal currently requires an unconditional offer; the AUT International email describes the requirement as “conditional or unconditional”. The official portal wording is the operative requirement — please refer to the latest details on the AUT scholarships page before applying.
• Not open to previous AUT students, including AUT postgraduate diploma graduates applying for a master’s
• Not open to citizens, permanent residents or resident visa holders of New Zealand or Australia
• Not open to students who have already commenced studies at AUT
• The award is conditional on full-time enrolment (120 points per annum) in an eligible programme commencing V3 October 2026
• The scholarship cannot be held concurrently with other AUT International Scholarships
• Not available if your studies are fully or partially sponsored by a home government or the New Zealand government
• The scholarship offer lapses if not formally accepted within two weeks
• The selection committee assesses applications fortnightly until places are filled, considering academic achievement and country of origin

Required documents include a current and valid offer for an eligible programme, a detailed academic transcript for your most recent qualification with the grading scale, a completion certificate for your highest qualification, and your AUT student ID.

FAQ

Is DET accepted for doctoral programmes at AUT?

Yes. Doctoral programmes require an overall DET score of 120, with 130 in Writing and no band lower than 105.

How long are DET results valid?

Two years from the test date to the time of application.

Does AUT accept IELTS Academic Online or PTE Academic Online?

No. Neither IELTS Academic Online nor PTE Academic Online is accepted.

What if I don’t meet the DET minimum score?

AUT Academic English (AUT AE) is an alternative pathway for many programmes, but some programmes do not accept it. Check the relevant programme page for the requirement that applies to you.

Can I combine this scholarship with other AUT awards?

No. The AUT International Scholarship - Business School - V3 2026 cannot be held concurrently with other AUT International Scholarships.

References

• AUT English language requirements — https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements (accessed 2026-08-13)
• AUT International Scholarships — https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-awards-at-aut/international-scholarships (accessed 2026-08-13)