When planning to study abroad, proving English language proficiency is a key step — and for many students, budget plays a huge role in choosing which test to take. Two popular options are the PTE (Pearson Test of English) and the Duolingo English Test. While both are accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide, their costs differ significantly.
In this blog, we’ll break down the registration fees, rescheduling charges, and additional costs of PTE vs. Duolingo, helping you decide which one offers the best value for your money.
💵 Registration Fees
Let’s start with the basics — the registration cost.
- PTE Academic: Approx. ₹15,900 (INR) or $220 USD, depending on your location.
- Duolingo English Test: Flat rate of $59 USD worldwide.
👉 Winner: Duolingo — it’s significantly more affordable upfront.
🔁 Rescheduling & Cancellation Charges
Life happens — and sometimes plans change. Here’s how both tests handle rescheduling:
- PTE:
- Rescheduling more than 14 days before your test: Free
- 7–13 days before: ~50% fee
- Less than 7 days: No refund
- Duolingo:
- You can reschedule or cancel anytime before taking the test — no extra charges.
👉 Winner: Duolingo — it offers more flexibility without penalties.
🧾 Additional Costs
Here are a few hidden or extra costs you may not consider initially:
- PTE:
- Score reports are free, but sending scores to more than 7 universities may incur extra fees.
- Test center travel costs can also add up.
- Duolingo:
- You can send your scores to unlimited institutions for free.
- Since it’s an online test, there’s no travel cost — you can take it from home.
👉 Winner: Duolingo — no hidden fees and maximum convenience.
💡 Value for Money: Which is Better?
While PTE is a well-established, widely accepted test that’s trusted by many institutions, Duolingo is rapidly gaining ground — especially for students who:
- Are applying to universities that accept Duolingo
- Have tight budgets
- Need to take the test quickly and conveniently
- Prefer to avoid travel and long waiting times
🧠 Final Verdict
| Feature | PTE | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | ₹15,900 / ~$220 USD | $59 USD |
| Rescheduling Flexibility | Moderate (some fees) | High (no extra fees) |
| Test Mode | In-person | Online (at home) |
| Extra Charges | Possible (score reports, travel) | None |
✅ Best for Budget: Duolingo
✅ Best for Widest Acceptance: PTE
Conclusion:
If you’re a student on a tight budget and applying to institutions that accept Duolingo, it’s the clear winner in terms of cost and flexibility. But if you’re aiming for a broader range of universities or need a test with wider recognition, PTE might be worth the higher cost.
Before you decide, always check with your target universities to ensure they accept your chosen test!