Duolingo says its English language tests for visas are cheap and secure

Duolingo is in discussions with the government to allow UK visa applicants to take an online language test for less than £50, replacing a system that costs some more than £1,000.

Luis von Ahn, the founder of the online language-learning app, said the $49 Duolingo test had less risk of fraud and would be fairer for people wanting to study or work in the UK.

The company is now worth $4bn, offers tuition in more than 40 languages, is about to launch a maths app and already offers Duolingo ABC, an app to help children learn to read, as well as the Duolingo English test. The online test was launched in 2016, and Von Ahn said there was resistance to it being adopted until the Covid pandemic hit.

Von Ahn said online tests were fairer and more secure than tests in physical centres.