Canadian Universities Accepting the Duolingo English Test 2024 – 2025: Top Universities for Indian Students

With the recent discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) as of November 8, 2024, many Indian students are rethinking their study plans for Canada. The SDS program which offered faster visa processing for students meeting specific English proficiency test (EPT) requirements like IELTS and PTE, was a go-to route for Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada.

The good news? Despite the SDS changes, Canada remains an open and welcoming destination for international students. Now, students have the flexibility to explore a broader range of EPTs and the Duolingo English Test (DET) is a top choice. The DET stands out for its affordability, convenience, and growing acceptance across 400+ Canadian universities, including top institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and UBC.

Ready to unlock your Canadian education dream? Let’s explore how the Duolingo English Test can simplify your journey!

Is the DET Accepted for Canadian Student Visas?

Absolutely! The DET is accepted by over 375 programs in Canada, making it a convenient and viable alternative to traditional English proficiency tests.

If your selected university recognizes the DET, you won’t need to take other tests to fulfil your Canada student visa requirements. This means less hassle, quicker applications, and more time to focus on preparing to study in Canada.

Why Choose the DET for Canadian Universities?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is quickly gaining popularity among Indian students for these unbeatable benefits:

• Convenience: Take the test online from the comfort of your home without the hassle of visiting a DET test center.
• Quick Results: Complete the test in just 60 minutes and receive your results within 48 hours, keeping your application on track.
• Affordability: At less than INR 5,000, the DET is significantly more budget-friendly than IELTS or TOEFL.
• Personalized Testing: The DET uses adaptive technology to tailor the test to your proficiency level ensuring a stress-free and accurate assessment.
• Score Validity: DET scores are valid for two years from the date of your test. This can save you both time and money by eliminating the need for retesting if your plans are delayed or if you decide to apply to additional institutions within this timeframe.

Duolingo English Test Accepted Universities in Canada 2024 – 2025

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is recognized by over 400 Canadian institutions, including some of the most prestigious universities in the country. Whether you’re aiming for a globally ranked university or a specialized program, the DET opens doors to:

• All (Anglophone) U15 universities
• All Canadian universities ranked in the QS Top 300 (Anglophone)
• Universities ranked in Maclean’s Rankings:
  • 41 out of 45 Anglophone universities
  • All 12 Medical-Doctoral universities
  • 13 out of 14 Comprehensive universities

List of Top Universities in Canada Accepting Duolingo English Test

Here is a detailed table showcasing some of the leading Canadian universities and their minimum DET score requirements:

University Name	Minimum DET Score Required	Popular Programs	Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (CAD)	Work Permit Eligibility	Global Ranking (QS 2025)
University of Toronto	120	Business, Engineering, Computer Science	$61,720 – $67,370	Yes	25
McGill University	115	Arts, Medicine, Law	$47,281.69	Yes	29
University of British Columbia (UBC)	115	Computer Science, Law, Arts	$25,000 – $50,000	Yes	38
University of Alberta	115	Agriculture, Health, Engineering	$20,000 – $25,000	Yes	96
University of Waterloo	120	Engineering, Computer Science, IT	$7,000 – $64,000	Yes	115
Concordia University	110	Business, Arts, Engineering	$22,000 – $45,000	Yes	477
Dalhousie University	110	Law, Business, Arts	$18,000 – $28,000	Yes	300+
York University	110	Business, Law, Engineering	$27,000 – $37,000	Yes	487
Simon Fraser University	115	Business, Engineering, Arts	$19,000 – $29,000	Yes	298
Seneca College	105	Business, IT, Arts	$14,000 – $20,000	Yes	N/A
University of Calgary	110	Engineering, Business, Health	$20,000 – $25,000	Yes	246
University of Saskatchewan	110	Agriculture, Engineering, Business	$17,000 – $22,000	Yes	400+
Carleton University	110	Arts, Business, Public Affairs	$20,000 – $30,000	Yes	601-650
University of Regina	105	Arts, Business, Education	$16,000 – $24,000	Yes	801-1000
St. Francis Xavier University	105	Arts, Business, Education	$16,000 – $22,000	Yes	N/A
Vancouver Island University	95	Arts, Education, Business	$15,000 – $18,000	Yes	N/A

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score Accepted by Universities in Canada

Understanding the Duolingo English Test (DET) score requirements is crucial for selecting the right university. While each institution sets its own benchmark, here’s a general idea of the scores needed for admission:

Type of Institution	Score Range	Examples of Universities
Top-tier universities	115–125+	– University of Toronto – McGill University – University of British Columbia (UBC)
Comprehensive universities	110–120	– University of Alberta – University of Waterloo – York University
Colleges and smaller institutions	95–105	– Seneca College – Vancouver Island University – Fanshawe College

What Do These Scores Mean?

The DET uses an adaptive scoring system, with overall scores ranging from 10 to 160. Here’s a breakdown of what different score ranges signify:

• 145–160 (Advanced): Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in academic English.
• 125–145 (Upper-Intermediate): Suitable for demanding academic programs.
• 105–125 (Intermediate): Meets the requirements for most undergraduate and diploma courses.
• Below 95: May need additional preparation or pathway programs.

Note: Always check the official website of your chosen university for the latest DET score requirements, as these may vary by program and faculty.

Our guides on DET scores:

• How Duolingo English Test Score is Calculated?
• A Guide to the Duolingo English Test Scores: How to Interpret Your Results
• New Subscores on Duolingo English Test for More Precise Assessment

How to Send Duolingo English Test Scores to Canadian Universities?  

Canadian universities that accept Duolingo English Test scores for English language proficiency have made the process of submitting them convenient. Here’s a breakdown of the general steps involved:

• Ensure you complete the Duolingo English Test online. Once you receive your results, they’ll be available in your DET account.
• Research the universities you’re interested in attending in Canada. Verify if they accept Duolingo English Test scores for English language proficiency. Many universities have a dedicated international admissions page or list of accepted English language tests on their website.
• Most universities that accept Duolingo English Test scores will allow you to link your DET account directly to their application portal. This will streamline the process of sending your scores electronically. Look for instructions within the application portal for linking your DET account.
• While many universities accept scores through the linked account method, some may still require an official score report from DET. In this case, DET offers an official score report service for an additional fee. You can explore this option within your DET account if necessary.
• Ensure you submit your application and test scores by the university’s deadlines. These can vary between institutions, so check their application requirements carefully.
• While Duolingo English Test scores are generally accepted, some universities might have a minimum score requirement. Review the specific requirements for each program you’re applying to.
• If you have any questions or uncertainties about the Duolingo English Test score submission process for a particular university, don’t hesitate to contact their admissions office directly. They’ll be happy to clarify any doubts.

Why Canada Remains a Top Choice for Indian Students

For decades, Canada has been a dream destination for Indian students seeking world-class education. In 2024, of the 1.3 million Indian students studying abroad, a staggering 41% chose Canada as their academic destination.

Here’s why Canada continues to stand out for Indian and international students:

• Globally Ranked Universities: Canadian institutions are celebrated for their academic excellence and cutting-edge research. From business and engineering to healthcare and arts, top courses in Canada cater to every interest.
• Affordable Education: Compared to the US and UK, Canadian universities provide high-quality education at relatively lower tuition costs, making it a value-for-money option.
• Post-Graduation Opportunities: Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students to gain valuable work experience, with many transitioning to permanent residency.
• Multicultural Society: With its diverse population, Canada offers a warm and inclusive environment. Indian festivals, communities, and food are just a part of everyday life, ensuring you’ll feel at home.
• Safety and Quality of Life: Ranked among the safest countries in the world, Canada offers a high standard of living, giving parents peace of mind and students a comfortable environment to thrive.

Useful Tips to Improve Your Duolingo English Test Scores for Canadian Universities

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a convenient and cost-effective way to showcase your English language proficiency for Canadian universities. However, achieving a competitive score requires focused preparation. Here are our impactful tips to help you improve your DET scores for some of the most eminent Canadian universities:

• The DET is known for its adaptive nature. It adjusts to your performance, presenting questions that match your current skill level. Embrace this feature! Don’t be discouraged by more challenging questions later in the test; they indicate you’re progressing well.
• Familiarise yourself with the DET format. Understand the different task types you’ll encounter, such as sentence completion, reading comprehension, and short writing prompts. Practice each type of question to build confidence and improve timing.
  A strong vocabulary is crucial for success in the DET. Actively build your vocabulary by learning new words daily. Utilise flashcards, or consume English content like news articles or books.
• Dedicate time each day or week to hone your DET skills. Utilize DET’s practice lessons, explore external resources like online practice tests, and consider enrolling in a dedicated DET preparation course if needed.
• Don’t just focus on vocabulary. Pay attention to proper grammar rules and sentence construction. Review common grammar mistakes, practice writing clear and concise sentences, and utilize online resources or grammar books to solidify your understanding.
• Strive to understand not just the literal meaning of words but also the nuances and cultural context of the English language. Immersing yourself in English media like movies, and podcasts, or even changing your phone’s language to English can be highly beneficial.
• Time management is crucial during the DET. Practice each section under timed conditions to develop a test-taking strategy that allows you to complete all questions calmly and efficiently.

The DET is your ticket to Canada’s world-class education system. With unmatched convenience, affordability and acceptance, it’s the ideal choice for students navigating the post-SDS era. Take the DET and move one step closer to achieving your Canadian education dreams!

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FAQs

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