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The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a quick, affordable, and fully online English proficiency exam accepted by universities abroad. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, just like IELTS and TOEFL, but in a shorter and more flexible format.

Now, why do so many students prefer Duolingo? The answer is simple: it’s budget-friendly and super convenient. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, where you need to book test centres and wait for results, Duolingo can be taken from your home using just a computer with a webcam and internet connection.

Another big plus? It takes only 1 hour to complete, and you receive your results within 48 hours, while other tests can take up to 10 days. This fast turnaround makes it a great choice for students applying to Canadian universities with tight deadlines.

Since the test is AI-powered and adaptive, the difficulty level changes based on your answers. This ensures a fair and personalised experience, making it different from traditional exams where every student faces the same set of questions.

Yes, many universities and colleges in Canada accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for admission in 2025. It is recognised as an official proof of English proficiency by over 100 universities, including top Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University.

However, not all programmes within a university may accept Duolingo. While many undergraduate and general master's programmes accept it, some professional courses in law, medicine, and research-intensive fields may still prefer IELTS or TOEFL. Always check your specific program’s English language requirements before applying.

For students looking for a budget-friendly and convenient alternative to traditional tests, Duolingo is a widely accepted option that continues to gain recognition across Canadian universities.

Generally, most Canadian universities require a minimum score of 100-120, while some highly competitive programmes may ask for 125+. However, just meeting the minimum score doesn’t guarantee admission. Some institutions may require higher scores for specific faculties, such as medicine, law, and engineering, or additional assessments like writing samples or interviews.

Here are the typical Duolingo score requirements in Canadian universities:

• 100-110 -  Accepted by many colleges and universities for foundation courses and certain undergraduate programmes.
• 115-120 -  Commonly required for most bachelor’s and master’s programmes in Canada.
• 125+ -  Needed for top-tier universities and competitive programmes, such as business, law, and research-intensive courses.

Keep in mind that while Duolingo scores help fulfil the English proficiency requirement, universities may also evaluate your overall academic profile, including previous education in English, standardised test scores, and additional language assessments.

Many top universities in Canada accept the Duolingo exams. While many top-ranked universities now accept Duolingo, the minimum score requirements vary significantly based on the university and program.

For instance, universities like the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto require higher Duolingo scores (120-125), making them more competitive, whereas institutions like Dalhousie University and Simon Fraser University accept lower scores (110-115), offering more flexibility. Some universities have different requirements for specific faculties, so it’s crucial to check whether your intended programme accepts Duolingo.

Here’s a breakdown of Duolingo score requirements across leading Canadian universities:

A Duolingo score of 120 or higher is typically required by Canada’s top-tier universities, which are more competitive in their admissions. If you're aiming for universities like Toronto, UBC, and McGill, meeting or exceeding this score is crucial. These Canadian universities set higher standards because they attract a large number of international students and expect strong English proficiency for academic success.

For example, the University of British Columbia and the University of Calgary have some of the highest Duolingo score requirements (125-135).

Here’s a list of universities in Canada requiring a minimum Duolingo score of 120 and above:

By now, you know that many top universities in Canada require a Duolingo score of 120+, especially for competitive courses and master's programmes. But what if your score is slightly lower? 

Does that mean your chances of studying in Canada are limited? Absolutely not.

If you have a Duolingo score in the range of 100-115, you still have plenty of options across Canada. This score range is typically accepted for undergraduate programmes and, in some cases for master’s admissions, depending on the course. For example, if you’re applying for a master’s programme, some institutions like Simon Fraser and Dalhousie require a minimum of 115.

Here’s a list of Canadian universities that accept Duolingo scores between 100 and 115:

Canada offers certain unique courses at its universities in addition to those that gain popularity among students.

Listed below are popular courses at Canadian universities that accept Duolingo:

So, you may have taken the Duolingo English Test (DET), received your score, and now you're staring at the number on your screen. But what does it actually mean? Is 105 a good score? Will 120+ guarantee admission? What exactly does your score say about your English proficiency?

If you’re aiming for a top university in Canada, a score of 120 or higher is ideal. However, some institutions accept students with scores between 100-115, sometimes with additional English language support programmes. If your score is slightly below the requirement, you may still have options, such as submitting strong academic records or taking additional language courses.

Understanding where you stand can help you plan better and ensure a smoother transition into university life in Canada.

Hence, below we have created a breakdown of the Duolingo English Test score range:

The Duolingo English Test is just like any other official exam. Before you sit for the Duolingo English Test (DET), it’s important to know the rules. Unlike traditional English proficiency tests that require you to visit a test centre, Duolingo is entirely online, and there are strict guidelines to ensure the test remains fair, secure, and credible for university admissions.

If you violate any of these rules, your test may be flagged, invalidated, or even banned, preventing you from using the score for university applications.

Let’s break down the key rules and regulations you need to follow when attempting the Duolingo English Test:

• Test Environment: You must be in a quiet, well-lit room with no other people present.
• Test Equipment: A computer with a webcam, microphone, and reliable internet is required.
• No External Help: No headphones, notes, mobile phones, or other resources are allowed.
• Webcam Monitoring: Your face must be visible at all times, not looking away from the screen.
• One Attempt Only: You cannot retake the test immediately after completing it - you must wait at least 30 days before a second attempt.
• Typing & Speaking Rules: All responses must be your own - no copying, reading from scripts, or using online translators.
• AI & Human Review: The test is reviewed by both AI and human proctors to ensure fairness and detect any rule violations.
  

Different institutions have specific rules about how and when you can submit your Duolingo English Test (DET) scores. Some have strict deadlines, while others require additional proof of English proficiency, like interviews or writing samples. 

Here are some of the common eligibility criteria and submission terms you need to follow when sending your Duolingo scores to universities in Canada:

• Minimum Score Requirement -  Each university sets its own minimum Duolingo score for bachelor's and master's programmes. Some top institutions require 120+, while others accept scores as low as 100.
• Official Score Submission: You must send your Duolingo score directly from the Duolingo platform. Screenshots or manually uploaded score reports are not accepted.
• Test Validity Period -  Most universities in Canada accept Duolingo scores that are up to two years old. If your score is older than that, you’ll need to retake the test.
• University-Specific Requirements -  Some universities may require additional proof of English proficiency, like an interview, writing assessment, or supplementary documents.
• Multiple Attempts Policy -  While Duolingo allows you to retake the test multiple times, universities may only accept your most recent valid score or the highest score within a given time frame.
• Application Deadlines -  Some universities only accept Duolingo scores for specific intakes (e.g., Fall 2025), so always check deadlines in advance to avoid missing out.
• Conditional Admissions -  If you don’t meet the required Duolingo score, some universities may offer conditional admission, requiring you to take an additional English course before starting your main programme.

Once you've taken the Duolingo English Test (DET) and received your scores, the next step is submitting them to your chosen Canadian universities. Unlike other English proficiency tests, Duolingo makes the score submission process simple, fast, and free. Here’s how you can do it:

These are the steps to submit your Duolingo scores to Canadian universities:

• Step 1: Log in to Your Duolingo Account -  After receiving your test results (usually within 48 hours), log in to your Duolingo account.
• Step 2: Go to the "Send Results" Section -  Navigate to the test results page, where you’ll see an option to send your scores.
• Step 3: Search for Your University -  Type the name of the Canadian university you’re applying to. If your institution accepts Duolingo, it will appear in the search list.
• Step 4: Select & Confirm -  Choose your university and confirm the submission. Duolingo allows you to send scores to multiple universities for free, unlike IELTS or TOEFL, which charge extra for each score report.
• Step 5: Check University Confirmation -  Most universities receive scores electronically within 2-3 days. However, it’s always a good idea to email the admissions office to confirm receipt.

The Duolingo English Test (DET), TOEFL, and IELTS are the most commonly accepted exams in Canadian universities, but each has its own scoring system, test format, and acceptance criteria. Understanding the key differences can help you decide which entrance exam best suits your needs.

The main difference between them is that Duolingo is an adaptive test taken online from home, while TOEFL and IELTS are conducted at designated test centres. Also, to note, Duolingo is the shortest, lasting 1 hour, while TOEFL takes around 3 hours, and IELTS can take 2 hours 45 minutes.

The table below shows how Duolingo scores compare to TOEFL and IELTS scores.

Scoring well on the Duolingo English Test (DET) requires smart preparation, strategy, and practice. Unlike TOEFL or IELTS, Duolingo is an adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level changes based on your answers. The key is to focus on accuracy, fluency, and time management.

Here are some effective tips to help you ace the Duolingo test:

• Understand the Test Format -  Familiarise yourself with the question types, test sections, and timing. The test includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening sections.
• Take Free Practice Tests -  Duolingo offers official practice tests that give you a real-time test experience. This helps you get used to the format and improve your response time.
• Improve Your Vocabulary -  Since the test adapts to your skill level, knowing a wide range of words will help in fill-in-the-blank and speaking sections.
• Practice Typing Quickly -  Some questions require quick responses, so work on improving your typing speed and accuracy.
• Read Aloud with Clarity -  The speaking section evaluates pronunciation, fluency, and articulation. Practice speaking clearly and naturally, without rushing.
• Listen to Native English Content -  Watch English TV shows, listen to podcasts, and follow news reports to improve your listening comprehension skills.
• Stay in a Quiet Space for the Test -  Duolingo strictly monitors test conditions. Take the exam in a well-lit, noise-free environment to avoid disruptions.
• Use a Stable Internet Connection -  Ensure you have a good internet connection and a working microphone and webcam before starting the test.
• Answer Every Question Thoughtfully -  Since Duolingo adapts to your level, take your time to read questions carefully and answer accurately.
• Practise Speaking in Front of a Camera -  Since the speaking section is recorded, practice speaking naturally into a camera to build confidence.
• Manage Your Time Wisely -  The test lasts about 60 minutes, so avoid spending too much time on any single question.
• Review Your Mistakes -  After taking a practice test, review your errors and weak areas to improve before the actual test.

There is a reason why Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada stand at an all-time high. With the pandemic in place, Duolingo has grown to be a preferred choice amongst students applying to Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada. 

Here is why:

• Cost-Effective: Duolingo test costs are CAD 49 (INR 3040), which is relatively cheaper than other English proficiency tests. This test caters to tight-budgeted students who wish to study abroad on a budget.
• No Additional Costs: Once you receive your Duolingo test scores, you can send the former to any Duolingo-accepted colleges in Canada for free. With other English proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, you need to pay a fee of CAD 20 (INR 1240) for every university you send that is not part of your registration.
• Shorter Test Duration: Duolingo exams are conducted in 1 hour, which is the quickest English proficiency exam. On the other hand, English proficiency exams such as IELTS or TOEFL have a maximum of a 3-hour test duration.
• Test Conducted at Home: Writing IELTS, TOEFL, or any other related English language exam for Canada at the test center was difficult during the pandemic. Thus with Duolingo, international students had the convenience of passing an English language test while sitting at home. So when the results are released, students can immediately apply to Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada. This benefit largely impacted the multiple Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada.

Understanding the universities and colleges in Canada that accept Duolingo scores opens doors for students seeking cost-effective and accessible English proficiency tests. The flexibility and convenience offered by Duolingo have become crucial, especially in times of global challenges. As you explore the plethora of courses and institutions, remember that this streamlined testing process aligns with budget constraints while ensuring a smooth application journey. With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to navigate the landscape of Duolingo-accepted educational opportunities in Canada.

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