The Duolingo English Test (DET) has rapidly become one of the most popular English proficiency exams for international students planning to study in Canada. With its low cost, fast results, and online format, it offers a flexible alternative to IELTS and TOEFL.
The number of Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada is expected to expand significantly over time, providing international students with a wider and more affordable pathway to access Canada’s world-class universities, colleges, and polytechnics.
Why Choose Duolingo for Studying in Canada?
Choosing the right English proficiency test can make or break your study abroad plans. For Canada, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has become one of the most student-friendly options.
- Quick Results – Results are delivered within 48 hours, unlike IELTS/TOEFL, which can take up to a week. This helps students applying close to deadlines secure admissions without stress.
- Affordable – At only USD 59 (CAD 80), Duolingo is almost one-third the price of IELTS or TOEFL. For students juggling multiple applications, this means big savings.
- Flexible – You don’t need to visit a test centre. The test is 100% online and can be taken from your home with just a computer, webcam, and internet connection.
- Unlimited Score Reporting – Unlike IELTS/TOEFL, which charges extra to send scores to universities, Duolingo lets you share your results with unlimited Canadian institutions at no additional cost.
- Wider Acceptance – There is a growing number of public universities, colleges, and polytechnics in Canada that officially accept Duolingo, making it a viable alternative for both UG and PG admissions.
- Reliable & Fair Scoring – The AI-driven evaluation eliminates examiner bias, ensuring every student is judged regardless of background.
Courses Offered at Duolingo Accepted Universities
Canadian institutions accepting Duolingo open doors to a wide range of programs:
- Engineering & Technology – Programs like Computer Science, Civil, Mechanical, AI, Robotics, and Data Science are in high demand due to Canada’s tech-driven economy.
- Business & Management – From MBA programs to specialisations in Finance, Marketing, and International Business, Canadian schools attract students looking to build global careers.
- Health & Life Sciences – With Canada’s healthcare system facing shortages, fields such as Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy, and Biotechnology offer excellent opportunities.
- Humanities & Social Sciences – Courses in Psychology, Law, Political Science, and Education provide both academic depth and career scope.
- Creative Fields – Canada is also a hub for Media Studies, Film, Design, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Registration Process for Duolingo Test
Here’s how to register and appear for the test step by step:
- Create an Account – Go to the official Duolingo English Test website and sign up using your email or Google account.
- Check Requirements – Ensure you have a valid passport/ID, a quiet, well-lit space, a computer with webcam/microphone, and a stable internet connection.
- Book & Pay – Pay USD 59 (CAD 80). You’ll have 21 days to take the test after purchase.
- Take the Test – The test lasts 60 minutes, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an adaptive format.
- Get Results & Share – Receive results in 48 hours. Share with unlimited Canadian universities at no cost.
Duolingo Score Requirements in Canada
|
Program Level |
Typical Duolingo Requirement |
Notes |
|
Bachelor’s Programs |
95 – 105 |
Top universities may ask for 110+ for selective majors |
|
Master’s Programs |
105 – 120 |
MBA, STEM, and healthcare programs usually require higher scores |
|
Diploma/Foundation |
85 – 95 |
Many colleges/polytechnics accept students in this range |
|
Student Visa |
Case-specific |
IRCC prefers IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, but Duolingo may be accepted for admission purposes |
Tier 1: Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is Canada’s highest-ranked university, renowned globally for research, innovation, and academic excellence. Its programs in Computer Science, Life Sciences, and Business consistently rank among the world’s best. With a strong alumni network and ties to industries in Toronto, it provides unmatched career opportunities for international students.
- Duration: UG (4 yrs), PG (1–2 yrs), PhD (4–5 yrs)
- Duolingo Requirement: 115–120
- Average Fees: CAD 35,000–60,000/year
2. University of British Columbia (UBC)
Located in Vancouver, UBC is one of Canada’s most internationally recognised universities, renowned for its sustainability, research excellence, and global partnerships. It attracts students for programs in Engineering, Forestry, Business, and Media Studies, and its west coast location offers unique career opportunities in tech and environment-focused fields.
- Duration: UG (4 yrs), PG (1–2 yrs), PhD (4–5 yrs)
- Duolingo Requirement: 115–120
- Average Fees: CAD 30,000–55,000/year
3. McGill University
McGill, located in Montreal, is one of the world’s most diverse universities, welcoming students from over 150 countries. It is particularly renowned for Medicine, Law, and Political Science, as well as cutting-edge research in STEM fields. Students benefit from Montreal’s low cost of living compared to other Canadian cities.
- Duration: UG (3–4 yrs), PG (1–2 yrs), PhD (4–5 yrs)
- Duolingo Requirement: 110–115
- Average Fees: CAD 28,000–48,000/year
Tier 2: Public Universities & Institutes
1. University of Alberta
Based in Edmonton, the University of Alberta is a research-intensive institution with strengths in Energy, Environmental Studies, and Engineering. Its graduates are highly employable, particularly in industries linked to Canada’s natural resources. The university is also known for offering generous scholarships to international students.
- Duolingo Requirement: 105–115
- Average Fees: CAD 25,000–40,000/year
2. University of Waterloo
Waterloo is globally recognised for its innovation, STEM programs, and strong co-op opportunities, where students gain paid work experience while studying. It is especially popular for Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, often ranking among the best in North America.
- Duolingo Requirement: 110–115
- Average Fees: CAD 27,000–45,000/year
3. York University
Located in Toronto, York University offers a wide range of programs, with a particular strength in Business, Law, Arts, and Social Sciences. The Schulich School of Business is ranked among the world’s top MBA providers, making York attractive for management-focused students.
- Duolingo Requirement: 100–110
- Average Fees: CAD 22,000–35,000/year
Tier 3: Colleges & Polytechnics
1. Seneca College
Seneca is one of Canada’s largest colleges, known for career-focused diplomas and degrees in IT, Business, Media, and Health Sciences. With strong links to employers in Toronto, Seneca ensures students graduate job-ready with practical skills.
- Duolingo Requirement: 90–100
- Fees: CAD 15,000–22,000/year
2. George Brown College
Located in downtown Toronto, George Brown College is ideal for students seeking hands-on experience in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Business, and Design. Its close ties with local industries allow students to gain internships and practical training during their studies.
- Duolingo Requirement: 90–95
- Fees: CAD 16,000–23,000/year
3. Humber College
Humber is a leading polytechnic offering applied learning in Technology, Business, and Healthcare. Known for its strong focus on employability, Humber has high graduate employment rates, making it a top choice for career-focused international students.
- Duolingo Requirement: 90–100
- Fees: CAD 17,000–25,000/year
Scholarships & Financial Aid in Canada
Studying in Canada is already more affordable than in the US or UK, but scholarships and financial aid make it even more attractive for international students. The good news is that applicants using Duolingo English Test (DET) scores are eligible for the same scholarships as IELTS/TOEFL test takers, provided the university accepts Duolingo for admission.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
One of Canada’s most prestigious awards for doctoral students. It offers CAD 50,000 per year for 3 years, covering tuition, living expenses, and research support. Applicants are judged on leadership, academic excellence, and research potential.
Canada Graduate Scholarships (master’s Program)
Designed for high-achieving graduate students, this award provides CAD 17,500 for one year. It supports research-focused master’s students across all disciplines.
University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (UG)
A fully funded scholarship that covers tuition, books, living expenses, and incidental fees for four years. It is one of the best opportunities for outstanding undergraduates.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many Canadian universities offer international student awards:
- UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award – Recognises academic achievement and leadership potential; value depends on demonstrated financial need.
- McGill Entrance Scholarships – Merit-based scholarships for high-performing UG/PG students.
- York International Student Awards – Partial tuition scholarships supporting undergraduate and graduate students.
Government & External Scholarships
In addition to university-based support, students may qualify for:
- Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from Commonwealth countries, covering tuition, living allowance, and travel.
- Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Awards – Supports Indian students for research and academic exchange programs.
- Private Foundations – Organisations like the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation and Asia Pacific Foundation provide funding for specialised research and leadership programs.
Career Opportunities After Studying in Canada
Canada offers strong career prospects for international graduates thanks to its skill shortages, diverse industries, and immigrant-friendly policies. Completing a degree at a Duolingo-accepted Canadian university not only provides students with international recognition but also offers direct work opportunities.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – A major benefit for international students. Depending on the program length, students can get up to 3 years of open work rights. For example, completing a 2-year master’s makes you eligible for a 3-year PGWP.
High-Demand Fields – Several industries in Canada face skill shortages, making international graduates highly employable:
- Information Technology (IT) & Computer Science – Software engineers, AI specialists, and cybersecurity experts are in strong demand.
- Engineering – Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers are needed for infrastructure and innovation projects.
- Healthcare & Nursing – With an ageing population, Canada faces urgent demand for nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals.
- Business & Finance – Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer opportunities in banking, consultancy, and digital marketing.
- Education – Teachers in STEM and special education are consistently in short supply.
Average Salaries – Salaries vary by field and province, but international graduates can expect:
- IT & Computer Science – CAD 55,000–85,000/year
- Engineering – CAD 60,000–90,000/year
- Healthcare – CAD 50,000–75,000/year
- Business & Finance – CAD 45,000–70,000/year
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada
One of the biggest reasons international students choose Canada is its clear pathway to Permanent Residency (PR). A Canadian degree, combined with local work experience, significantly increases the chances of securing PR.
Graduate and Apply for PGWP – After completing an eligible program, apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for 1–3 years. This lets you work for any employer in Canada.
Gain Canadian Work Experience – Work full-time in your chosen field. Canadian work experience gives you points in Express Entry and makes you eligible for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Apply for PR via Express Entry or PNP
- Express Entry evaluates candidates on CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points (age, education, work experience, English skills).
- PNPs allow provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta to nominate skilled graduates directly for PR.
PR Timeline – Most students can apply for PR within 1–2 years of gaining skilled work experience. Graduates with higher qualifications (Master’s/PhD) and jobs in high-demand sectors often receive faster invitations.
Conclusion
With the growing number of Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada, international students now have a faster, more affordable, and flexible way to pursue higher education in one of the world’s most student-friendly countries. From globally ranked institutions like the University of Toronto, UBC, and McGill to career-oriented colleges such as Seneca and Humber, Canada offers opportunities across diverse fields. Coupled with scholarships, post-study work rights, and clear PR pathways, choosing Duolingo as your English proficiency test can open doors to world-class education and long-term career success in Canada.
