Is Duolingo English Test Accepted in Canada? A Post-SDS Update

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has become a popular and convenient option for Indian students seeking to study in Canada. After the SDS update, many students are wondering if Canadian universities still accept Duolingo English Test scores or not. Well, there is good news for all students who want to study in Canada.

However, recent changes to the Canadian student visa process have raised questions among aspiring students. On November 8, 2024, the Canadian government announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a program that had been a popular pathway for Indian students due to its faster visa processing and structured requirements including specific English proficiency tests like IELTS and PTE.

While this shift might seem daunting, there’s good news: Canada remains open and welcoming to Indian students and the Duolingo English Test (DET) offers a seamless and reliable pathway to fulfilling your Canadian education dreams. Its affordability, flexibility and acceptance make it the perfect choice for Indian students ready to embrace the opportunities Canada has to offer.

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Everything You Need to Know About DET

The DET is accepted by over 375 programs in Canada, offering students a broad range of academic options. Such as all anglophone U15 universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia. From undergraduate degrees to specialized graduate courses in engineering, business, healthcare and more, the DET ensures your application is recognized by Canada’s top institutions.

For students concerned about visa requirements, the DET offers a major advantage. If your chosen institution accepts the DET, you don’t need to take additional English proficiency tests for your study visa. This simplifies the process helping you focus on preparing for your education journey.

USPs of Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test's usp is you can take the test from anywhere at any time. This USP is known to all, but are there other advantages of taking the DET test? We have mentioned few of them below:

• Flexible: The DET is fully online, allowing you to take it from the comfort of your home without the added expense of travelling to a test centre.
• Short Test and Faster Results: Complete the test in just 60 minutes and receive your Duolingo scores within 48 hours, keeping your application timeline on track.
• Adaptive Test: Using adaptive technology, the DET adjusts its questions to match the students' skill levels. This creates a tailored testing experience reducing stress and providing a more accurate measure of English proficiency.
• Affordable: The DET is a budget-friendly option costing less than INR 5,500, significantly cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL. Students can pay Duolingo exam fees by using online payment methods. 
• Score Validation: DET scores are valid for two years from the date of your test. Whether you're planning to apply to universities immediately or exploring multiple intake options, the two-year validity ensures your scores remain relevant for a longer duration.

DET Accepting Universities in Canada

Here is the list of Duolingo accepting universities in Canada:

• University of Toronto: a globally top-ranked public research university known for its research excellence and diverse academic programs.
• McGill University: One of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities offering a wide range of programs with a strong emphasis on research.
• University of Waterloo: Renowned for its innovative programs particularly in engineering and computer science with a strong co-op education component.
• University of Alberta: A top university known for its research contributions and strong programs in various disciplines.
• Seneca College: Known for its diverse programs and commitment to providing students with practical, hands-on experience.
• Dalhousie University: A research-intensive university known for excellence in ocean research, clean energy, digital innovation and sustainable food systems. 
• University of Manitoba: Western Canada’s oldest university that continues to be a leader in advancing research in collaboration with diverse communities focused on cultural, social and economic well being. 

Start your journey today. Take the DET and unlock access to Canada’s world-class education system!

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About the Author

The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam. The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results are certified within two days, and they can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions.