Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada: Admissions in 2025

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has rapidly become a practical, affordable, and widely used alternative to IELTS and TOEFL for international applicants. Designed for online delivery and quick reporting, a trend of Duolingo Accepted universities in Canada accelerated after the pandemic and continues into 2025. For many applicants, especially those from regions with limited test centre access, the Duolingo option simplifies the application process while preserving rigorous assessment of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. 

As universities update admission rules, a growing number of major public and private Canadian universities now list the DET among accepted proofs of English proficiency. This makes it essential for prospective students to check whether their target program is Duolingo accepted in Canada and what minimum score is required. 

Before proceeding any further, lets take a look at Duolingo English Test: 

Key Highlights: 

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What are the Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada?

Many top Canadian institutions accept Duolingo scores for undergraduate and postgraduate admission, though minimum required scores and sub score rules vary by program. Top universities like University of Toronto, McGill university and Alberta university openly accept Duolingo as a measure of English proficiency. 

We’ve made bifurcations of universities based on public and private universities. Let’s see what they are: 

Top public universities accepting Duolingo

Below is a snapshot table summarizing official or program-level minimum Duolingo scores for several leading Canadian public universities (compiled from official university pages). These figures represent typical minimums for many degree programs in 2025, but individual faculties and competitive programs may require higher scores or specific subscore minimums. 

Private Universities and Colleges Accepting Duolingo

As Duolingo Accepted in Canada major public research universities started, several private universities and colleges also recognize the Duolingo English Test for international admissions. These institutions are particularly popular among students seeking applied, career-oriented, or flexible learning pathways. The Duolingo test’s affordability and quick results (usually within 48 hours) make it a preferred choice for applicants to such programs. 

Below is a table listing well-known private universities, liberal arts institutions, and community colleges where Duolingo accepted in Canada for the 2025 intake: 

Note: Private universities and colleges are often more flexible in their score range compared to research-intensive institutions. For students planning to apply to these Duolingo accepted universities in Canada, it’s advisable to target at least 110+ for smoother admission and avoid conditional entry.

Ace your preparation by going through the complete Duolingo test syllabus.

What are the Duolingo Score Requirements for Canadian Universities?

Different tiers of Canadian universities and programs have varying expectations for the Duolingo English Test. Generally, higher-ranked institutions set stricter benchmarks, while colleges and pathway programs may accept slightly lower scores. Below is a comparative overview. 

Typical Duolingo Score Range by Institution Type 

Interpretation: 

• For undergraduate programs, most competitive universities prefer 120+. 
• For postgraduate or research-based programs, a score of 125–130 is increasingly common. 
• College-level or diploma programs may accept 85–95, often with conditional English training if scores are below 90. 

Important: Many institutions also look at individual subscores (Literacy, Production, Comprehension, and Conversation). High overall scores but low subscores may still result in conditional offers. 

Can Duolingo Scores Be Used for Canada Student Visas (SDS and Non-SDS)?

While many universities accept Duolingo for admission purposes, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) currently does not recognize Duolingo for the SDS (Student Direct Stream) visa category. This distinction is crucial for Indian students applying under different visa types. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Accepted for University Admission: 
  You can use Duolingo scores to apply and secure admission at most institutions across Canada. 
• Not Accepted for SDS Visa: 
  For the SDS stream (used by most Indian students), IRCC requires IELTS Academic with a minimum of 6.0 in each band. 
• Accepted under Non-SDS Visa Route: 
  Students can still study in Canada by applying via the non-SDS category using Duolingo as proof of English, provided they meet all other academic and financial requirements. 

Key Notes for Indian Students: 

• If you plan to apply under SDS, you must submit IELTS Academic. 
• If you apply through Non-SDS, Duolingo is fully acceptable for university admission but not for direct visa verification. 
• Many universities provide conditional admission allowing later submission of IELTS if you choose to switch to SDS. 

In essence, Duolingo accepted in Canada refers to university admissions, not the visa process. Students should plan accordingly based on their visa preference and university choice.

How to Send Duolingo Scores to Canadian Universities

Once you’ve taken the Duolingo English Test (DET) and received your results (typically within 48 hours), the next step is to send your official score report directly to your chosen universities in Canada. The process is completely online and free of cost. 

Here’s how to send Duolingo scores to Canadian universities step-by-step: 

1. Log into your Duolingo account on the official website. 
2. Go to your “Results” tab to view your test score certificate. 
3. Click on “Send Results.” 
4. Search and select the name of your target university or college in Canada. 
5. Click “Send.” Your scores will be securely shared with the institution. 
6. You’ll receive a confirmation email once the university receives your result. 

Tip: Always verify that your chosen university is listed under Duolingo’s official score-sharing directory. Most Duolingo accepted universities in Canada appear on this list, but if not, contact the admissions office directly. 

Proven Strategies to Achieve Your Target Duolingo Score

Scoring well on the Duolingo English Test (DET) is essential for gaining admission to Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada.  

Here are some effective strategies to help you reach your target score: 

• Understand the Test Format: Familiarize yourself with the DET structure, including question types and time limits. 
• Enhance Vocabulary & Grammar: Improve your word bank and sentence structure to perform well in literacy and production sections. 
• Practice Listening & Speaking: Engage in English conversations, podcasts, and videos to boost comprehension and pronunciation. 
• Improve Reading Skills: Read articles, books, and academic papers to enhance reading fluency and analytical skills. 
• Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt Duolingo practice tests to track progress and identify weak areas. 
• Manage Time Effectively: Practice answering quickly and accurately under timed conditions. 
• Strengthen Writing Skills: Work on clear, concise, and grammatically correct responses for the written sections. 
• Use Online Resources: Leverage educational apps, Duolingo exercises, and English learning platforms for better preparation. 

Ready to take the test? Follow this step-by-step guide on  how to register  for the Duolingo English Test

Conclusion

The growing list of Duolingo accepted universities in Canada proves that the test has become a global benchmark for affordable, accessible, and reliable English proficiency assessment. With its convenience and acceptance among top institutions like Toronto, McGill, and UBC, Duolingo continues to democratize higher education access for Indian and international students alike. 

While it may not yet qualify for the SDS visa route, Duolingo remains a powerful admission tool for the non-SDS pathway, making study in Canada easier than ever before. By preparing well and targeting a score of 110 or above, Indian students can confidently apply to world-class Canadian universities in 2025 and beyond.

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