As Canada is considered one of the top three countries in the world for world-class education among international students, it is not easy for everyone to enter the country because of poor scores in globally renowned English tests like IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). However, recently, Duolingo English Test (DET) has gained popularity among international students as an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL.
DET is considered as a more convenient option for students who dream of studying in Canada. There are many Duolingo accepted universities in Canada that offer top-tier education and have global rankings in international survey and ranking bodies.
What is the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
Duolingo is an online English language proficiency test that evaluates a student’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English. The good news is, you can take this test from the comfort zone of your home as it is completely an online based test unlike other English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. DET is considered more flexible and affordable than other tests for which it is becoming more popular among international students.
DET is an approximately 60-minute quick test that is designed to check a candidate’s English language proficiency in real life. Usually, the results come out within 48 hours and you can sit for the test as many times as you want to.
Why take the Duolingo test to apply for Canadian universities?
Duolingo is recognized and accepted by more than 4,000 universities and institutions, globally, including several Canadian universities and institutions. Its flexibility and easy access have made it more preferable for international students. Here are few reasons why international students choose Duolingo, nowadays:
- Convenient: The test can be taken from home on any device that is connected to the internet. Candidates do not need to schedule any appointments in advance to sit for the test.
- Early Result: Test results are available within 48 hours which means candidates can quickly proceed with their application process.
- Affordability: Duolingo is much cheaper than other traditional English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. Affordability is one of the key reasons why Duolingo has become so attractive among international students.
- Acceptability: Although not all Canadian universities acknowledge Duolingo, an increasing number of institutions are considering the test as a legitimate measure of English proficiency.
- Student-Friendly Content: The content of this test can easily be understood, even for those who are not familiar with the traditional formats. This may decrease exam anxiety among students and help them focus on their language proficiency.
- Inclusivity: As a less expensive and more accessible option, Duolingo provides an opportunity for students who may not have the resources or time to prepare for more traditional exams.
- Adaptability for Diverse Learning Styles: Duolingo uses an adaptive testing model that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on the student’s answers, making the test more personalized and suitable for a range of proficiency levels.
Duolingo test score requirements for Canada
The minimum Duolingo English Test (DET) score for Canadian studies varies from one institution to another. Generally, scores between 100 and 120 are needed, but some of the programs or institutions may have different specific score requirements. It is mandatory to verify the specific requirements of your chosen institution, as DET requirements for different institutions significantly differ.
Breakdown of Duolingo English Test Scores
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is recognized by numerous universities across Canada. Below is a detailed breakdown of DET scores, classified by proficiency levels, along with key sub-scores that evaluate a student’s English skills.
Duolingo Overall Score Categories
Basic (10-55) – Limited proficiency in English; struggles with comprehension and communication in various contexts.
Intermediate (60-85) – Able to engage in basic conversations but finds more complex subjects challenging.
Upper-Intermediate (90-115) – Competent in most academic and professional environments, with a solid understanding of English.
Advanced (125-160) – Highly fluent, with the ability to understand and engage with intricate texts and discussions effortlessly.
How to use Duolingo for university applications
If you are planning to use Duolingo to meet the English language requirements for Canadian universities, here are a few steps to follow:
- Check University Requirements: It is mandatory to verify the requirements of your preferred program because not all programs at your chosen university may accept Duolingo.
- Take the Test: Just visit the Duolingo website and schedule your Duolingo test. You will need a reliable internet connection and a computer with a camera to take the test.
- Submit Your Scores: After completing the test, your Duolingo score result will be available within 48 hours. You can then send your scores directly to the universities you are applying to.
- Verify Minimum Score Requirements: Each university and program may have different minimum score requirements. Make sure you meet these to ensure a successful application.
List of the Canadian universities that recognize and accept Duolingo:
- University of Toronto
- University of Alberta
- University Canada West
- McGill University
- University of Niagara Falls Canada
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Dalhousie University
- McMaster University
- University of Saskatchewan
- Western University
- Concordia University
- University of Winnipeg
- University of Victoria
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Universite Laval
- Trebas Institute
- Lakehead University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Brandon University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Confederation College
- Crandall University
- Carleton University
Our Take
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a more affordable, convenient, and accessible option for international students looking to study in Canadian universities. Students can save money and time by taking the Duolingo test as an increasing number of Canadian universities are recognizing and accepting Duolingo as a proof of English proficiency. If you are planning to pursue your degree in Canada, you can consider taking Duolingo for your language test, but remember to check the requirements of the university you are applying to.
Being able to achieve a score of 120 or higher on the DET can significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to prestigious Canadian universities, highlighting your capability to succeed in an English-language academic setting. Focused preparation, regular practice, and using official study resources will help increase your confidence and improve your results.
FAQs
- What is the Duolingo test?
Ans: Duolingo Test is an online language proficiency test developed by Duolingo, a language-learning platform. This test is designed to assess the language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The test is available in over 20 languages, including Spanish, French, Chinese, and Arabic.
- Do Canadian universities accept the Duolingo test?
Ans: Yes, there are many universities and colleges in Canada that accept Duolingo Test as English language proficiency.
- Which Canadian universities accept the Duolingo test?
Ans: The Canadian universities that accept the Duolingo test are:
- University of Toronto
- University of Alberta
- University Canada West
- McGill University
- University of Niagara Falls Canada
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- University of Waterloo
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Dalhousie University
- McMaster University
- University of Saskatchewan
- Western University
- Concordia University
- University of Winnipeg
- University of Victoria
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Universite Laval
- Trebas Institute
- Lakehead University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Brandon University
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Confederation College
- Crandall University
- Carleton University
