Duolingo English Test For Canadian Student Visas
“Can I use the Duolingo English test for a Canadian student visa?”
If you have Googled this at 2 a.m. while stressing over study plans, you’re definitely not alone!
At LUME, we hear this question from international students all the time.
But don’t worry — we’re breaking it all down: who can take the test, who can’t, and how to prepare for it (with our help, of course).
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Yes, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted in Canada, but there are some important details to keep in mind.
Are you applying for a regular study permit, and your chosen university or college accepts Duolingo scores for admission?
In that case, you can absolutely use DET to support your visa application.
But what about students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a faster visa processing option available to students from select countries?
Then Duolingo is not accepted.
The SDS only allows approved in-person tests like IELTS or CELPIP.
So, before booking your test, be sure to check your school’s English language requirements.
Yes, the DET can be accepted as proof of English proficiency for a Canadian study permit.
Many Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada now recognize Duolingo scores for admission.
Let’s say your school accepts the DET, and you’ve been admitted based on your Duolingo results.
In that case, you can submit that same score as part of your study permit application.
But again, you must apply through the regular study permit route, not the Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Below is a sample of Canadian universities that accept the DET:
| University | Minimum Duolingo Score |
| Brock University | 110 |
| University of Calgary | 110 |
| University of Alberta | 115 |
| Concordia University | 115 |
| University of Windsor | 120 |
LUME gives you a huge bank of realistic questions built to match the actual Duolingo test format.
So, when you take the real exam, it will feel familiar.
You will find every type of question you’ll encounter on test day: describing images, speaking prompts, listening tasks, short writing responses, and more.
Plus, you’ll get access to a curated vocabulary list that focuses on the types of words Duolingo usually tests.
The platform offers instant, AI-powered feedback that shows exactly how you’re doing in real time.
For speaking, you’ll get feedback on how clearly you’re pronouncing words, how fluent and natural you sound, and whether your pacing needs improvement.
This is perfect for building confidence with spontaneous tasks.
For writing, our AI checks everything: grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary variety, and overall flow.
You’ll see where you’re doing well and whether any of your answers need polishing, just like the real test would assess.
Better yet, you’ll receive a detailed performance breakdown by skill (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) after every practice session.
That way, you always know your progress and areas that still need work.
No more guessing where you stand!
You don’t have to figure out what to study next; we do it for you.
Based on your performance, LUME builds a step-by-step study plan tailored to your goals.
Struggling with speaking?
We’ll give you extra prompts and drills to improve your fluency.
Strong in reading but need help with listening? Your plan will be adjusted accordingly.
And the more you practice, the smarter your study plan becomes.
It evolves with you, meaning you’re always working on exactly what you need to hit your target, whether it’s a 110 or a 130+ score.
The required DET score depends on the Canadian university or college that you’re applying to.
Minimum DET scores for undergraduate programs typically range from 105 to 120, but some schools may accept scores as low as 95.
More competitive institutions even require a minimum score of 120 to 125.
Your Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the date you take the test.
No, the Duolingo English Test is not accepted for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) applications.
For PR pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Canadian government only accepts approved English tests, such as IELTS General Training and CELPIP General.
Duolingo is designed primarily for academic admissions and is recognized by many Canadian universities and colleagues, but not for immigration purposes.
Duolingo provides results within 48 hours (usually even faster; many students receive scores in less than 24 hours).
Once your test is submitted, it goes through a secure review process to ensure it meets testing standards.
You’ll get an email when your scores are ready, and you can access them via your Duolingo account dashboard.
You can absolutely use the Duolingo English Test for a Canadian student visa.
It’s a flexible, fast, and accessible way to prove your English skills.
Even better, with LUME by your side, getting ready for the test doesn’t have to be stressful.
Let’s get started!
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Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ THOUSANDS of PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan (Limited seats available!) |
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Lume Test is a leading platform offering practice questions and mock tests for major English exams like PTE, IELTS, TOEIC, DET, and more. We provide up-to-date, comprehensive materials designed to help learners improve their language skills and achieve high scores. With expert-crafted tests that closely mirror real exam formats, Lume Test ensures you're fully prepared for success. Your goals are our mission!
