Duolingo English Test (DET) For Canadian Student Visas

“Can I use the Duolingo English test (DET) 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).

Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)

Key Takeaways

• The Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted for Canada study permits as long as you’re applying through the regular study permit route.
• The DDuolingo English Test (DET) is not accepted for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which only accepts IELTS or CELPIP scores.
• Many Canadian universities accept Duolingo English Test (DET) scores, and the required scores typically range from 105-120+.

Related:

• FREE Duolingo English practice tests
• Duolingo English test preparation
• Duolingo English test for US visas

Do They Accept The Duolingo English Test (DET) for Canadian Student Visas?

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 Duolingo English Test (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.

Do They Accept The Duolingo English Test (DET) for Canada Study Permit?

Yes, the Duolingo English Test (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 Duolingo English Test (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 Duolingo English Test (DET):

University	Minimum Duolingo Score
Brock University	110
University of Calgary	110
University of Alberta	115
Concordia University	115
University of Windsor	120

Prepare Your Duolingo English Test (DET) for A Canadian Visa with LUME

Practicing with Real Duolingo-Style Questions

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.

Instant, Smart Feedback with AI Scoring

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!

Personalized Study Plans

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. 

FAQs

What Is The Accepted Duolingo English Test (DET) Score For A Canadian Study Visa?

The required Duolingo English Test (DET) score depends on the Canadian university or college that you’re applying to. 

Minimum Duolingo English Test (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.

How Long Are My Duolingo English Test (DET) Scores Valid?

Your Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the date you take the test.

Is The Duolingo English Test (DET) Accepted In Canada For PR (Permanent Residency)?

No, the Duolingo English Test (DET) 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 English Test (DET) is designed primarily for academic admissions and is recognized by many Canadian universities and colleagues, but not for immigration purposes. 

When Can I Expect My Duolingo English Test (DET) Results?

Duolingo English Test (DET) 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. 

Conclusion

You can absolutely use the Duolingo English Test (DET) 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!

Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)