Want to study in Canada but do not want to take IELTS or TOEFL? Then You are not the only one. Many students now choose the Duolingo English Test (DET) because it is cheaper, faster and you can take it from home.
The good news is that many universities in Canada accept Duolingo scores for admission. However, not every university or course accepts it, and the score you need can be different for each one.
In this guide, you will find the list of Duolingo accepted universities in Canada for 2026, the minimum scores required, universities that do not accept DET, how Duolingo compares with IELTS, TOEFL and PTE and whether you can use your Duolingo score for a Canada student visa.
Key Takeaways
- Many Canadian universities, including several top-ranked U15 universities, accept the Duolingo English Test (DET)for admission.
- Most universities ask for a Duolingo score between 105 and 130, depending on the course and university.
- Popular courses like Engineering, Computer Science, Business and Nursingusually require a score of 120 or above.
- Not all courses accept Duolingo. Programmes such as Medicine, Law and some Master's or PhD coursesmay still require IELTS or TOEFL.
- For a Canada study permit, the Canadian government does not require a specific English test. What matters most is getting a Letter of Acceptance (LOA)from a recognised university and meeting its English language requirements.
- Before you book the Duolingo test, always check the official university websiteto confirm that your chosen course accepts it and to see the latest score requirements.
What Is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English language test that helps international students prove they have the English skills needed to study at a university where classes are taught in English.
Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, you do not need to visit a test centre. You can take the Duolingo test from your home using a laptop or computer with a webcam. The test takes about one hour and you usually receive your results within 48 hours.
One of the biggest advantages of the Duolingo English Test is that you can take it almost anytime, as there are no fixed test dates.
The test is adaptive, which means the questions become easier or harder depending on how well you answer. It checks your English skills in four main areas:
- Literacy:Reading and writing skills.
- Comprehension:Listening and understanding spoken English.
- Conversation:Speaking clearly and answering questions.
- Production:Writing and speaking on different topics, such as describing an image or writing a short response.
Your score ranges from 10 to 160. Many Canadian universities use this score to check whether you meet their English language requirements. Duolingo also provides a score comparison with IELTS, TOEFL and CEFR levels to help universities understand your results.
List of Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada (2026)
If you are planning to study in Canada, the good news is that more than 100 Canadian universities and colleges accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as proof of English language proficiency. This includes many of Canada's top-ranked universities, as well as several popular public universities and colleges.
The minimum Duolingo score usually ranges from 105 to 130, depending on the university, your course and whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. Highly competitive courses, such as Engineering, Computer Science, Business and Health Sciences, often require higher scores.
Top Canadian Universities Accepting Duolingo (Higher Score Requirements)
|
University |
Typical Minimum DET Score |
Notes |
|
University of Toronto |
120–125+ |
Some programmes may require higher scores or section-wise minimums. |
|
University of British Columbia (UBC) |
120–130 |
Competitive courses may have higher score requirements. |
|
McGill University |
120–125+ |
Balanced performance across all sections is preferred. |
|
University of Alberta |
115–120 |
Score requirements vary by faculty. |
|
University of Waterloo |
115–120 |
Popular Engineering and Computer Science programmes may require higher scores. |
|
University of Calgary |
120–130 |
Graduate programmes may have stricter requirements. |
|
Queen's University |
120+ |
Some programmes also check individual section scores. |
Mid-Tier Universities Accepting Duolingo
|
University |
Typical Minimum DET Score |
Notes |
|
York University |
105–115 |
Popular choice among international students. |
|
Dalhousie University |
110–115 |
Accepts DET for many undergraduate programmes. |
|
Simon Fraser University |
110–115 |
Accepted across a wide range of courses. |
|
Concordia University |
105–115 |
Offers multiple admission and pathway options. |
|
University of Manitoba |
110–120 |
Requirements differ by programme. |
|
University of Saskatchewan |
105–115 |
Accepts DET for most undergraduate courses. |
|
Brock University |
105–110 |
Well known for Business and Arts programmes. |
|
University of Windsor |
105–115 |
Welcomes a growing number of international students. |
|
Thompson Rivers University |
105–110 |
Many programmes accept a score of 110. |
|
Algoma University |
100–110 |
One of the more flexible universities for undergraduate admission. |
The scores above are for general reference only. Universities may update their English language requirements, and some courses have higher score expectations than others. Before booking your Duolingo English Test, always check the official admissions page of your chosen university to confirm the latest score requirements for your programme and intake.
Universities That Do Not Accept Duolingo in Canada
While many Canadian universities accept the Duolingo English Test (DET), some universities and specific programmes still require IELTS or TOEFL. In most cases, the restriction applies to certain faculties or graduate programmes rather than the entire university. That's why it is important to check the admission requirements for your chosen course before applying.
|
University |
Duolingo Acceptance Status |
Notes |
|
University of Ottawa |
Limited |
Some graduate and professional programmes require IELTS or TOEFL. |
|
McMaster University |
Limited |
Several postgraduate programmes do not accept Duolingo. |
|
Western University |
Limited |
Some faculties, especially graduate schools, prefer IELTS or TOEFL. |
|
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
Limited |
Certain graduate programmes require other English proficiency tests. |
|
Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) |
Limited |
Acceptance varies by faculty and programme. |
|
Trinity Western University |
Limited |
Some programmes require IELTS or TOEFL instead of DET. |
|
Royal Roads University |
Limited |
Graduate admissions may have different English language requirements. |
|
University Canada West |
Programme-Specific |
Duolingo acceptance depends on the programme and intake. |
Note: The universities listed above may accept Duolingo for some courses while requiring IELTS or TOEFL for others. Their policies can also change from year to year.
Before you apply, always check the official admissions page of your chosen university and programme. English language requirements vary by course, degree level and intake, and the latest information on the university website should always be your final reference.
Duolingo Score Validity for Canada Student Visa
If you are planning to study in Canada, it is important to know that your Duolingo English Test (DET) score is valid for 2 years from the date you take the test. However, your Duolingo score alone does not decide whether your Canada student visa will be approved.
The most important document for your study permit is your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If your university accepts your Duolingo score and offers you admission, the LOA confirms that you have met its English language requirement.
|
Requirement |
What You Should Know |
|
Duolingo Score Validity |
Your DET score is valid for 2 years from the test date. |
|
Is Duolingo Accepted for a Student Visa? |
IRCC does not require a specific English test for a study permit. What matters is that your university accepts your Duolingo score and issues you an LOA. |
|
Student Direct Stream (SDS) |
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) ended in November 2024. All international students now apply through the regular Canada study permit process. |
|
Visa Approval |
Your study permit is based on your complete application, including your LOA, financial documents, passport, and other supporting documents—not just your English test score. |
|
Keep Your DET Report |
Save a copy of your Duolingo score report. Your university or immigration authorities may ask for it during document verification. |
|
Check Your Score Validity |
If you defer your admission or your visa process takes longer than expected, make sure your Duolingo score is still valid when you start your course. |
Although Duolingo is accepted by many Canadian universities, it is only one part of your application. To improve your chances of getting a Canada study permit, make sure all your documents are complete and accurate. Before applying, always check your university latest English language requirements and ensure your Duolingo score is valid for your chosen intake.
Conclusion
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a great option for students who want to study in Canada without taking IELTS or TOEFL. It is affordable, easy to take from home,and accepted by many Canadian universities.
However, not every university or course accepts Duolingo. The required score and acceptance policy can vary depending on the university, programme and intake. That is why it is important to check the latest admission requirements before booking your test.
If you are unsure which English test is right for you or which universities accept Duolingo for your chosen course, speaking with a study abroad consultant can help you make the right decision. With the right information and preparation, you will be one step closer to achieving your dream of studying in Canada.
Also Read:
Duolingo Accepted Universities in Ireland
