Top Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada 2026

More than 50 universities and colleges in Canada now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for at least some programs in 2026. In most cases, competitive scores fall between 105 and 125, with top research universities like the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, Lakehead University, and York University often asking for 120 or higher in certain programs.

Studying in Canada has become more accessible for international students who cannot easily access IELTS or TOEFL test centres. Duolingo’s fully online format, fast results, and affordable fee mean you can complete your English requirement from home and apply to a wide range of Canadian institutions, from large research universities to specialised art schools and community colleges.

In this 2026 guide, you’ll find:

• A quick explanation of how the Duolingo English Test works
• A comparison of Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL for Canadian admissions
• A full, updated list of Duolingo-accepted universities and colleges in Canada for 2026, with typical minimum scores
• Practical tips to prepare for Duolingo and improve your chances of admission
• FAQs on scores, study permits, and how to choose the right institution

Understanding the Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is a fully online, computer-adaptive English test. It measures your skills in:

• Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking

Scores range from 10–160, usually reported in 5-point increments. A score around 110-115 aligns roughly with upper B2 on the CEFR scale, while 120–130 is closer to C1 and is often what selective universities expect for academic programs.

You can:

• Take the test from home
• Receive results in 24-48 hours
• Send scores to many institutions at no extra cost

Duolingo vs IELTS vs TOEFL for Canadian universities

Most Canadian universities treat Duolingo as one of several accepted English proficiency tests, alongside IELTS and TOEFL.

For many Canadian universities, a Duolingo score in the 110-120 range is the practical equivalent of IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL iBT 86-90. If you’re still exploring non-IELTS options, you can also look at Canadian universities that don’t require IELTS and compare them with Duolingo-friendly schools.

How Canadian universities use Duolingo scores

Each institution sets its own policy. Common patterns:

• Some accept Duolingo for all undergraduate programs.
• Some accept Duolingo only for certain degrees (often undergraduate, sometimes specific graduate programs).
• A few accept Duolingo for pathway or bridging programs but not for direct entry into specific professional programs like Nursing, Education.
• Minimum scores may be higher for competitive faculties such as Engineering, Business, or Computer Science.

Because of this, always check both:

1. The central English language requirements page, and
2. The specific program’s admissions page.

Advantages and benefits of taking the Duolingo test

How to prepare effectively for the Duolingo English Test

1. Learn the format

Duolingo’s adaptive format means questions get harder or easier depending on your answers.

You’ll see:

• Short reading and fill-in-the-blank items
• Listening comprehension from short clips
• Writing tasks (short answers, prompts, summaries)
• Speaking tasks (describing images, answering questions, explaining opinions)

Spend at least a few days doing official practice questions so nothing feels new on test day.

2. Section-wise strategies

Reading

• Practice reading short academic texts and news articles.
• Focus on context clues for vocabulary.
• Time yourself to simulate the quick pace of the exam.

Listening

• Use English podcasts, news, and YouTube channels.
• Pause and summarise what you heard in one or two sentences.
• Train your ear for different accents (North American, British, global).

Writing

• Practice writing short responses (50–100 words) to prompts like:
  • “Describe a challenge you overcame”
  • “What is better: studying abroad or in your home country?”
• After writing, check: grammar, punctuation, and clarity.
• Use tools or feedback from teachers to catch recurring mistakes.

Speaking

• Practice speaking out loud every day, even alone.
• Record yourself on your phone; listen for clarity and hesitations.
• Focus on fluency and structure (“First…, Secondly…, Finally…”), not on having a “perfect” accent.

3. A simple 90-day Duolingo study roadmap

Days 1-15 – Foundation

• Take a diagnostic Duolingo practice test (unofficial is fine).
• Review English grammar (tenses, articles, prepositions).
• Start daily reading and listening (15–20 min each).

Days 16-45 – Skill building

• Focus each week on one skill (e.g., Week 3 = writing, Week 4 = speaking).
• Do 3–4 timed practice sessions per week.
• Join a language exchange or conversation group online.

Days 46-70 – Exam simulation

• Take one full practice test per week.
• Analyse mistakes and create a “weak points” list.
• Increase speaking practice to at least 10 minutes/day.

Days 71-90 – Score polishing

• Focus on high-yield tasks: writing prompts, speaking practice, and reading speed.
• Sleep well, maintain consistency, and don’t keep changing strategy.

When should you choose Duolingo vs IELTS/TOEFL?

Choose Duolingo if:

• You need fast results for an upcoming deadline.
• Test centres near you are limited or expensive.
• Your target schools explicitly list Duolingo as accepted. For example, many UK universities that accept Duolingo scores now treat DET as a valid alternative to IELTS for international students.

Consider IELTS or TOEFL if:

• Your preferred university does not accept Duolingo for your program.
• You want broader recognition for future immigration or licensing in multiple countries.
• You are applying for professional programs with stricter language requirements. If you’re also thinking about the US, check which American universities that recognise the Duolingo English Test line up with your study-abroad plans.

Many students actually combine tests: they take Duolingo first (for speed and confidence) and IELTS/TOEFL later, if needed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is Duolingo accepted in Canadian universities in 2026?

Yes. Over 150 Canadian institutions accept Duolingo scores for at least some programs, including most large public universities and many colleges.

Can I still apply if I don’t meet the minimum Duolingo requirement?

Usually not for direct entry. If your score is below the stated minimum, your application may be:

• Rejected for that intake, or
• Considered for conditional admission with an ESL or pathway program (depends on the institution).

If you are just a few points below, email the admissions office; some universities allow:

• Re-testing and sending updated scores, or
• Starting in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and then transitioning into your degree.

How long are Duolingo scores valid?

Most Canadian universities treat Duolingo scores as valid for two years from the test date, similar to IELTS/TOEFL.

Is Duolingo enough for a Canada study permit?

Canada’s immigration department (IRCC) primarily looks at:

• Your Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof that you meet the institution’s English requirement

If the DLI accepted your Duolingo score and issued you an offer or conditional offer, that is generally sufficient from the language perspective, especially for non-SDS applications. For SDS routes, IELTS Academic is still more common.

Always confirm current visa rules before applying.

What Duolingo score should I target for Canada?

• Safe target for most universities: 110–115
• Competitive target for top and selective programs: 120–125
• Good target for colleges and many applied diplomas: 100–105

If possible, aim one band higher than the published minimum to strengthen your application. Alongside your score, plan your finances early by checking funding opportunities for Pakistani students in Canada if you’re applying from Pakistan.

Conclusion: Using Duolingo to unlock your study-in-Canada plan

The Duolingo English Test has moved from an emergency alternative during the pandemic to a mainstream English proficiency option across Canada. In 2026, dozens of universities and colleges, from the University of Alberta, Calgary, and Simon Fraser to Algoma, Thompson Rivers, and Yorkville, will welcome Duolingo scores as proof of your ability to succeed in an English-medium classroom.

If you’re applying from South Asia, especially Bangladesh, pair your test prep with step-by-step guidance to study abroad from Bangladesh so your language scores, documents, and financing are all aligned.

To use Duolingo effectively in your Canadian admissions strategy:

1. Set a realistic target score such as 115–120.
2. Shortlist universities from the 2026 list that fit your budget, academic goals, and preferred province. If you’re applying from India, also explore scholarship options for Indian students in Canada to bring down your overall study costs.
3. Visit each school’s official admissions page to confirm the current Duolingo requirement and whether your program is included.
4. Plan a structured 2–3 month preparation schedule and book the test ahead of deadlines.
5. Keep a backup plan, such as an EAP program or second-choice university, if your first attempt falls slightly short. At the same time, explore education loan options for studying abroad so you’re financially ready as soon as you receive an offer from a Canadian institution.

With the right information and preparation, Duolingo can be the fastest, most affordable way to prove your English and secure an offer from a Canadian institution in 2026.