The Duolingo English Test (DET), an English proficiency testing accepted by more than 5,500 universities across the globe, has launched the DETermined scholarship to empower Indian women in STEM. The initiative was announced at a press conference in New Delhi on Jan 17 by Severin Hacker, CTO and Co-Founder of Duolingo, who was joined by Carrie Wang, Senior Director, Head of Growth, Duolingo English Test.
Launched in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) as the knowledge partner, the DETermined scholarship is designed to support ambitious and talented Indian women by offering a one-time grant of USD 30,000 to cover tuition fees for a master’s degree in STEM at a US university that accepts the DET for admissions for the academic year 2026–2027.
Key Features of the Scholarship
- Mentorship Opportunities: Finalists will receive guidance and support from STEM experts, helping them navigate their academic and professional journeys.
- Comprehensive Selection Process: Applicants will undergo a rigorous three-step selection process, including an application phase, a STEM impact proposal challenge and a final interview.
- Eligibility: Open to women who are Indian citizens, hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a STEM field, have demonstrated leadership in science and technology and show intent to contribute to India’s global innovation footprint upon returning from their studies.
How to Apply: Applications for the DETermined Scholarship will open in June 2025 on the Manthan portal with the recipient being announced in September 2025. Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications, including a DET score of 120, a strong academic record and a proposal showcasing their vision for innovation in STEM fields.
Severin Hacker, Co-founder and CTO, Duolingo said “Having experienced the transformative power of education as a student abroad who had the chance to study in the US, I strongly believe that providing opportunities to students is key to unlocking their potential. The philosophy behind the DETermined Scholarship is rooted in Duolingo’s mission to make education accessible to all. We are pleased to partner with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser for this scholarship, aligning our shared vision of empowering the next generation of leaders. By supporting talented women in STEM, we are not only helping them realize their dreams but also contributing to a more inclusive and innovative future for India and the world. It reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every student has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background.”
The DETermined Scholarship is a significant step toward breaking gender barriers in STEM education for the next generation of women leaders. This initiative reaffirms DET’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse global education ecosystem. By supporting women innovators and leaders, DET aims to contribute to India’s growing reputation as a global hub for science, technology and innovation. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (GoI) will play a pivotal role as the knowledge partner for this initiative. The PSA will facilitate applications through the Manthan portal and contribute to the jury that selects the scholarship awardees to ensure a transparent and impactful selection process.
About The Duolingo English Test (DET)
The Duolingo English Test serves as an accessible, flexible and affordable way for students to showcase their English proficiency. With a focus on convenience, DET allows students to take the test online from anywhere and at any time with results available in 48 hours. Its AI-powered security protocols ensure test integrity, providing a reliable and widely accepted measure of English language skills.
A combination of rigorous security protocols, AI, and remote proctoring ensures the integrity of the test. DET test scores are accepted by over 5500 programmes worldwide, including Columbia, University of Toronto, University of Warwick, and Yale.
