byJasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
The recent decision by the Canadian government to discontinue the Student Direct Stream (SDS) as of November 8, 2024, has left many Indian students worried about their plans for higher education in Canada. For years, SDS offered faster visa processing for students who met specific requirements including submitting IELTS or PTE scores. But with SDS no longer in play, many students are wondering how this affects them.
But there is good news! Canada is still open to international students and the Duolingo English Test (DET) is now your ultimate gateway to studying in Canada. Here’s why the DET is the best choice for students navigating the post-SDS era.
Why Canada Is Still a Top Destination for Indian Students:
Of the more than 1.3 million Indian students studying abroad in 2024, Canada tops the position with 427,000 – which is 41 percent of total international students in Canada. Here’s why:
- World-Class Institutions: Canadian universities like The University of Toronto, University of Alberta, Concordia University, McGill University are globally recognized for their academic excellence. They consistently rank among the world’s best, offering programs in engineering, business, healthcare and more—fields highly sought after by Indian students.
- Diverse and Inclusive Society: Canada’s multicultural society makes it easy for Indian students to settle in, whether it’s the growing Indian communities, celebrations of Indian festivals or access to Indian food.
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to other popular study destinations like the US or UK, Canadian institutions offer high-quality education at a reasonable cost.
The changes to the visa process don’t diminish these benefits. With the right preparation and resources, your Canadian study journey is well within reach.
The DET: Your Best Pathway to Canada
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a pioneer in digital English proficiency testing trusted by over 3 million test-takers worldwide. It is a convenient, accessible and student-centric English proficiency test that’s widely accepted by Canadian institutions.
The DET is trusted by over 400 Canadian institutions including:
- All Anglophone U15 Universities: Like the University of Toronto and McGill University.
- 41 of 45 Maclean’s Ranked Universities: Including institutions with medical-doctoral and comprehensive programs.
- Top Graduate Programs: Such as the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Saskatchewan, Concordia University, Carleton University, University of Regina, Simon Fraser University, St. Francis Xavier University, York University, Vancouver Island University and more.
- Over 93% of all Canada colleges.
Whether you’re applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, the DET is widely recognized and accepted. View the full list here.
And what’s better is that the DET is designed to make the process easier:
- Take the DET online from the comfort of your home, no need to visit a test center. Schedule it at your convenience, anytime, anywhere.
- The DET takes just 60 minutes to complete. Results are available in 48 hours helping you stay on track with your applications.
- The DET is a budget-friendly option, costing less than INR 5,500, significantly cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL.
- The DET adjusts to your skill level, providing a tailored and accurate assessment of your English proficiency.
- If your chosen institution accepts the DET, you don’t need an additional English proficiency test for your visa application. This simplifies the process, saving time and effort..
- What’s better! DET scores are also valid for two years. This extended validity period provides students with ample flexibility in their application timelines.
Canada is waiting and the DET is your ticket to unlocking its world-class education system. Take the DET today and move one step closer to making your Canada dream a reality!




Comments