The Duolingo English Test (DET) has introduced the DETermined Scholarship, a groundbreaking program aimed at empowering Indian women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In partnership with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, this initiative provides financial support and mentorship to deserving candidates.
The scholarship was unveiled in New Delhi during a press conference by Severin Hacker, CTO and Co-Founder of Duolingo, and Carrie Wang, Senior Director of the Duolingo English Test.
Scholarship Highlights
The DETermined Scholarship offers a one-time grant of $30,000 to cover tuition fees for a master’s degree in STEM at a U.S. university. Eligible institutions must accept the Duolingo English Test for admissions. The scholarship will support studies for the 2026–2027 academic year.
This initiative reflects Duolingo’s commitment to breaking gender barriers in STEM and fostering inclusivity in global education.
Growth of Women in STEM
India has witnessed remarkable progress in STEM education, with women’s participation increasing from 38.4% a decade ago to 42.6%, according to the University Grants Commission. The scholarship seeks to further enhance this growth by supporting women leaders and innovators in STEM fields, contributing to India’s reputation as a hub for science, technology, and innovation.
Role of the PSA Office
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser plays a pivotal role in this collaboration, facilitating applications via the Manthan portal and participating in the selection process. This partnership aligns with the government’s efforts to bridge gender gaps in STEM and promote diverse perspectives in innovation.
Dr. Sapna Poti, Director of Strategic Alliances at the PSA Office, stated:
“Empowering women in STEM fosters diversity and drives innovation. By partnering with Duolingo, we aim to provide talented women access to world-class education, enabling them to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat and global innovation leadership.”
Scholarship Features and Selection Process
Key aspects of the DETermined Scholarship include:
- Mentorship: Finalists will receive guidance from leading STEM experts.
- Three-Step Selection Process:
- Application submission.
- STEM impact proposal challenge.
- Final interview.
- Eligibility: Open to Indian women with a bachelor’s degree in STEM, leadership experience in science and technology, and a commitment to advancing India’s innovation ecosystem.
Accessibility with DET
The Duolingo English Test provides an accessible and affordable method for students to demonstrate English proficiency. Key features include:
- Online testing with results in 48 hours.
- AI-powered security for integrity.
- Acceptance by over 5,500 programs worldwide, including prestigious universities like Columbia and Yale.
Severin Hacker emphasized:
“Education transforms lives. Through the DETermined Scholarship, we aim to empower talented women to achieve their dreams and foster a more inclusive and innovative future for India and the world.”
Application Timeline
- Applications open: June 2025
- Application portal: Manthan portal
- Announcement of recipients: September 2025
- Requirements: A DET score of 120, strong academic record, and a vision proposal for STEM innovation.
About DET and the PSA Office
The Duolingo English Test integrates advanced AI and assessment science, offering a quick and affordable solution for certifying English proficiency. It is accepted by leading universities worldwide.
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, established in 1999, provides strategic guidance on science and technology to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, driving innovation and development in India.
The DETermined Scholarship exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating opportunities for women to excel in STEM, contributing to global innovation and a more inclusive educational landscape.
