The Duolingo English Test (DET), a convenient, fast, and affordable English proficiency test designed with the test taker in mind, has launched the DETermined Scholarship to empower Indian women in STEM. The initiative was announced at a press conference in New Delhi by Severin Hacker, CTO and Co-Founder of Duolingo, who was joined by Carrie Wang, Senior Director, Head of Growth, Duolingo English Test.
The DETermined Scholarship, launched in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) as a knowledge partner, aims to support ambitious and talented Indian women by providing 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.
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 GoI has consistently emphasized the importance of bridging gender gaps in STEM, recognizing that increasing the participation of women in these fields leads to enhanced scientific outcomes, greater diversity and economic growth. Empowering women in STEM also drives innovation, introducing fresh perspectives and ideas that accelerate progress in science and technology. The DETermined Scholarship builds on this vision by offering talented women the opportunity to pursue world-class education and return to India as innovators and changemakers. 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.
Dr. Sapna Poti, Director of Strategic Alliances, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said:
The Office of the PSA is deeply committed to empowering women in STEM to foster diversity and drive innovation. With India leading globally in women’s participation in STEM, we are pleased to partner with the Duolingo English Test for the DETermined Scholarship. This initiative will offer talented Indian women access to world-class education and cutting-edge skills. By making English testing more accessible, the DET opens doors to premier institutions, empowering women to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat and become leaders in driving global innovation.
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, which includes 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.
Severin Hacker, Co-founder and CTO, Duolingo added:
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 helping them realize their dreams and 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 Manthan portal will accept applications for the DETermined Scholarship beginning in June 2025, with the recipient being announced in September 2025. Eligible candidates are requested to submit applications with a DET score of 120, a strong academic record, and a proposal outlining their vision for innovation in STEM subjects.
The Duolingo English Test is 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 anytime, 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. By taking the DET, students can gain admission to over 5,500 programmes worldwide, making it a valuable tool for pursuing academic dreams, particularly those applying for the DETermined Scholarship.
By addressing financial and mentorship barriers, the DETermined Scholarship is poised to inspire countless Indian women to pursue their aspirations in STEM. This initiative exemplifies its mission to create accessible student pathways and demonstrates its deep commitment to India’s educational advancement.
