Have you ever considered what international graduate applicants go through to prove their English proficiency? We're inviting graduate professionals across North America to find out for themselves through our new North American Grad Challenge. This innovative initiative encourages program administrators and leaders at graduate schools in the U.S. and Canada to experience the Duolingo English Test (DET) firsthand.
Why the challenge?
Graduate professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international education, yet many have never directly experienced the tests they require from applicants. We created the North American Grad Challenge to bridge this gap, providing an opportunity for these influential educators to personally experience the accessibility, rigor, and innovation of the DET.
By taking the test themselves, administrators can better understand its benefits—digital accessibility, flexibility, and student-friendly design—making informed decisions to support their international applicants.
How it works
The challenge kicks off in Canada at the Canadian Association of Graduate Studies (CAGS) conference in Ottawa (November 4–7, 2025), and in the U.S. ahead of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) annual meeting in December 2025. Eligible professionals can register for the challenge, complete the DET at their convenience by the challenge deadlines in their region, and enter a draw for exciting incentives.
Win to support your community
To make things even more interesting, we're offering several cash prizes in both the U.S. and Canada. Winners can choose to direct these funds toward professional development programs for their graduate school staff or donate to their institution's Graduate Student Association, fostering growth and support within their communities.
A meaningful challenge
This challenge offers graduate professionals a new perspective by immersing them in the student experience. By directly experiencing the test, graduate educators gain valuable insight into the testing experience of their applicants. It’s an opportunity to enhance understanding, foster empathy, and make informed decisions that directly benefit prospective students.
We look forward to seeing how graduate teams across North America embrace this opportunity. Join us in taking this step toward a more informed, accessible, and student-centered admissions process.
Ready to rise to the challenge? Visit our registration pages to get started!