We recently convened over 100 international education agents for a DET x TCY Partner Connect Day in Chandigarh, India. Located in North India, Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab, an Indian state that has long been central to the Indo-Canadian education corridor.
India remains a key market for study abroad in Canada, and education agents play a central role in helping students navigate changing global opportunities. As Duolingo English Test’s Strategic Engagement Manager in Canada, I was excited to be on the ground in this important region. The event brought together agents, partners, and sector stakeholders to explore how we can better support students navigating an increasingly complex global study abroad landscape.
Together with our partners at TCY and BorderPass, we discussed how the Duolingo English Test (DET) is expanding access to global education for Indian students, how test preparation can strengthen student confidence, allowing students to test when they’re ready, anywhere, anytime, and how evolving Canadian study permit policies are shaping student pathways.
A major market with shifting student expectations
India remains one of the most dynamic and essential student markets globally. Interest in international education is strong, but student decision-making is shifting.
Students and their families are becoming even more outcomes-focused, with increased attention on return on investment, post-graduation opportunities, and long-term mobility. At the same time, emerging destinations like Germany and Ireland are gaining traction alongside traditional choices like Canada.
In this environment, speed and clarity matter more than ever. Quick admissions decisions and transparent, consistent information across the student journey are increasingly critical to attracting and supporting applicants.
Agents adapting to a shifting landscape
Education agents continue to play a vital role in helping students navigate global opportunities and they are adapting quickly to changing conditions, just as they always have.
For Canada, agents remain committed to supporting institutions in attracting best-fit students. At the same time, they are actively expanding their expertise to include emerging destinations, especially in Europe and understanding how to support students in other markets with shifting visa landscapes like Australia.
Study permit approval rates are a key area of focus, no matter the destination. As discussed during the event, shifts in policy, whether perceived positively or negatively, have an immediate and meaningful impact on student interest. The uncertainty about student migration policies is contributing to a heightened perception of risk in some countries that agents are working hard to understand and adapt their advising to.
For institutions, these shifts mean that understanding agent perspectives in key markets like India is essential for effective international student recruitment.
Collaboration for student success
One of the clearest takeaways from the day was the ongoing importance of collaboration across the sector.
The variety of stakeholders in the room, all dedicating a day to discussing student learning, success and support reiterated the importance of creating spaces for knowledge sharing and updates across the sector. This is a role that we’re proud to play at Duolingo, partnering not only as a test provider but as a solutions provider and facilitator.
At Duolingo, we see our role as extending beyond assessment. By partnering with organizations like TCY and BorderPass, we aim to help streamline admissions processes, provide clarity to students and their supporters, and support institutions in key markets like India.
Looking ahead
While the global education landscape is becoming more competitive, it is also more interconnected than ever.
Events like the DET x TCY Partner Connect Day highlight the opportunity for collaboration across borders and the shared commitment to expanding access and improving outcomes for students worldwide.
For Canadian stakeholders, staying engaged with partners on the ground and responsive to evolving student priorities will be essential to remaining competitive in this dynamic environment.