Duolingo Launches DETermined Scholarship to Empower Indian Women in STEM

Duolingo
Severin Hacker, Co-founder and CTO, Duolingo, Carrie Wang, Senior Director, Head of Growth, Duolingo English Test, and Dr. Kamalika Banerjee, Strategic Alliances Division, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India

The Duolingo English Test (DET), a leading platform for digital English proficiency testing, has introduced the DETermined Scholarship, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Indian women in STEM fields. Launched in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, the scholarship was announced at a press conference in New Delhi by Severin Hacker, CTO and Co-Founder of Duolingo, alongside Carrie Wang, Senior Director of the Duolingo English Test.

Supporting Women in STEM

The DETermined Scholarship provides a one-time grant of USD 30,000 to cover tuition fees for a master’s degree in STEM at a U.S. university that accepts the DET for admissions for the 2026–2027 academic year. The initiative underscores DET’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive global education ecosystem and breaking gender barriers in STEM.

India’s progress in STEM education has been remarkable, with women’s participation rising from 38.4% a decade ago to 42.6%, according to the University Grants Commission. The scholarship aims to build on this momentum, supporting women innovators and leaders who will contribute to India’s growing reputation as a global hub for science, technology, and innovation.

Role of the PSA Office

As a knowledge partner, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser will facilitate applications through the Manthan portal and contribute to the jury for selecting scholarship awardees. This collaboration aligns with the government’s vision of bridging gender gaps in STEM and driving innovation through diverse perspectives.

Dr. Sapna Poti, Director of Strategic Alliances at the PSA Office, emphasized the partnership’s importance: “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

  • Mentorship Opportunities: Finalists will receive guidance from STEM experts.
  • Three-Step Selection Process: Includes an application phase, a STEM impact proposal challenge, and a final interview.
  • Eligibility: Open to Indian women with a bachelor’s degree in STEM, demonstrated leadership in science and technology, and a commitment to contributing to India’s innovation ecosystem upon returning from their studies.

Accessibility Through DET

The DET offers an accessible, flexible, and affordable means for students to showcase English proficiency. With online testing and results in 48 hours, the DET ensures test integrity through AI-powered security protocols. Accepted by over 5,500 programs worldwide, the DET is a gateway for aspiring scholars to realize their academic dreams.
Severin Hacker highlighted the scholarship’s impact: “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 Details

Applications open in June 2025 on the Manthan portal, with recipients announced in September 2025. Applicants must submit a DET score of 120, a strong academic record, and a proposal showcasing their vision for STEM innovation.

About DET and the PSA Office

The Duolingo English Test integrates cutting-edge AI and assessment science to provide a fast, convenient, and affordable solution for certifying English proficiency. Its scores are widely accepted by prestigious universities, including Columbia, the University of Toronto, and Yale.

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, established in 1999, provides strategic guidance on science and technology to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, fostering innovation and development.

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