Duolingo English Test Fee Waiver 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students

You can absolutely skip the USD 59 Duolingo English Test fee. The waiver is real, and it’s critical for minimizing your total cost of studying abroad (application fees, visa expenses, etc.).

Why are so many students confused? Duolingo distributes nearly 10,000 fee waivers annually through its Access and partner programs, but the application process is often poorly explained. Eligible students miss out because they simply don’t know the exact steps to apply. 

This detailed 2026 guide cuts through the confusion immediately. It gives you the full, straightforward process: who qualifies, step-by-step instructions on how to apply, the required documents, what the actual coupon code looks like, and the smartest strategy to maximize your chances of securing a fee waiver for your 2026 intake.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) fee waiver is a financial-support initiative under the Duolingo Access Program, created to help students who cannot afford the standard test fee.

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There are three primary ways students receive waivers:

1. Institutional nomination - Your school, college, or counsellor requests Duolingo to provide waivers for financially disadvantaged students.
   
2. NGO or scholarship partner allocation - Students supported by NGOs, refugee programs, or education charities may receive vouchers.
   
3. Promotional waivers/coupons - Duolingo, partner organisations, and education influencers sometimes release limited-time Duolingo English test fee waiver coupons.
   

A waiver typically allows a student to take one full DET attempt for free, with a unique redeemable code valid for a limited period.

Eligibility varies depending on the route, but the core criteria remain consistent across the Access system:

You may qualify if:

• Household income is below the national/ regional threshold
  
• You belong to a low-income or economically disadvantaged background
  
• You are unable to pay education-related testing charges without aid
  

You must be applying to universities that accept the DET as part of their admission requirements.

Most successful applicants are students who:

• Counsellor
  
• School or college
  
• Educational NGO
  

can verify their need and request waiver support.

Some NGOs and scholarship bodies distribute waivers internally.

• Refugee or displaced students
  
• Students affected by conflict or crisis
  
• Students under educational rehabilitation programs
  

Over the past two years, Duolingo has distributed an estimated 8,000-12,000 fee waivers annually through its Access Program and partner institutions. Reports show that the number fluctuates depending on global demand, partner participation, and funding allocations. In 2026, the availability remains within a similar range, but the competition has increased as more international applicants depend on fee support.

This trend highlights two important points:

1. The number of waivers is limited and highly competitive, often claimed quickly by students worldwide.
   
2. Applying early significantly increases your chances of receiving one, especially if you belong to a low-income background or are applying through an NGO, school, or community program.

This is the most important section for students. Follow these steps exactly as counsellors recommend:

The fastest and most successful route.

What to do:

• Explain your financial situation.
  
• Request a “Duolingo Access nomination.”
  
• Share your documents (ID + financial proof).
  
• Ask them to submit the Access form on your behalf.
  

Why this works:
Duolingo prioritises applications verified by institutions because they can confirm authenticity. Most waivers are granted through this channel.

If you are associated with:

• UNHCR programs
  
• Education charities
  
• NGO-based scholarship tracks
  
• Local or international foundations
  

Ask them if they distribute DET fee waivers.

These partnerships often receive a fixed number of voucher codes each year.

Duolingo occasionally runs:

• Seasonal promotions
  
• Social media campaigns
  
• Student-ambassador giveaways
  
• Partner-influencer coupon drops
  

These Duolingo test fee waiver coupons are time-limited and run out fast.

Where to monitor:

• Duolingo’s official Instagram
  
• DET newsletters
  
• Partner organisation pages
  
• YouTube education influencers
  
• Study-abroad communities
  

This route has lower success rates, but still worth trying.

You can write to Duolingo support explaining:

• Your financial situation
  
• Why do you need DET specifically
  
• Attach your supporting documents
  

Keep the message short and proof-based.

Always prepare your documents before applying. A complete application is processed faster and more successfully.

• Passport
  
• National ID
  
• Aadhar (for Indian students)
  

• Student ID card
  
• Current enrolment letter
  
• Recent marksheets
  

You may provide:

• Income certificate
  
• Family income affidavit
  
• Scholarship/fee concession letters
  
• Government assistance documents
  
• BPL/EWS certificate (India-specific)
  
• Any official letter showing reduced or waived school fees
  

A short (200–300 words) note explaining:

• Your study abroad plans
  
• Why you cannot afford the DET
  
• Why do you need the fee waiver urgently
  

Students often get confused between institutional waivers, coupons, and partnership allocations. This table simplifies all possible ways you can receive support.

Subject: Request for Duolingo Fee Waiver Nomination

Dear [Counsellor Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am preparing my applications for international universities, and the Duolingo English Test is a mandatory requirement. Due to financial constraints, I am unable to afford the test fee.

I kindly request your support in nominating me for the Duolingo Access Program fee waiver. I have attached my documents for verification.

Thank you for your support.
Regards,
[Your Name]

Subject: Request for Duolingo English Test Fee Waiver

Hello Duolingo Team,
I am an aspiring international student and require the DET for my university applications. Due to financial hardship, I am unable to pay the exam fee.

I am attaching my ID and financial documents to support my case. Kindly guide me on the possibility of receiving fee support under the Duolingo Access Program.

Thank you for your time.
Regards,
[Your Name | Country | Email ID]

These insights come from real student cases that typically succeed:

1. Go through your counsellor FIRST

This is the single biggest factor behind successful approvals.

2. Attach clear, official documents

Blurry images or unofficial PDFs reduce your chances significantly.

3. Apply early in the year

Waivers are limited and are often exhausted during peak intake seasons.

4. Join NGO-led programs if you qualify

Partnership vouchers are abundant and easier to receive.

5. Track promotional windows

Some coupons expire within days - stay active on student community channels.

Not getting a waiver is not the end of your study abroad journey.

Some universities:

• Accept DET alternatives
  
• Accept pending test results
  
• Delay the score submission deadline
  

A weekly savings plan of even ₹200-₹300 over 3 months can cover the fee.

Occasionally, DET offers:

• Seasonal discounts
  
• Reduced-fee campaigns
  

Some universities reimburse DET fees after admission.

Securing a Duolingo English Test fee waiver in 2026 is entirely possible with the right approach; institutional nomination, partner NGO programs, promotional coupons, and well-documented individual appeals all play a major role. For many students, this waiver becomes the stepping stone to submitting university applications on time and beginning their study-abroad journey confidently.

If you’re unsure how to apply, what documents to prepare, or how to maximise your chances, LeapScholar’s expert counsellors can guide you personally. From preparing waiver requests to shortlisting universities, planning English test timelines, and managing applications we’re here to support you at every step.

Ready to begin your application journey? Register for the Duolingo English Test or check waiver options on the official DET page.