The initiative, introduced in collaboration with the government of India’s Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser as the knowledge partner, is designed to support Indian women by offering 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 DETermined Scholarship applications will open on the Manthan portal in June 2025, with the recipient set to be announced in September 2025.
According to a statement by DET, eligible candidates have been encouraged to submit their applications, including a DET score of 120, a strong academic record, and a proposal showcasing their vision for innovation in STEM fields.
The scholarship is open to women who are Indian citizens, hold an undergraduate qualification in a STEM field, have demonstrated leadership in science and technology, and aim to contribute to India’s global innovation footprint upon returning from their studies in the US.
According to DET, finalists will receive guidance and support from STEM experts to navigate their academic and professional journeys, following a rigorous three-step selection process comprising an application phase, a STEM impact proposal challenge, and a final interview.
By supporting talented women in STEM, we are not only helping them realise their dreams but also contributing to a more inclusive and innovative future for India and the world.
Severin Hacker, Duolingo
The initiative was announced at a press conference in New Delhi by Severin Hacker, CTO and co-founder of Duolingo, and Carrie Wang, senior director, head of growth, DET.
“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,” said Hacker.
“By supporting talented women in STEM, we are not only helping them realise their dreams but also 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.”
Although India has a high proportion of female STEM graduates, women’s participation in the STEM workforce remains low at just 27%, according to World Bank data.
The scholarship initiative is an opportunity for the Indian government to realise its vision of empowering Indian women in STEM, driving innovation, and introducing fresh perspectives and ideas that accelerate progress in science and technology.
“With India leading globally in women’s participation in STEM, we are pleased to partner with the Duolingo English Test for the DETermined Scholarship,” said Sapna Poti, director, strategic alliances, Office of the PSA to the government of India.
“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.”
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