Duolingo Launches UK-Focused Initiative to Support Disrupted International Students

As global instability continues to affect student mobility and visa access, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at supporting students whose study plans have been upended—particularly by delays or uncertainty in destinations like the United States.

Announced at DETcon London, the DET UK Welcome Project is designed to help students—many from countries like India and China—redirect their higher education journeys to the UK. Michael Lynas, UK Country Director for DET, described the campaign as a timely opportunity for the UK to step in and offer practical solutions.

“We’ve been hearing stories from students who have spent years preparing to study in the U.S., only to face last-minute visa issues,” Lynas said. “There’s a real opportunity for the UK sector to step in and support them right now.”

Key Pillars of the Initiative:
The DET UK Welcome Project will focus on three core actions:

• Targeted Outreach: Raising awareness of study opportunities in the UK among students who have taken—or are preparing to take—the Duolingo English Test. The campaign will emphasize that places are still available at UK universities for autumn 2025.
• Global Collaboration: Working with leading international recruitment networks, particularly in key source countries, to amplify the message that the UK remains a welcoming and open destination.
• University Partnerships: Collaborating with UK institutions to promote programs and facilitate fast-track application support. Students will also gain access to discounted DETs with a 24-hour results turnaround.

“It’s about helping students connect the dots,” Lynas said during a webinar hosted by The PIE and DET. “These are high-achieving students—they have the grades, the funds, and many have already taken their English test. But their plans have been disrupted. We want to ensure they don’t miss out on opportunities to study.”

Lynas also emphasized the strategic advantage of the UK’s flexible admissions timeline. “The UK is uniquely positioned to respond to this moment,” he said. “Later deadlines give us the agility to step in when other countries can’t.”

This announcement follows growing concerns over long visa wait times and processing delays in traditional study destinations like the U.S., prompting many students to consider alternate options.

“This is more than just mitigating disruption,” Lynas concluded. “It’s a real opportunity to welcome these students and demonstrate that the UK is ready to support them during a time of uncertainty.”

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