Duolingo English Test highlights the study abroad dreams of Indian students
The Duolingo English Test (DET), a global pioneer in digital English proficiency testing trusted by over 3 million test-takers worldwide, has launched a new campaign celebrating the determination of millions of students across India, including Gujarat, who are chasing their global education dreams.
The integrated 360-degree campaign brings to life the real stories of three students, capturing the hopes, challenges, and resilience of thousands across India. Conceptualised and produced by Kulfi Collective, it also includes OOH activations and influencer collaborations in Gujarat, one of India’s most aspirational study-abroad hubs.
Through the stories of Purva from Nagpur, Shashank from Bangalore, and Vraj from Gujarat, the films capture the heartfelt journeys of students navigating the many hurdles of preparing for overseas education, from finding an affordable and reliable English test to managing limited access in smaller cities. In each film, the Duolingo English Test emerges as the trusted companion; a digital, accessible and secure solution that empowers students to take charge of their dreams, wherever they are. Closing with the campaign’s powerful message “Your dream is our dream too” the films underscore DET’s belief that global education should be within reach for everyone, no matter where they come from.
In addition to the films, the campaign extends across OOH media, from billboards and bus shelters to vibrant cab wraps and auto hoods across Ahmedabad and Surat, and influencer collaborations with Nihit Parekh, Naisargi Musale, Aditya Patel, Rohit Shah, Akash Mehta, and more across Gujarat, building conversations that celebrate students’ dreams for international education and how the DET is an enabler of opportunity.
Gujarat, home to some of India’s most globally ambitious students, accounted for about 8% of all Indian students studying abroad in destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in 2024. This positions Gujarat consistently among the top three states sending students overseas for higher education. The Duolingo English Test has emerged as a preferred choice among these aspirants, offering a trusted, affordable and accessible testing experience that reflects their pace and potential.
Speaking about the campaign, Tara Kapur, Market Lead for Duolingo English Test in India, said: “These stories come straight from the heart of thousands of students who are chasing their dreams of studying abroad. Through these films, we wanted to celebrate the determination and spirit of students across India. The Duolingo English Test has always stood for accessibility; breaking barriers of geography, affordability and opportunity. It’s a bridge that connects students to possibilities around the world. These films are our way of saying: your dreams matter, and we’re here to help you achieve them.”
As the team that led the campaign’s execution, Kulfi Collective’s Account Director, Pourush Turel, said, “At Kulfi Collective, we saw this campaign as a way to spotlight the journeys of students from across India who are chasing global ambitions. Our approach was to highlight these students, their authentic narratives, and how the Duolingo English Test acts as an enabler for their dreams. This campaign captures the raw determination of three distinct students, each with unique dreams and visions for their future. All we had to do was showcase their drive and stories in the most authentic way possible. Partnering with the Duolingo English Test allowed us to craft a campaign that reflects the diverse needs and opportunities that hundreds of students in India experience on their study-abroad journey. We built stories of hope, hustle, and the belief that no dream is out of reach, and that the Duolingo English Test helps bridge their ambitions to compete at a global level.”
Accepted by over 6,000 universities in more than 100 countries, including top institutions like the University of Toronto, Imperial College London and all eight Ivy League universities in the US, the DET’s growing global acceptance reinforces its status as a next-generation test for today’s connected learners. Entirely online and on-demand, the Duolingo English Test can be taken anytime, anywhere, delivering results within just two days and costing approximately INR 6,000.