Language learners across Australia and New Zealand are being called to put their skills to the test in a new initiative from Duolingo. The global learning platform has announced the Duolingo Language Challenge, a 10-week competition aimed at celebrating language learning and building community in the international education sector.
Running from July 28 to October 6, the challenge invites staff from CRICOS-registered institutions in Australia and NZQA-accredited providers in New Zealand to join a friendly, region-wide contest. Learners will use the Duolingo app to chart their learning progress through a free SUPER Duolingo account, achieve personal milestones, and race up the leaderboard for top recognition.
The challenge is hosted by the Duolingo English Test, but learners are free to choose from a wide range of languages—from Spanish and Japanese to lesser-studied languages like Swahili and Hawaiian. Weekly email updates will highlight top performers, interesting language facts, and feature profiles of standout learners.
In addition to bragging rights and exclusive merchandise, participants will compete for part of an $8,000 charity prize pool. The weekly winners and overall individual and institution champions will be celebrated at a special event during the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC) in Canberra on October 15. The celebration will include prize presentations, certificates, and opportunities for networking across the international education community.
Registrations for weekly prizes of the challenge close on August 31, and the winners will be announced when the leaderboard locks on October 6.
The Duolingo Language Challenge is designed to bring the sector together through the shared joy of learning languages. Whether it’s revisiting an old passion or picking up a new skill, Duolingo is encouraging educators and education sector staff to learn, compete, and connect.
More information, including how to register, is available on the Duolingo Language Challenge landing page.
