The Importance Of TOEFL And How To Prepare For It

TOEFL is crucial for non-native English speakers, serving as a standard measure of English proficiency required by universities worldwide.

A strong TOEFL score enhances students' chances of admission and scholarships. (Representative Image)

Source : ABPLIVE AI

By Omar Chihane

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) international student enrolment from India increased from 1.31 million in 2023 to 1.34 in 2024. While this increase might seem marginal, there has been a sustained demand for International Education.

According to statistics shared by the MEA, while Canada is the top host country, with 427,000 Indian students, followed by USA with 337,630, the UK with 185,000, Australia with 122,202, and Germany with 42,997. It is expected that international students from India will grow to 1.8 million by 2025.

The growth drivers for this demand are enhanced career opportunities, it chances to gain international exposure and developing skills that are valued across. Of course, the growth has also been spurred by increased ability to afford global education, especially by students from tier 2 and 3 cities.

One of most critical criteria for International Education is proficiency in the English language. It is imperative for candidates to demonstrate the required level of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to International Universities, to give them the confidence that the student will be able to comprehend and go through the course curriculum.

International Universities have for decades now relied on the TOEFL test score while accepting non-native English speakers. TOEFL has long been a trusted and essential tool for students given its recognition by over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries worldwide

Why TOEFL Is The Key To Your Academic Future

The TOEFL iBT test has been a key element in the university admissions process, particularly for non-native English speakers. For students aiming to study in top destinations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, TOEFL serves as a critical measure of a student's readiness for the academic environment of top universities worldwide. 

These countries are home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, where academic excellence is a longstanding tradition. In such environments, proficiency in English is essential not only for achieving academic success, but also for effective integration in the community and for job roles with the rapid growth of international student mobility, it is almost one’s passport to success in global higher education.

Gain A Competitive Edge With TOEFL

In countries such as Canada, that have recently revised their study permit policies, demonstrating strong language proficiency through TOEFL can significantly enhance student’s application. According to the Government of Canada, students who meet the English language proficiency requirement through tests like TOEFL iBT can benefit from faster visa processing under the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This streamlined process is particularly advantageous for students from countries such as India, China, and the Philippines. TOEFL iBT scores are recognized under SDS, making the application process smoother and more efficient.

Moreover, the global acceptance of TOEFL ensures that students have the flexibility to explore multiple academic destinations. Whether it is the Ivy league universities in the United States, the Russell Group OF institutions in the UK, or the Group of 8 (Go8) universities of Australia, TOEFL opens doors to all these world-class institutions.

How To Prepare For TOEFL iBT?

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT test in a systematic way is essential for students planning to study abroad. Here is how you can strategically prepare:

• Familiarize yourself with the TOEFL iBT test by exploring the TOEFL TestReady platform. This resource helps you identify your strengths and areas needing improvement, allowing you to focus on key skills. With features such as personalized prep plans and scored activities, students are better equipped to confidently approach the TOEFL test, as evidenced by 95% of users recommending TestReady to others.
• If you’re new to TOEFL, the Beginner’s Guide is an excellent starting point. It provides step-by-step instructions, making the preparation process easy to navigate for beginners.
• ETS offers a variety of free prep resources, including practice tests, sample questions, and interactive exercises. These tools help you get familiar with the test format and hone the essential skills needed for success.

These official resources from ETS have helped millions of students globally in gaining admission to universities of their choice. By using a combination of official prep resources, mock and practice tests students can approach TOEFL with confidence and a clear plan for success.

The Broader Impact Of TOEFL

Beyond meeting admission criteria, a high TOEFL score signals a student’s ability to navigate complex academic texts, as also contribute to classroom discussions, and confidently make representation to audiences including presentations etc. These skills are crucial in environments where English is the primary language of instruction. Furthermore, universities often consider TOEFL scores to award scholarships and financial aid, recognising the test as an indicator of a student's potential to excel and contribute to the institution.

In conclusion, as you prepare for TOEFL, remember that it is not merely about passing a test but more about equipping yourself with the language skills necessary to excel in an international academic setting.

(The author is the Global General Manager of TOEFL at ETS.)

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