TOEFL market ambassadors to support students with knowledge and guidance on studying in Canada and other countries
SURAT, Gujarat 13 June 2023 : At a press briefing today in the city, ETS announced that the TOEFL iBT test has been approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for use in Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS), an expedited study permit processing program for international students who plan to enroll in one of Canada’s postsecondary designated learning institutions.
Speaking about this development, Lejo Sam Oommen, Chief Revenue Officer, ETS India said “we are delighted that TOEFL iBT has been accepted for Canada’s Student Direct Stream. This move will immensely benefit Indian students who take this route each year to study in Canada. With this move, institutions in Canada will have a wider choice of selecting from a larger applicant base, enabling a more diverse cohort at their campuses”
The expansion to include TOEFL iBT is a welcome change for test takers who now have the option to select which test works best for them. Previously, only one English-language testing option was authorized for the SDS route.
Students can begin sending TOEFL iBT scores as part of their SDS application beginning August 10, 2023. Given the TOEFL iBT test scores are valid for two years, students who have taken TOEFL iBT at a test center within 2 years from date of SDS application are not required to retake the test. According to the IRCC, as long as all eligibility requirements are met, most SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days. To learn more about applying for SDS, including eligibility criteria, please visit the Government of Canada website.
The TOEFL iBT test is already accepted by 100% of Canadian universities and is also the world’s most widely accepted English-language test, used by more than 12,000 institutions in more than 160 countries worldwide.
Today’s announcement follows a recent announcement from ETS that it is enhancing the TOEFL iBT test beginning July 2023. The test will be the shortest among the three major English-language testing options currently available. In addition, test takers will experience a simplified registration process and increased score transparency.
At the press conference today, ETS also shared information about available test centers in the city. These test centers aim at enabling significant ease of access for test takers in the Surat region.
Additionally, ETS also shared information on the appointment of TOEFL market ambassadors in Surat who are responsible for providing knowledge, counseling, and training to help prepare students realize their study abroad dreams.
These ambassadors will also be a guide and mentor for parents who have a dream for their children to study overseas. Presently, there are over 100 TOEFL ambassadors in the Surat region, and this number is growing at a rapid pace showcasing the interest for TOEFL iBT as the most widely accepted English language test globally.
For more information on TOEFL iBT, including how to register, access to practice materials and more, visit www.etsindia.org/country-toefl/canada/.
