TOEFL Accepted Under Canada’s Student Direct Stream

Canada has recently made a significant decision that will benefit international students seeking to study in the country. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as an acceptable score for the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This development opens up new possibilities and opportunities for aspiring students around the world.

TOEFL Approved for SDS

The IRCC’s decision to include TOEFL as an acceptable score for the SDS is a game-changer. Previously, the only English-language testing option authorized for the SDS route was the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This recent approval of TOEFL gives international students another viable choice for demonstrating their English language proficiency.

Understanding the Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream is a program designed to expedite the processing of study permits for international students who plan to enroll in designated post-secondary learning institutions in Canada. This program aims to streamline the application process and reduce processing times, providing a smoother pathway for students.

Benefits of TOEFL Approval

The inclusion of TOEFL as an accepted test score for the SDS brings several benefits. Firstly, it expands the options for international students, giving them more flexibility in choosing the English language proficiency test that suits them best. Secondly, it opens doors to a wider pool of applicants who can now demonstrate their skills through the premier test of English-language proficiency.

Positive Reactions and Comments

Rohit Sharma, Senior Vice President of Global Higher Education and Workskills at ETS, expressed enthusiasm for the addition of TOEFL in the SDS route. He highlighted the benefits for both students and institutions, emphasizing the broader access to applicants and the confidence institutions can have in the premier English-language proficiency test.

Changes to TOEFL iBT Test

In addition to the approval for SDS, ETS, the organization conducting TOEFL, announced changes to enhance the test-taking experience. Starting from July 26, 2023, the TOEFL iBT test will be shortened by one hour. Streamlined instructions and navigation, a new writing task focused on academic discussion, a shorter reading section, and the removal of non-scoring questions are among the modifications aimed at optimizing the test.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2023

Category: International / World Current Affairs