International students aspiring to study in Canada will now have another English-language testing option as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has been approved for use in Canada's Student Direct Stream (SDS). This move, authorised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aims to provide students with greater flexibility and expand the pool of applicants for post-secondary designated learning institutions in the country.
Previously, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was the sole English-language testing option accepted for the SDS route. The inclusion of TOEFL now offers students an additional choice when demonstrating their English-language proficiency.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organisation responsible for administering the TOEFL test, has expressed confidence that the premier test will provide students with an opportunity to showcase their language skills to Canadian institutions.
By accepting TOEFL scores, the SDS programme aims to benefit the large number of international students who take advantage of this expedited study permit processing route each year.
Moreover, Canadian institutions can now access a broader pool of applicants, ensuring a diverse and talented student body. This development is expected to streamline the visa and admission process for Indian students, who represent a significant portion of the international student population in Canada.
The acceptance of TOEFL for the SDS route is particularly significant for Indian students, who comprise the largest student population in Canada. The change is expected to simplify the visa and admission process, making Canada an even more appealing study-abroad destination for Indian students.
Education consultants, such as Maria Mathai, Founder of MM Advisory Services, have welcomed this decision as a positive step that will benefit thousands of Indian students aspiring to study in Canadian institutions.
With the acceptance of TOEFL in the SDS program, Canada continues to position itself as an inclusive and attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality education and diverse cultural experiences.
This development further underscores Canada's commitment to fostering global connections and nurturing a vibrant academic community.
Starting August 10, 2023, students can include TOEFL iBT scores as part of their SDS application. According to the IRCC, most SDS applications are typically processed within 20 calendar days, provided that all eligibility requirements are met.
This streamlined processing time contributes to a smoother and more efficient experience for students pursuing their education in Canada.
The approval of TOEFL for the SDS route comes after recent enhancements announced by ETS for the English language proficiency test. These changes, effective from July 26, aim to create an optimal testing experience for individuals taking the TOEFL.
With its wide acceptance across more than 160 countries and by over 12,000 institutions, TOEFL is recognized as a reputable assessment tool by leading universities worldwide.
