Study Abroad: TOEFL Approved for Canada’s Student Direct Stream, Expanding Language Testing Options for International Students

The Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL) has been approved for Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) program. The program expedites study permit processing for international students enrolling in designated learning institutions. 

Previously, only the International English Language Testing System(IELTS) was accepted for SDS. The decision to include TOEFL as an accepted English-language testing option was made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The educational institutions and students have welcomed the decision.

The authorities expect that this move will benefit hundreds of thousands of students who utilize the SDS route each year. Also, This will open a wider pool of applicants who can demonstrate their English-language proficiency through the premier TOEFL test.

What Else Do We Need to Know?

Starting from August 10, 2023, students can submit their TOEFL iBT scores as part of their SDS application. The IRCC states, that provided all eligibility requirements are met, most SDS applications are processed within 20 calendar days.

Senior Vice President of Global Higher Education and Workskills at ETS expressed his enthusiasm for the decision. He said that this decision will benefit not only the students taking the SDS route but also institutions that can feel confident knowing that they can access a wider pool of applicants.

TOEFL is recognized by over 12,000 institutions in more than 160 countries and is accepted in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Furthermore, more than 98 per cent of universities in the United Kingdom accepts the TOEFL score.

In related news, ETS recently announced a series of changes to the TOEFL test to enhance the test-taking experience. So, these changes will take effect from July 26, 2023. For more exciting news updates, make sure you contact Leverage Edu.