When it comes to TOEFL eligibility, the requirements are straightforward and mainly revolve around age, educational qualifications, and the specific TOEFL score needed for admission. Here are the key points to consider:
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Age Requirement: There are no strict age restrictions for TOEFL eligibility. While most test takers are typically around 18 years old, ETS does not set a specific age requirement.
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Educational Qualification: The primary educational prerequisite for TOEFL is successfully completing 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized Indian board. This means candidates should have completed their grade 12 or an equivalent degree to be eligible to take the exam. It is also possible to take the test while pursuing high school studies.
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TOEFL Score Requirement: The TOEFL eligibility score varies depending on the universities and programs to which the candidate is applying. Top universities often have higher TOEFL score requirements, in addition to considering factors such as a strong GPA, previous academic achievements, and sometimes work experience. The required TOEFL score will also differ based on the chosen course of study. Humanities programs, for example, may have higher TOEFL score expectations compared to other fields.
TOEFL Eligibility: Required Documents
To meet the TOEFL eligibility requirements, candidates must provide specific identification documents that contain their photo, signature, and accurate name spelling. For Indian students, the accepted ID document is a valid passport, as stated by ETS guidelines.
Here are the key points regarding the required documents:
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Valid Passport: The candidate’s valid passport serves as the primary identification document for TOEFL. It must be presented in its original form, as photocopies are not accepted. The photo and signature on the passport should match the candidate’s appearance and signature.
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National ID Proof: In addition to the passport, candidates need to carry a national ID proof that includes their name, signature, photo, and date of birth. This serves as additional verification during the exam.
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Confirmation Email: Candidates should also bring a printout of the confirmation email received from ETS. This email serves as another form of verification.
It’s important to note that certain types of IDs are not accepted as valid proof for TOEFL, even if they contain the candidate’s name, signature, and photo. These include temporary ID cards, birth certificates, credit/debit cards, diplomatic or embassy ID cards, draft classification cards, employee ID cards, international driver’s licenses, international student IDs, notary-prepared letters or documents, school/college/library IDs, and social security cards.
TOEFL Retake Eligibility
Candidates have the flexibility to retake the TOEFL exam multiple times without any set limitations. The exam is offered throughout the year, with approximately 50 test dates available. However, there is a requirement to maintain a minimum gap of 12 days between each exam attempt.
In other words, candidates can choose to retake the TOEFL as many times as they wish, but they must adhere to the 12-day waiting period between each test date. This allows candidates to adequately prepare and improve their performance before attempting the exam again.
TOEFL Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for TOEFL scholarships as an Indian student, you should meet the following criteria:
- Residency: You must reside in India during the application period.
- Institution Choice: Apply to a university or college listed in the TOEFL Destination Search.
- Academic Performance: Maintain a GPA of 80/100 or 3.0 on a scale of 4.0.
- TOEFL Score: Possess a valid TOEFL score.
There are various types of TOEFL scholarships available, each with its own specific eligibility requirements. Here are some examples:
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TOEFL Research Grants:
- Doctoral students working on language assessment research.
- Must have an approved dissertation.
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TOEFL Young Student Services (YSS):
- Candidates focusing on topics related to YSS.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English.
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Jacqueline Ross Dissertation Award:
- Individuals who have successfully published a dissertation within the last three years.
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Samuel J. Merrick Memorial Lecture Award:
- Candidates nominated and recognized for their contributions.
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TESOL Award:
- Membership in TESOL is a requirement for eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria for TOEFL Home edition
ETS has arranged for TOEFL home edition due to the ongoing pandemic. This enables candidates to take the TOEFL exam from the safety of their home. But candidates need to follow certain TOEFL eligibility related to the requirements of the equipment to take the exam. Below is the TOEFL test eligibility that candidates need to have for taking the home edition:
Equipment Requirements:
- Desktop or computer, no tablet or mobile can be used
- PC: Windows® operating system, versions 10 or 8
- MAC®: Mac OS X® 10.5 or higher (10.13 High Sierra is recommended)
- Browser: Firefox or Chrome
- Candidates need to download and run the ETS secure test browser till they see the notification “Success! You have installed the ETS secure test browser”
- Also, run the ProctorU® Equipment Check before the test. In case of any issue, get it solved before the exam
- The computer firewalls and security applications may hamper the functions of the test software. If this happens, reconfigure or disable those applications before the test.
Speaker Requirements:
- Only internet or external speakers are allowed to listen to the Proctor
- No headphones or earphones are allowed
Microphone Requirements:
- Communicate with the proctor with the help of an internal or external microphone
Camera Requirements:
- The camera can be in-built or a separate webcam
- A 360-degree view of the room needs to be shown to the Proctor
Environment Requirements:
- TOEFL exam eligibility for at-home edition requires candidates to take the test alone
- The test cannot be taken in a public place like a cafe, park, restaurant, etc.
- All the doors of the room must be closed before beginning the test
- The laptop and keyboard must be on top of the table surface
- Candidates are not supposed to cover their ears by wearing a headband or hat
- Don’t wear jewelry
Note-taking Requirements:
- Candidates are not allowed to take notes on regular paper for security issues
- According to TOEFL test eligibility, candidates can only take notes on a desktop whiteboard with an erasable marker, no pencil or pen can be used, or a sheet of paper inside a transparent sheet protector with an erasable marker
- When the test will end, candidates need to show the proctor that all notes have been erased TOEFL Registration can be done by candidates using the ETS official website or from the TOEFL Mobile App. Candidates can apply for their TOEFL Registration through online, mobile application or mail or any authorised person. The TOEFL iBT administers the exam 6 days a week at authorised test centres around the world or at home. It is essential that candidates register themselves for the exam 2-4 months prior before the deadline of application. Candidates are free to choose the TOEFL test centres based on their convenience.