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SAT
Education

SAT Test 2024: Important Dates, Deadlines, and Registration Fee for International Students

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SAT is an important test for admission that acts like a portal for students to be able to apply to important universities across the globe. It is not only a means of pursuing higher education but also enhances the chances of getting scholarships. SAT is indispensable for students who have just cleared grade 12 because it just becomes the first step of a student planning overseas study. Many renowned institutions around the world are reinstating SAT, so students planning to apply to such colleges must have an overview of the examination. Recent developments and relevance of the SAT SAT is an important test for admission that acts like a portal for students to be able to apply to important universities across the globe. It is not only a means of pursuing higher education but also enhances the chances of getting scholarships. SAT is indispensable for students who have just cleared grade 12 because it just becomes the first step of a student planning overseas study. Many renowned institutions around the world are reinstating SAT, so students planning to apply to such colleges must have an overview of the examination. Recent developments and relevance of the SAT In accordance with the action taken in February 2024, Dartmouth College reinstated the requirement for standardised testing in college admissions for the graduating class of 2029. This seems to pave the way for a growing number of schools on foreign soil to include SAT assessments within their application process. According to Meenakshi Kachroo Chatta, Senior Director & Regional Head at College Board, SAT is a powerful predictor of academic success. Schools such as Yale, Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth have reinstated SAT as a requirement for admission. Important Dates and Deadlines For the 2024-25 testing year, registration for SAT is now available for all students—both U.S. as well as international. The next exam date for SAT is next slated for August 24, 2024. The registration deadline is on August 9, 2024. Changes, regular cancellations, and late registration all have a deadline date of August 13, 2024. Remember, early registration is key, especially for those students who would wish to borrow devices from the College Board, as they are required to request them 30 days prior to the test date. Expected SAT test dates for the 2025–26 academic year: August 23, 2025; October 4, 2025 November 8, 2025, December 6, 2025 March 14, 2026, May 2, 2026, June 6, 2026 International SAT Registration Fees As of the test dates from August 24, 2024, the SAT registration fee stands at $68, and international students additionally pay a $43 regional fee. The other additional fees are: Test centre fee some locations only: $29Late registration: $34 ChangeLate cancel fee: $39 Fee waivers are offered to low-income 11th and 12th-grade students in the United States. or U.S. territories. College Board further allows up to 90% off SAT registration fees and many scholarships at Indian colleges and universities for Indian students under the India Scholars Program. How to Prepare for the SAT These two major parts normally include reading and writing and math. It tests a student’s ability to interpret text and his grammar and vocabulary skills in writing during the SAT reading and writing section. Mostly, the Math Section is designed to test basic skills in areas such as algebra, advanced math, problem solving, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry. Students can leverage resources on the College Board website for tasks as diverse as accessing study materials, practice tests, and time management techniques. Conclusion Please continue to check all important dates, test fees, and SAT preparation strategies as the SAT becomes more high-stakes within the college admission process. This test can help in winning space within prestigious chosen universities and pave the way to scholarship and academic success. Register on time and prepare adequately so you score as highly as possible on the SAT.

International Students
Education

How Policy Shifts in Major Host Countries Are Redefining Choices of International Students

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With key destinations such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia making some important changes in their international education policy over the past couple of years, this has dramatically affected international student mobility. Students have started to eye other education markets seriously. In the next blog, let’s examine the changing policy at these erstwhile destinations and emerging trends from across the global education landscape. United Kingdom: shifting policy, shifting sentiment  The UK has consistently ranked as one of the most popular destinations for international students. Recent policy changes, however, have seriously dented its growth in international students. In the year that ended in March 2024, the UK awarded more than 446,000 study visas, which represents a 6.2% drop compared to the previous year. This comes after the ban on dependents and less friendly rhetoric from the previous government.  Since the election of the new government under Sir Keir Starmer on 4 July 2024, some new vigour and focus have been brought into economic growth by way of foreign students. This is supported in the right direction by the Graduate Route, which will enable students to stay and work for two years after completing graduation—making money and retaining talent. However, earlier restrictive policies have already led many students to look at other destinations.  Canada: Tightening the Regulations and Raising Financial Requirements Reform measures in Canada’s International Student Programme introduced a more restrictively controlled environment for international students through the temporary imposition of a two-year cap on study permits. The latter does not apply to Master’s, PhD, and K-12 students, nor to those currently holding permits. Facing this, the minimum financial requirement in study permit applications was increased to C$20,635 as a response to the galloping cost of living. Adding to the complications for a prospective student, some of the new visa requirements and removal of many institutions from the PGWP programme were brought into action. On one hand, there is a huge demand for health professionals and other skilled workers, but due to stricter regulations, the approval rate for study permits has remained low, with an overall delay in processing.  Australia: Tightening its Reign on International Student Intake  Australia brought out its migration strategy in December 2023 and the genuine student requirement in March 2024. All this in a bid to cut down intake of foreign students following a record intake in 2022–23. Making matters worse, the international student visa fee has now been increased from A$ 710 to A$ 1,600 with effect from July 1, 2024, making it dearer to study in Australia compared to other countries.  Preliminary student and education sector responses to these changes have been overwhelmingly negative. While the actual ramifications are yet to be realised, there is already evidence of a downturn in interest from prospective international students. The Growth of Non-traditional Markets With traditional destination countries continuing to tighten restrictions, rising markets in Asia and Europe vie for greater shares of international students. Germany and Ireland are among those that have also indicated very strong growths in international enrollments. Interest in Germany had grown for 50% of respondents in ApplyBoard’s latest Recruitment Partner RP Pulse Survey. In Ireland, there was a 12% increase in international enrollments in the academic year 2022/23.  Beyond these, other countries like the Netherlands, Singapore, and Malaysia are investing heavily in their education sectors. Courses taught in English make them, with partnerships from globally renowned universities, very attractive alternatives to the traditional Anglophone markets. Conclusion: A New Landscape for International Education  These policy changes in the UK, Canada, and Australia have been accompanied by government attempts at greater intervention over immigration flows and closer monitoring in schools. However, all of these policies contributed to unwittingly pushing students towards other alternative markets, able to remake the global education landscape. With more students eyeing fresh emerging destinations, the future for international student mobility will be more diversified and dynamic than ever before.

Hyderabad US Student Visa Processing
Education, Immigration

Hyderabad US Student Visa Processing Leads India in 2024

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Hyderabad has emerged at the top of US student visa processing centers all across India this year. According to a statement from the US Consulate General in Hyderabad, the city adjudicated the highest number of student visas among all posts in Mission India. This further underlines Hyderabad’s key role in enhancing educational opportunities and further deepening the US-India relationship due to its colossal contribution toward Hyderabad US student visa processing. Hyderabad Dominant in Visa Processing  The US Consulate General in Hyderabad announced, “Hyderabad has adjudicated more student visas this year than any other post in Mission India.” This is definitely a high note for the city that reflects efficiency and commitment towards the handling of applications that are coming for student visas. The consulate’s efforts have been accorded with the growing demand for US education among Indian students. Super Saturday Drive: A Commitment to Excellence  The ‘Super Saturday’ drive reiterated that efficient visa processing remains a key commitment of the consulate. Hundreds of petition-based worker visa and visitor visa applicants were welcomed in the event against high demand for all visa categories. More than anything else, this can be seen as an initiative of the consulate in cementing the relationship between the US and India. In April, the Hyderabad consulate conducted another Super Saturday drive with 1,500 applicants going through visa interviews. This comes as part of an enlarged effort to smoothen the application process for visas and help ease the surging demand.  Expanding efforts across India  The success of the Super Saturday drives is not limited to Hyderabad. The US Embassy in New Delhi and the Mumbai Consulate had organised similar exercises in March, processing over 1,000 and more than 1,500 visitor visa applicants, respectively. What initially started as ad hoc events in 2022 are now quarterly occurrences, demonstrating a commitment that the US mission has intensely focused on to accommodate the growing demand for visas.  Vision of Ambassador Garcetti Ambassador Garcetti pitched for binding people-to-people ties through work, travel, and education in the United States. Noting the record-breaking demand, he pointed out the efforts being taken to fasttrack US student visa processing within the mission. With increased staffing and technological process enhancements at its command, the US mission in India is all geared to break past records of visa processing, thus carrying forward the strong US-India partnership.  Record Visa Applications According to the statistics, there has been a 60 percent increase in the number of visa applications compared to last year. Amongst all the applicants applying to the US from all over the world, a high percentage comprises Indians. It shows that interest is growing rapidly amongst Indians towards education, work, and travel in the US. Conclusion  Hyderabad’s leading role in US student visas processing reflects how efficient the city is and that there exists a strong relationship between the US and India. Success stories of initiatives like the Super Saturday drives could be attributed to the committed efforts towards easing visa processing against its increasing demand. As the US mission in India continues to come up with innovations and scale up efforts, the future does look pretty promising for Indian students looking to pursue studies in the United States.

SBW Berlin Scholarships
Education

SBW Berlin Scholarships 2025: Your Way to World-Class Education

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Are you an international student interested in social change, studying in Berlin or Potsdam, really able to make a difference in your home country? Well, the SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students might be that chance at world-class education and making a real difference at home. Here’s everything you need to know about this very prestigious scholarship for the Spring 2025 intake. Objectives of the SBW Berlin Scholarship The SBW Berlin Scholarship targets young, socially engaged international students who want to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through their studies to initiate social or non-profit projects in their home countries. The scholarship looks at the following areas: Professional Qualification: Equipping a student with relevant abilities and knowledge. Personal Suitability: Looking into a person’s engagement and motivation. Financial Need: Aiding those who might not have the means to fund themselves. Benefits of the SBW Berlin Scholarship The SBW Berlin Scholarship offers full support for students selected by it, and this includes: Accommodation: furnished shared student flats in Berlin Cost of Living Allowance: The cost of living allowance is set at €480 per month. Tuition Fees: The tuition fee is fully covered during the entire study period. It may include financial support for a travel allowance to Berlin before the start of the study program and for a return home at the end of the study upon successful completion. In addition to this, scholarship winners will continuously be mentored and further engage in workshops, writing of project reports, and presentations on their social projects. Eligibility Criteria An applicant is eligible for the SBW Berlin Scholarship if they: Are between 18 and 30 years old. Have gained professional or voluntary experience in the non-profit or social sector. Have spent less than 18 months in Germany by the time of application. Meet the qualifications for university entrance. Intend to work at least 18 months after graduation in their home country or do low-return-earning non-profit work in Germany with a notarized payment plan; Have a relatively low net income; keep up an average grade equivalent to the German GPA of at least 2.0; have no first-degree family members permanently living in Germany. Apply before the start of their higher education or at most during their first, second, or third semester of studies in a registered university in Germany or abroad. Application Procedure The application procedure for an SBW Berlin Scholarship involves the following steps, which a candidate must consider: Letter of Recommendation: Candidates should attach a recommendation letter from a non-profit social institution in which they are working that mentions the details of the candidate’s working areas and the role of the undertaken course of study together with the social project in accordance with the institution’s objectives. Project Description: This is a two- to five-page detailed description of the social project that will be developed and implemented during/after studies. Application Form: The application form can be downloaded from the website of SBW Berlin. Supporting Documents: A number of other documents, such as university entrance qualification, details related to net household income, and copies of the latest school or university certificates, should also be attached. Application Material: Letter of recommendation from a non-profit organisation Completed application form Detailed project description. Proof of higher education entrance qualification. Proof of net household income. The latest academic certificates and grade overviews Application Deadline Applications for SBW scholarships for the Spring 2025 intake are accepted throughout the year until December 31, 2024. Early application, however, is highly advised in order to give tutors ample time for reviewing. Conclusion SBW Berlin Scholarship—an excellent opportunity for students who are willing to make a difference globally. Together with scholarships, accommodation, and mentorship, it enables students to create high-impact projects in their respective countries. It is a once in a lifetime chance to upgrade your education and be a changemaker in the world—apply for Spring 2025 now!

State Scholarships Foundation
Education

State Scholarships Foundation Fellowship 2025: Gateway to Excellence

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Add Your Heading Text Here The State Scholarship Foundation of Greece in cooperation with Fulbright Greece is glad to announce the opening of the competition for State Scholarships Foundation Fellowship for the academic year 2025-2026. This fellowship to be held in Greece is open to American PhD candidates only and encompasses opportunities that help stimulate scientific and research cooperation between Greece and the USA. This fellowship is a unique opportunity for doctoral candidates to enrich their research work by spending some time in Greece and acquiring its rich academic environment. The academic cooperation is mostly desired to be strengthened between universities and research centers of both countries. What is the State Scholarships Foundation Fellowship? The State Scholarships Foundation Fellowship is a proposed initiative that aims to offer full financial support to American PhD candidates to conduct research in Greece. Closer collaboration and academic exchange between Greek institutions and the recipient country’s institutions, namely the U.S., will be conducted through the fellowship, in an attempt to strengthen the impact of research and scholarship globally. Benefits of Scholarship For the 2025-2026 academic year, up to four scholarships will be offered with a strong support package including: Travel Expenses: Return economy airfare between USA and Greece.Settling-In Allowance: An allowance is made for initial setting up and accommodation in Greece.Monthly Stipends: This shall be given month by month throughout the six months of research in terms of continuous support allowance.Research Materials Allowance: Value available to purchase consumables and expendable items related to research. This will be a complete package, which will allow the receiver to focus only on research without any financial worries, hence making one’s stay in Greece both productive and comfortable. Eligibility Criteria In order for an applicant to become eligible for the State Scholarships Foundation Fellowship, it is necessary that they: * Be American PhD candidates who are already enrolled in recognized American institutions of higher education Organise a six-month research sojourn in Greece as part of their preparation of a doctoral thesis. The application shall be sent by each candidate before the deadline, along with all the relative documents. Application Deadline The 2025-2026 competition application period will run from until October 8, 2024, 5:00 PM EST. You must submit your application using this online scholarship portal. How to Apply Preparation of documents to be required in the application process. Make sure all documents will be ready, especially on proof of PhD candidacy and research proposal. Online Application: An application form should be filled up and sent through the online application portal created for this scholarship not later than the respective deadline. Follow-up: Get updates regarding the application process and provide further information if called for. Conclusion The State Scholarships Foundation Fellowship 2025 is an excellent opportunity for American PhD candidates to conduct advanced research work in a lively academic environment in Greece. Due to the extended scope and attractive international academic collaboration package, this fellowship is the best opportunity for every doctoral candidate desiring to leave a mark in their respective chosen fields of study. This is a good opportunity to stretch the frontiers of your research in Greece; hurry up and apply!

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Education

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships—Tread into the Future for Young Researchers

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Add Your Heading Text Here The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship represents a unique chance for young researchers and foreign artists whose studies and research are destined to lead them to Switzerland. These scholarships are for postgraduate researchers who have completed either a master’s degree or a PhD and artists with a bachelor’s degree who wish to enter some of the leading academic and research institutions in Switzerland. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for: The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships target young researchers from abroad by offering them a chance to pursue studies or research at Swiss cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, the two It also includes in its umbrella institutes of technology that are federal in nature and the four research institutes. These scholarships facilitate a different kind of research, such as research fellowships, Ph.D. schemes, and postdoc positions among diverse fields of research. Value of the Scholarship Those getting the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships benefit from full funding: tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance. Researchers’ Chance: Access to top-notch research labs coupled with the ability to carry out research activities under the guidance of renowned professionals.Networking: Building a network with other enrollees and work professionals in academic and research institutes in Switzerland.Experience: Access to excelling Swiss culture and quality of life. Eligibility Requirements Below are the enrolling criteria for any candidate that would wish to be enrolled in the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships:Hold a Master’s degree or PhD (for researchers) or a Bachelor’s degree (for artists).Received commendation from an academic supervisor at a Swiss institutionPresent proof of academic and scientific quality. Submitted a clear research work plan or artistic work project Selection Process The procedure that is characteristically followed in the selection of scholarship recipients in the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships encompass the following series of steps: Preliminary Selection: Initial screening of the applications is carried out by the concerned national authority or the Swiss embassies.FCS assessment: the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students evaluates the application based on the following three core criteria: Profile of the candidate The quality of the proposed research or artistic project.Prospects for future research cooperation. The FCS are made up of professors in the public universities of Switzerland and grant the scholarship on its level based upon the scientific and scholarly reputation. Application Deadline Details for scholarships to be availed for academic year 2025–26 will be available online after August 2024. Interested candidates are, hereby, invited to prepare and send in applications well in advance and may seek nomination from their academic supervisors. Conclusion Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are a unique platform for young researchers and international artists alike to delve into the horizon of their academic and research ambitions in one of the most advanced and picturesque countries in the world. This scholarship gives full support and access to the top institutions to those who have their vision set on providing priceless research inputs to their field. Look for the details for the 2025-26 scholarships in the month of August 2024 and make the first step towards an academic-empowered journey in Switzerland.

University of Sheffield Scholarship
Education

University of Sheffield Scholarship: Computer Science Program – Amount, Eligibility, and Details

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The University of Sheffield, UK, has announced with great pleasure that it will offer the Computer Science Excellence Scholarship 2024 for international students. This is a highly competitive scholarship purposed to give support to outstanding students commencing their undergraduate studies in the Department of Computer Science in September 2024. Scholarship Amount  The Computer Science Excellence Scholarship is worth up to £2,000, about Rs 2,17,307. This amount is given lavishly for fees and other educational purposes so that the meritorious mind gets ample time to focus on his or her goals of academia. Eligibility Criteria  The eligibility criteria for the University of Sheffield Computer Science Excellence Scholarship are indicated below:Academic Achievement: Students should have obtained A-level grades A_A_A or higher or UET equivalence with an A* in mathematics. First Choice: The student must show the first choice as the University of Sheffield in his UCAS application for entry in 2024.Course Application: Applicants must apply to study a full-time UG programme in the Department of Computer Science. Fee Status: The students should be considered as overseas fee-paying students for purposes of tuition fee. Key Facts  Here are the key details about the University of Sheffield Computer Science Scholarship:Automatic Award: There is no separate application required to be made to avail this scholarship. It will be automatically awarded for eligible students at course start in October 2024.Study Abroad and Industry Year: The scholarship will not be granted for any optional or compulsory study abroad periods or a year in industry.Program Exclusion: Students studying in a pathway program at the University of Sheffield International College are not eligible for this scholarship.Clearing Applications: Students applying to the university through the clearing process are not eligible for the scholarship. Academic Performance: The scholarship is renewable for subsequent years of study, subject to the recipient achieving a 70% overall average mark in the previous academic year. If a student fails to attain this mark, the scholarship will be withdrawn and will not be reinstated in the following year. Conclusion  The University of Sheffield’s Computer Science Excellence Scholarship 2024 presents an excellent opportunity for international students who have maintained an outstanding academic record in the field of computer science. This scholarship is available to eligible students with up to £2,000 in support, reducing their financial burden so that they can then strive towards excellence in their studies. One shall be able to check for eligibility and consider admission to the University of Sheffield for a rewarding academic journey.

UK Higher Education
Education

UK higher education is in crisis as a 28% drop in international student applications hits because of visa restrictions. 

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Applications from international students to study at British universities have slumped dramatically for the next academic year, sending higher education spiralling into a financial crisis. Home Office figures released today show that there has been a 28% drop in the number of applications for a sponsored study visa, with only 28,200 applications being lodged in June 2024, compared with 38,900 in the same month last year. Effect of Visa Curbs on Applications from Overseas Students This decrease in the application for student visas is very worrying, considering the fact that most of these applications were normally done in the summer months. Although the universities are optimistic that things will turn out well by September, data obtained by The Guardian indicates that the struggle for this sector is far from over. Deposits and acceptances by international students dropped by 41 percent at 31 UK universities up to the end of July, according to Enroly, a service helping international students with university enrollments.  Postgraduate and undergraduate applications hit hard.  The decline is worse in postgraduate-taught master’s courses, with a 55 percent drop compared to last year, while undergraduate numbers fall by 23 percent. This slump could be particularly worrying as many UK universities depend significantly on the money generated from tuition fees paid by international students, even as home tuition fees in England have been frozen. Financial Blow to UK Universities  According to Jeff Williams, chief executive of Enroly, international student recruitment has been in precipitous decline since the start of the year. Should Enroly’s figures represent the wider sector, then there will be some 150,000 fewer international students arriving on campuses in the UK this autumn. This is especially concerning when considering that, in 2021–22, over 240,000 full-time international students had started their postgraduate courses, while another 104,000 were undergraduates.  Reasons Behind the Decline  According to university officials, the falling number of international students is among many factors attributed to the visa restrictions imposed by the previous government. Since January, any international students studying for a taught postgraduate or undergraduate course have not been allowed to move with family members or dependents on a student visa. That was quite a huge dent in the attractiveness of UK higher education to international students. UK Higher Education Under Financial Pressure  The financial repercussions of this downturn are severe, and many universities are already feeling this strain. Fewer international students imply considerably reduced tuition fee revenue while also having the potential to trigger budget cuts and similar financial measures. Universities adjust strategies.  The universities are wary and monitor application trends very closely to adapt their strategy as the situation unfolds, trying to minimise the financial blow as much as possible. Hopefully, the closest it can get to September will be in September, but right now, the data paints a picture where the current institutions of higher education in the UK will continue to feel the strain in the coming months. Conclusion  What most people involved in UK higher education fear the most is the 28% drop in applications from international students as a result of post-Brexit visa restrictions. The financial burden on the universities is already intense, and this sector needs to evolve in light of such challenges. As the new academic year looms, the whole world is eyeing how UK universities are going to deal with such a crisis and what measures they will put in place to get international students back.

scholarships for TOEFL
Education

Internshala and ETS India Launch scholarships for TOEFL and GRE aspirants. 

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Internshala, one of India’s top career-tech platforms, partnered with the Educational Testing Service, ETS India, to further help students in India planning to study abroad. This new initiative brings scholarships and discounts on the test fees for TOEFL and GRE, not only to lighten the financial burden that these critical examinations entail but also…  The collaboration of Internshala with ETS India is to further make the conducting of tests for TOEFL and GRE easier and more pocket-friendly for students. Both platforms aspire to offer financial support in order to reduce the cost burden and see more students pursuing their study abroad dreams.  Besides financial aid, the collaboration would focus on creating awareness about studying abroad and standardised tests like the TOEFL and GRE. Study abroad fairs, masterclasses, and roadshows would be conducted online and offline.  Masterclasses and Study Abroad Fairs  Masterclasses would be conducted for the students by expert trainers from ETS India, covering all the important features of the TOEFL and GRE tests and preparation tips and tricks. Internshala, in association with ETS India, will also conduct study abroad fairs—online and offline—to guide and educate students from across India about the benefits and requirements for studying abroad.  Expanding English Language Assessment Opportunities  Internshala will further expand opportunities for English language assessment at institutions countrywide. The expansion is intended to better place students to access the tests, which are a necessity, hence increasing the chances of success in study abroad endeavors.  Statements from the Collaborators According to Shadab Alam, Head of Study Abroad at Internshala, “The collaboration with ETS India is one massive leap towards our goal of making studying abroad more accessible for Indian students. Now, with our scholarships and easier access to test centres, we have opened up the testing process for TOEFL and GRE much more so that it is not just highly competitive but also much more accessible and a lot more affordable. We are committed to equipping students with appropriate tools and knowledge so that they can be successful in their future studies or careers abroad.”  Added Support from ETS India  Besides this partnership, ETS India is also offering a number of scholarships and contests for Indian students. Finally, with a total grant of Rs 50 lakh, these funds are intended to support students pursuing master’s, business, or law school programs.  Conclusion  The cooperation of Internshala with ETS India is a strong development aimed at the noble cause of helping Indian students who want to pursue their higher education abroad. It will facilitate access to, and the affordability of, the TOEFL and GRE tests for students by giving them scholarships, discounts, and other educational resources. Such efforts shall form an integral part of assisting the students to get ready for their international academic journey towards realising their goals.

Women in STEM TOEFL for Indian Students TOEFL in International Education
Education

Empowering Women in STEM: The Role of TOEFL for Indian Students in International Education

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Add Your Heading Text Here Women’s participation in STEM fields has been increasing in India, an indication of a positive trend in a country whose educational environment is slowly changing. It is the result of a number of initiatives and programmes that are opening up possibilities for women to pursue such careers. For many of these aspiring female scientists and engineers, one critical component of that journey is the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Keeping this in view—the importance of the test—the Educational Testing Service is introducing an ‘TOEFL iBT Beginner’s Guide’ especially for Indian students, with the aim of making test preparation more accessible and effective. The expanding role of women in STEM The country has recorded tremendous progress in terms of the increased participation of women in STEM. Quite a number of government and private initiatives have played a big role in motivating women to pursue education and career paths related to science and technology. Scholarships, mentorship programmes, and awareness campaigns have been involved in this trend. Enrollments by women in STEM courses at various universities have increased, which goes to show that such activities have not been in vain. The Role of TOEFL in International Education Studying abroad (TOEFL) is the major step towards attaining it. The test is a standardised measure of a student’s ability in the English language, a prerequisite considered for admission into universities where English is the mother tongue. In light of facilitating this test for more students and making it equally possible for all, ETS has come up with the innovation of a ‘TOEFL iBT Beginner’s Guide’. Accessibility and Equal Opportunities The ‘TOEFL iBT Beginner’s Guide’ is, therefore, an attempt to help Indian students who are aiming for the test and are struggling with its mystified preparation process. It is thus through comprehensive guidance, practice tests, and tips to achieve success that ETS enables students from different backgrounds to prepare well. This will greatly help a female STEM student, who often has manifold responsibilities and faces challenges different from those of other students in her educational journey. Global Acceptance of TOEFL Wide acceptance is one of the major strengths of TOEFL. The test is accepted by more than 13,000 institutions in many countries, including day-one universities in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. That simply means that due to global recognition, students only prepare for and take one English language proficiency test, no matter how many countries they intend to apply for. It is in keeping with this reality that statistics indicate most of those students who want to pursue an education abroad do apply to a number of institutions, sometimes even ten. Of course, each application requires a different form to be filled out, all with their own individual requirements. But with a universally accepted English proficiency test like the TOEFL, all of this is much easier. Students need only prepare for one test; the scores can be used for applications to multiple institutions across different countries. Empowering Indian students In introducing the ‘TOEFL iBT Beginner’s Guide,’ ETS does more than just open access to the test—it empowers Indian students to pursue their academic dreams. It gives students an idea of how to format the test, study accordingly, and increase scores. For women in STEM, this will be a game changer to have the tools to succeed in today’s competitive global environment. Conclusion Women in STEM in India promise a much brighter future and show that there really is some commitment in this regard towards education-based gender equality. With more and more women entering the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the role of the TOEFL comes to the fore even further. In this context, the ‘TOEFL iBT Beginner’s Guide’ will prove to be one prominent step towards international education, which ETS is introducing to make it accessible, equal, and fair for all students. It eases the process of test preparation and is making the TOEFL score widely accepted in institutions. ETS is, therefore, at the forefront of supporting Indian students’ aspirations, especially women in STEM.

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