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From Ahmedabad to Silicon Valley, Gujarat's youth are pursuing higher studies, building global networks, and making a mark with confidence, proving that knowledge and enterprise go hand in hand.
Every year, nearly 40,000 students from Gujarat depart for and France. From Ahmedabad's coaching hubs to Rajkot's buzzing academic circles, thousands of young minds in Gujarat aspire to cross borders for international education.
This outbound mobility is not just a matter of fulfilling dreams; it is an economic force.
Students from Gujarat contribute significantly to host countries' economies through tuition fees and living expenses, making them vital stakeholders in international education ecosystems.
Despite tighter visa policies in some destinations, the aspiration to study abroad propels students into seeking counselling, admission guidance, and preparing for international assessments such as TOEFL and GRE.
While India is one of the leading sources of international students, Gujarat plays a big part in this growth story. About 8% of India's total outbound students come from Gujarat, a remarkable share considering the size of the state.
Historically known for producing doctors and entrepreneurs, students from Gujarat are also pivoting to tech, engineering, and STEM courses.
Yet, the longstanding and potentially the single biggest challenge for them is proving their English language proficiency. While students are comfortable with the language, universities abroad demand evidence that they can manage their academic and professional life in an English-speaking environment.
Gujarat's TOEFL Edge: Outperforming the Average Data from ETS (the organization that owns TOEFL) shows Gujarat's students consistently score above India's national average. In 2023, the state achieved an average TOEFL score of 95+, a staggering 22.97% rise from the year before.
This progress underscores their fervent desire and readiness for world-class education. However, students coming from relatively smaller towns, such as Mehsana, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Nadiad, among others, continue to face challenges in these tests.
The challenge is especially with the Speaking and Listening sections, which test real-time comprehension and response skills, which are not always emphasized in traditional.
TOEL as the Enabler: Turning Hurdles into Gateways For many Gujarati students, TOEFL is more than just an exam-it is the passport to global opportunities. Recognized by over 13,000 universities in 160+ countries, TOEFL levels the playing field by offering a score which is a standardized benchmark.
Importantly, TOEFL iBT is not just for university admission; it also plays a huge enabler in securing student visas. In fact, as per a recent survey, 85% of Indian students who took TOEFL were able to successfully secure their student visas, according to a recent survey.
- Beyond the U.S.: While often linked with America, TOEFL is widely accepted in Canada, the U.K., Germany, Australia, and several other top study destinations.
- Flexibility matters: With the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, students can now take the test from their own homes, a boon for those in smaller cities.
- Local access: Test centers in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and beyond ensure that test takers across Gujarat have options closer to home.
Preparation for the TOEFL, too, has never been easier. From official ETS prep books to free online practice tests and strategy sessions, Gujarat's students now have access to a wide toolkit to sharpen their skills.
These resources not only help with the exam but also build long-term confidence in academic English.
Summarily, as we know, Gujarat's youth have been notable contributors to global economies. When it comes to pursuing their dreams, they are driven by ambition, innovation, and resilience.
Traditionally entrepreneurial, Gujaratis have long excelled in business across the world. Today, this spirit continues to evolve - young Gujaratis are not just starting ventures but also leading in technology, finance, and social impact globally.
TOEFL sits at the heart of this journey, transforming challenges into opportunities and enabling Gujarat's youth to highlight their true potential on the world stage.
With the state's improving scores, improved access through test centers, and robust demand for global education, Gujarat is poised to make its mark in several global economies.