How TOEFL is Unlocking Study Abroad Opportunities for Gujarat’s Young Talent

From Ahmedabad’s coaching centers to Rajkot’s bustling academic hubs, thousands of young scholars are preparing to embark on life-changing journeys to universities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and even beyond. At the heart of this movement is a growing emphasis on English proficiency, which is also proving to be the passport to global success.

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A Surge in Global Aspirations

According to data from ETS, the organization that conducts the TOEFL test, students from Gujarat have consistently outperformed the national average in TOEFL scores over the past three years. In 2023 alone, students from Gujarat scored above 95, marking a 22.97% increase from 2022. This increase is not just about students getting improved scores, it reflects Gujarat’s focus on excellence to gain global recognition.

Nearly 40,000 students from Gujarat pursue higher education abroad each year, with preferred destinations being the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and emerging ones such as Ireland among others. This trend is driven by greater access to counseling services in the state, and rising awareness of international career prospects.

Tracking Gujarat’s TOEFL Performance: A Three-Year Snapshot

A closer look at Gujarat’s TOEFL scores (each competency out of total marks of 30) reveals a pattern of strong consistency in Reading and Speaking sections, while Listening and Writing scores have shown marginal declines in recent years:

●  2022: Listening – 21.04, Reading – 25.87, Writing – 25.39, Speaking – 24.25

●  2023: Listening – 21.16, Reading – 25.64, Writing – 25.69, Speaking – 24.30

●  2024: Listening – 20.69, Reading – 25.18, Writing – 24.95, Speaking – 24.08

Despite minor variations, Gujarat consistently stays ahead of the national average, proving its long-term readiness and interest in overseas education.

TOEFL: A Trusted Gateway to World-Class Universities

For students from Gujarat, the TOEFL iBT test serves as a strategic stepping stone. Recognized by over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries, including US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Germany and Australia, TOEFL remains one of the most respected assessments of English-language proficiency. A good TOEFL score signals academic readiness, strong communication skills, and adaptability to global learning environments. As competition intensifies for university seats, Gujarat’s aspirants are leveraging TOEFL to set themselves apart.

How Gujarat’s Students Are Preparing to Excel

As the demand for global education rises, preparation strategies in Gujarat have become more sophisticated. Here are some proven methods helping students succeed in the TOEFL iBT:

Start Early and Set Clear Goals: Beginning prep early helps build proficiency in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, while avoiding the stress of last-minute study.
Focus on Overall English Proficiency: TOEFL tests real-world English. Students are sharpening their fluency through newspapers, films, podcasts, and group discussions, ensuring deeper language immersion.

Use TOEFL TestReady for Smarter Prep: ETS’s AI-powered TOEFL TestReady is helping students personalize their prep journey, making test-readiness smarter and more efficient.

Master Time Management with Mock Tests: Simulating real exam conditions through full-length mock tests helps students reduce test-day anxiety and improve pacing.

Strengthen Speaking and Writing Skills: With speaking and writing remaining relatively stable, focused practice through structured essay writing and recorded speech drills is essential.

Leverage TOEFL Scores for Global Advantage: A strong TOEFL score enhances applications, improving chances for scholarships, honors programs, teaching assistantship, research assistantship, etc.

From Gujarat to the World

As per a recent ETS survey in India, 85% of respondents who submitted their TOEFL scores successfully secured a student visa, pointing to the test’s value in not just securing admission offers but also student visa.

Whether you're from Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Surat, or Bhavnagar, the message is clear: with a well-planned TOEFL strategy, global dreams are within reach. As more students and professionals from the state take their place on international campuses, they’re not just achieving personal success — they’re helping to shape Gujarat’s reputation as a powerhouse of talent.

By Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India and South Asia