At GS Global Academy, we believe students make better decisions when they have the right information — not just the most popular one.
That’s why we organised an exclusive TOEFL awareness seminar in Pune, bringing together students, parents, and expert counsellors for a session that went far beyond the basics. This time, we did something different: we brought in the expert who works with TOEFL every single day.
The room was full. The questions were sharp. And by the end, students walked out with clarity they didn’t have when they walked in.
Meet the Speaker: Asha Patel, ETS India
The highlight of this seminar wasn’t just the content — it was who delivered it.
Asha Patel is the Deputy Regional Manager at ETS India, the organisation that creates and administers TOEFL. She brings over 18 years of experience in the education and assessments industry and leads growth across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and Rajasthan.
Through her work, Asha has directly empowered over 7,500 students and manages a network of 450+ partners. She has conducted hundreds of seminars and training sessions across the region — and her ability to break down complex test information into practical, student-first guidance is something you don’t get at a typical awareness session.
When someone who has spent 18 years building the ecosystem around TOEFL walks you through your options, it’s not theory — it’s firsthand knowledge.
About the Seminar
The session was designed with one goal: to cut through the noise around English language tests and give students a clear picture of what TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) actually opens for them.
Many students default to IELTS simply because it’s more familiar — not because it’s the better fit. Asha challenged that assumption with facts, real data, and admission examples drawn from her work across the region.
Together with our GS Global counsellors, she walked attendees through:
- What the TOEFL iBT test format looks like
- How TOEFL scores are evaluated by universities
- Where TOEFL is accepted — and in how many institutions worldwide
- How TOEFL compares to IELTS for specific countries and programs
- How to build an effective preparation plan from Day 1
Where Is TOEFL Accepted? Key Takeaways from the Session
This was the centrepiece of the seminar — and it surprised many students in the room.
TOEFL is accepted at more than 11,500 universities and institutions across 160+ countries. That includes some of the world’s most prestigious universities, many of which actively prefer TOEFL because the test is computer-based, standardised, and built around academic English.
Here’s a snapshot of TOEFL acceptance by destination, which Asha and our counsellors covered in detail:
United States: The USA is TOEFL’s home turf. Nearly every university — from Ivy League schools to state universities — accepts TOEFL iBT. Most require a minimum score between 80–100, though competitive programs at schools like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford look for 100+.
Canada: Top Canadian universities including University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, and Waterloo accept TOEFL. Minimum scores typically range from 86–100 depending on the program. [Internal link: Study in Canada — gsga.co/study-in-canada]
United Kingdom: UK universities like UCL, the University of Edinburgh, and King’s College London accept TOEFL. The minimum score for most programs is around 87–92.
Australia: Australian universities — including the Group of Eight — accept TOEFL. Most require a minimum of 79–94 depending on the institution and course.
Germany, France & Europe: Many European institutions that teach in English — especially at postgraduate level — accept TOEFL scores. This is particularly relevant for programs in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Ireland, New Zealand & Singapore TOEFL is widely accepted across all three destinations, which are increasingly popular among Indian students for their post-study work opportunities.
The key message Asha drove home: your destination and program should determine your test choice — not habit.
Key Highlights from the Seminar
The session covered more ground than many students expected. Here’s what stood out:
- TOEFL iBT format breakdown — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections explained with real sample questions
- Score validity — TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years and can be sent directly to universities through ETS’s score-sending system
- Home Edition — Students learned they can take the TOEFL iBT from home under live proctoring, removing the need to travel to a test centre
- Score comparison charts — Asha shared how TOEFL and IELTS scores map to each other, helping students who had already begun IELTS prep understand where they stand
- Live Q&A — Students asked questions ranging from preparation timelines to whether TOEFL is accepted for Canadian student visas (answer: yes, for most study permits)
- Regional insights from ETS India — Asha shared real data on how students across Maharashtra and neighbouring states have performed on TOEFL and what preparation gaps she consistently sees
Why TOEFL Could Be the Right Choice for You
TOEFL isn’t better or worse than IELTS across the board — it depends on your profile, your target universities, and your strengths as a test-taker.
That said, TOEFL tends to work well for students who:
- Are applying to universities in the USA or Canada as their primary destination
- Are more comfortable with typing than handwriting (TOEFL is fully computer-based)
- Prefer an integrated skills format — where reading, listening, and writing are tested together in realistic academic scenarios
- Want faster score delivery (scores available within 4–8 days of the test)
If you’re unsure which test suits you better, a one-on-one counselling session with our team can help you make that call — backed by your academic profile and target universities, not guesswork.
Photos from the Event
What’s Next? Join GSGA’s TOEFL Preparation Programme
If the seminar sparked something — good. That’s exactly the point.
At GS Global Academy, our TOEFL preparation programme is built to get you the score your target university requires. Our certified trainers work with you section by section, using regular mock tests, personalised feedback, and structured study plans that match your timeline.
What’s included:
- Skill-wise training: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
- Computer-based and paper-based mock tests
- Personalised feedback after every practice session
- Study material aligned with the current TOEFL iBT format
- Continuous mentorship until test day
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Our team has guided hundreds of students through their test prep journey — and the results speak for themselves.
Book a Free Counselling Session with GSGA
Is TOEFL accepted for Canadian student visas?
Yes. TOEFL iBT is accepted for most Canadian study permits. However, some programs under the Student Direct Stream (SDS) may have specific requirements. It’s best to confirm with your chosen institution before applying.
Which is better — TOEFL or IELTS for Indian students?
Neither is universally better. TOEFL is often preferred for US and Canadian universities, while IELTS is more common for UK, Australia, and New Zealand applications. The right choice depends on your target destination and personal strengths.
What is a good TOEFL score for top universities?
Most universities require a minimum of 80–90. Competitive programs at top-ranked institutions typically look for 100 or above. Our counsellors can advise on the exact score requirement for your target university.
How long does it take to prepare for TOEFL?
On average, 6–8 weeks of structured preparation is enough for most students. Students starting from scratch may need 10–12 weeks. GSGA’s trainers customise the plan based on your current level.
Can I take the TOEFL from home?
Yes. ETS offers the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which is identical to the test-centre version and administered under live online proctoring.
Does GS Global Academy offer TOEFL coaching in Pune?
Yes. GSGA offers classroom-based TOEFL preparation in Pune with certified, experienced trainers, regular mock tests, and one-on-one feedback sessions.
Will there be more seminars like this at GSGA?
Absolutely. GS Global Academy regularly organises awareness sessions, webinars, and events on study abroad topics. Follow our social media pages or contact us to stay updated on upcoming events.
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