Table of Contents:
- Is TOEFL a scholarship exam?
- Types of scholarships
- How much TOEFL score is required for a scholarship?
- TOFEL scholarship eligibility
- Various TOEFL scholarship categories
- Tips for Obtaining TOEFL Scholarships in 2024
- Frequently asked questions
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is the most popular test of language proficiency in English and is, used as an admission tool by universities all over the world.
Developed and offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the test is designed to test the skills of listening, speaking, and writing competence in English. It is all year round, with the test centers located in the big cities.
TOEFL registration is available 24/7, either online or offline. Furthermore, ETS offers students scholarships and grants, which are an investment in deserving candidates’ academic future. This article will focus on the details of the non-ETS and ETS TOEFL Scholarships.
Is TOEFL a scholarship exam?
TOEFL is not a scholarship exam itself. It is a language proficiency test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that is universally accepted by universities and other institutions for their admissions processes for international students. Yet, several organizations like ETS grant scholarships to elite students based on their performance or research findings on the TOEFL exam or other language assessments similar to it.
So, while TOEFL itself is not a scholarship exam, performing well on it may open up scholarship opportunities.
Types of scholarships:
Non-ETS Scholarships
Besides competing for ETS grants, there are other fellowship programs that one may consider. Universities universally provide scholarships based on the TOEFL scores.
In fact, the Rhodes Scholarship and the TOEFL Scholarship at the University of Alberta are highly desirable awards to consider. The TOEFL scholarship is not limited to those who attend elite private schools. Government offices and non-profit organizations are also providing TOEFL scholarships.
ETS Scholarships
ETS, the institution behind the TOEFL test, offers several scholarships to motivate students who want to gain experience in studying abroad. These scholarships are especially suited for postgraduate researchers in the English linguistics field. The TOEFL Award is one of these mentions. It provides scholarships, which will ultimately be used to support the revision and improvement of the TOEFL exams.
The ETS Grants also bring a TOEFL scholarship amount of around $2000 to the pockets of doctorate students, which can be used in research related to TOEFL or other foreign language assessment exams.
How much TOEFL score is required for a scholarship?
The TOEFL score required for scholarships may differ based on the scholarship program and the academic program chosen. It’s advised that the eligibility criteria for each scholarship be reviewed to ascertain the minimum score needed.
However, a minimum TOEFL score for a scholarship scoring above 100 is generally deemed competitive for most TOEFL scholarships.
TOFEL scholarship eligibility:
- You reside in a region where the scholarship is available.
- You are applying to a university or program covered by the scholarship.
- You meet other academic criteria associated with the scholarship, such as maintaining a minimum GPA or achieving a specific score on additional tests like the SAT or GRE.
- You have an official TOEFL score that meets the minimum score requirements, indicating proficiency in English.
Various TOEFL scholarship categories
ETS scholarships and grants:
| Scholarship Category | Description | Amount |
| TOEFL Research Grants | Small grants of up to $2,000 are awarded annually to doctoral students conducting research in foreign language assessment, such as TOEFL. | up to $2,000 |
| The English-language Researcher/Practitioner Grant Program offers awards of $5,000 to $10,000 to English language teachers who conduct classroom research on the TOEFL. | $5,000 to $10,000 | |
| TOEFL Committee of Examiners Research Program awards up to $100,000 to support educators researching TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP assessment series. | up to $100,000 | |
| TOEFL Young Students Services (YSS) Research Grants | Offers research grants of up to $50,000 for education professionals conducting research in English language learning, specifically TOEFL Primary and TOEFL Junior assessments. | up to $50,000 |
| It also provides smaller research grants of up to $5,000 for graduate students conducting research in the same field. | up to $5,000 | |
| TOEFL Awards (by Application) | Doctoral students can apply for a $2,500 award from the Jacqueline Ross TOEFL Dissertation Fund, which recognizes research contributing to foreign language testing knowledge. | $2,500 |
| Recipients are invited on an expenses-paid trip to the award ceremony. | – | |
| TOEFL Awards (by Nomination) | The Samuel J. Messick Memorial Lecture Award is open to nominations only and recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to improving foreign language testing practices. | $1,000 |
| Recipient invited to present at annual ILTA and LTRC meeting, with a $1,000 award. | ||
| TESOL Award | TESOL offers grants to its members, with 17 programs offering over 60 scholarships for students and professionals in English as a Foreign Language field. | – |
Non-ETS Scholarships and grants:
| Scholarship Name | Description |
| Alberta University’s TOEFL Scholarship | Scottish university undergraduate and graduate study scholarships are open to citizens of Mainland China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. |
| The Rhodes Scholarship | Graduate scholarship for study at Oxford University, available to applicants from anywhere in the world. |
| The Master of Data Science International Scholarship | Supports the University of British Columbia’s Master of Data Program. |
| International Scholarships from the University of Oklahoma | Tuition support for all four years of undergraduate study at this United States school. |
By Government Offices and Nonprofit Organizations
Government and nonprofit organizations collaborate closely to administer TOEFL scholarships, providing support for students worldwide.
| Scholarship | Description |
| Fulbright | United States government scholarships for graduate study and research. |
| Amideast | Educational nonprofit aiding Middle Eastern students in receiving scholarships for schools globally. |
| Questbridge | Nonprofit helping international students secure undergraduate study scholarships at American universities. |
Tips for Obtaining TOEFL Scholarships in 2024
Securing a TOEFL scholarship requires strategic planning. Here are some tips to boost your chances:
- Start Early: Begin your preparations well in advance to stay ahead of the competition and maximize your chances of success.
- Network: Building connections within the academic and professional community can provide valuable insights and potential recommendations for scholarship opportunities.
- Consult Advisors: Seek guidance from educational advisors who can offer expert advice on navigating TOEFL scholarships, including uncovering lesser-known opportunities.
Still not sure how and where to start with your funding for international education? Well, why not connect with an expert from Nomad Credit?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we get scholarships through TOEFL?
Yes, some universities and organizations offer scholarships based on TOEFL scores.
Does TOEFL give scholarships?
TOEFL itself does not provide scholarships, but universities and organizations may offer scholarships based on TOEFL scores.
Who can apply for TOEFL scholarships?
This eligibility requirement may differ for each scholarship program, but generally, students who intend to pursue their undergraduate or graduate studies in English-taught universities with excellent academic and leadership qualities along with high TOEFL exam scores is what is required.
Can TOEFL scholarship winners use the funds for non-educational purposes?
No, the recipients of TOEFL scholarships are mandated to use the funds for educational expenditures such as college tuition, charges, and textbooks. The scholarship does not cover non-educational purposes like travel and personal bills.
Are the eligibility criteria consistent for all TOEFL scholarships in 2024?
No, each TOEFL Scholarship category for 2024 has its own unique criteria for acceptance.
