TOEFL / IELTS Waiver in Top Global B-Schools

In an international country, not knowing the spoken language can be quite a handicap. Even though one can take the help of software like Google Translate, it cannot really replace the need to have a good understanding of the language. Therefore it is necessary to have a common medium of instruction so that the international students can easily comprehend the course material.

English is one of the most frequently used languages in universities, including non-Anglophone countries.  Testing students on the basis of their proficiency in English is an ideal way to evaluate their potential. This is why most English medium universities ask for the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores along with the application form.

However, such tests can prove to be quite a burden for international students owing to several reasons like background, etc. For example, if a student has studied in an English medium school and has a good command over the English language, asking him to appear for examinations like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or PTE (Pearson Test of English) to prove his proficiency is not necessary. (Read TOEFL vs IELTS vs PTE). Also, appearing for such examinations will only add to the costs as undergraduate and graduate studies in a foreign country is already an expensive affair.

Universities, across the globe, often do have arrangements whereby such English Proficiency Tests can be waived in case of special circumstances.

Also Check IELTS Preparation

What does an English Proficiency Test Waiver mean?

What are these standardized test scores based on? Let’s take a quick look at the TOEFL exam, which is by far the most popular English Proficiency Test, accepted in over 130 countries and over 9000 colleges.

The exam is divided into four sections and is offered in two formats -internet (iBT) and paper (PBT). The four sections are –

  • Reading –This section tests the comprehension and vocabulary skills
  • Listening – This section tests the ability of the candidate to understand different accents as well as evaluate information based on audio recordings
  • Speaking – This section involves testing the speaking skills of the candidate based on an interview session
  • Writing – This section analyses the written communication skills

The TOEFL exam can cost anything between $160 and $250.

The IELTS is usually popular in Australia, Canada, UK and New Zealand (NZ).  The fees are close to around $180. PTE is quite popular in the USA as well and it costs around $140.

In order to be eligible for a waiver for an otherwise English language requirement, you are expected to satisfy certain conditions. These conditions may differ from one university to the other.

The following are some of the common conditions applicable.

  • If the international student belongs to one of the following countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, NZ, Singapore, Ireland, etc, where English is a native language.
  • Even if English is not your native language, you can still request a waiver if you have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, etc. provided the courses were taught in English. Some universities even accept waivers from students who have completed a part of their degrees in a native English-speaking country and have secured a minimum GPA.
  • If you have had full-time employment for a considerable period (usually over 2 years) in Australia, Canada, UK, USA, etc.
  • If you are a non-native English speaker you may still have good reason to request a waiver, such as – the official language of instruction was in English medium, all official documentation is in English and all documentation can be credibly authorized.

Based on the conditions specified by individual universities, you may be required to specify the particulars if not already covered under the automatic exemption. In such cases, the admissions committee will most likely evaluate the validity of your waiver request on a case by case basis.

As universities take time to decide upon the waiver requests, they recommend that students should apply for them quite early so that they don’t miss out on their admissions in case the waiver is not granted. The student should have enough time to appear for the English proficiency test and produce the scores.

In a lot of universities, where international students prefer to work as Teaching Assistants, they may be required to appear for additional oral and written exams at the university, to be eligible for the role, even after admissions have been offered.

In fact, a lot of US universities offer Pathways or Bridge Programs for a period of 12-15 months. These courses aid in honing the skills required for imparting instructions as well as to comprehend their own coursework.

Until the student successfully completes the Bridge Programs and secures a significant GPA, his status is considered to be probationary.

Also Read:

TOEFL, IELTS or other English Proficiency Test Waiver

Most universities have a standard prescribed template for sending in such waiver requests. However universities like MIT, specifically mention that the Graduate Admissions officers should not be contacted with waiver requests. These universities encourage students to check with the respective department to understand the specific requirements and instructions for obtaining a waiver, if available.

If no such format is mentioned, you may be required to send in a waiver request letter for further information. Here is an example of a letter requesting to be considered for a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver from the mandatory application material.

TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Waiver Request Letter Sample

Attn: Graduate Admissions Committee/Department Contact
ABC University

Date-____

Subject: TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Waiver Request for Application to XYZ Program

Dear Admissions Officer/Department Contact,

I am writing this letter to inquire about the possibility to obtain a TOEFL (etc) exam waiver for my application to XYZ Program at ABC University. I am a citizen of India and I have a degree in Physics from EFG University in India.

As evidence of my proficiency in English – reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills – I present the following:
– The medium of instruction, throughout my education, has been in English and I have substantial expertise and command in reading, writing and speaking in the same. My university will provide documentation to that effect.
– I have taken a course at MNO University, in America, for a QRS certification. The certification was contingent on qualifying a written test, an online oral presentation, and a group discussion.
– I also have an expired (as of February 2016) TOEFL iBT score of 105

I thank you for your time and would really appreciate a response to the outcome of my TOEFL waiver request.
With Regards,
Abbas Yuheen
(signature)
email:

 
You’ll find plenty of such examples of TOEFL Waiver Request Letters on the internet. Go through them to get an idea of the format and write a letter of your own.

List of top universities that consider TOEFL, IELTS, etc, waiver requests

Below is a list of a few well-known universities where the English proficiency test scores is compulsory but can be conditionally waived.

 

SchoolTOEFL/IELTS (etc) Waiver and Conditions
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyTOEFL or IELTS waivers offered on a limited basis for international students with several years of study at English speaking universities.
Stanford UniversityStudents from Canada (except Quebec), Australia, NZ, Singapore, and UK are exempt. Students with an US degree or a degree from the above countries are exempt.

TOEFL needed for all international non-native English speaking students. If they have a degree whose medium of instruction has been English, they can submit a TOEFL waiver request form after the submission of a Stanford application.

CaltechAll non-native English speakers are required to take TOEFL, IELTS or PTE. Exemptions apply to:

·         Applicants who have studied in the US for more than two years

·         Applicants with a degree whose medium of instruction is English

All students will be screened prior to enrolment, irrespective of exemptions. Additional training may thus be recommended.

University of ChicagoEnglish language requirement can be waived only for applicants who are a native or have studied at least one year in USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, English medium universities in Canada or South Africa. Employment in these countries is not valid for exemption..
Princeton UniversityExempt only for students with a minimum of a three-year degree in USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, or Anglophone Canada. Students with medium of instruction, in English, from India, Philippines, Hong Kong, etc are NOT exempt.
Cornell UniversityWaiver not granted to non-native English speaking students even with a degree in an English medium school. For grad school, waivers for students who are from, or studied at least for two years in USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, Canada. No waivers for students from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc.
Yale UniversityCan be waived for applicants who have studied in a college where English is the primary medium of instruction, for at least three years. TOEFL/IELTS will not be waived on the basis of an advanced degree.
Oxford UniversityCan provide waivers as long as certain minimum university language requirements are met.
University of CambridgeStrict requirement for English proficiency, not necessarily at the time of application, but by the time of enrolment.
Nanyang Technological UniversityTOEFL/IELTS is a requirement for graduates from universities with non-English medium of instruction. However, applicants without TOEFL can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants without TOEFL are eligible to apply and may be interviewed, or tested, by the school, if necessary.

 

Sources: University websites

Based on the information mentioned above, you can look for the schools you would like to apply for admission. It is always better to assume that you need to appear for the English Proficiency test, taking into consideration your application time and finances.

However, since the number of applicants for graduate programs is less when compared to undergraduate programs, you could try your luck by sending in a waiver request for TOEFL, IELTS, etc.

Also Check IELTS Exam Formats

Also Read:




Leave A Reply