GRE, TOEFL exams opening global education doors for students: ETS country manager

By Sachin Jain

Today’s global education landscape is more connected than ever, shaped by diversity, cross-cultural interactions, and shared learning experiences. Students are engaging in environments that encourage collaboration and mutual understanding. Modern learners aim not only to strengthen their intellectual abilities but also to build 21st Century skills — such as design thinking, collaboration, empathy, and problem-solving — that prepare them to face real-world challenges.

As students seek better career prospects, advancement, and cultural exposure, standardised assessments such as TOEFL and GRE are helping students to unlock access to world-class global institutions. These tests have become pivotal in facilitating students’ mobility and academic success, providing them with opportunities on the international stage.

TOEFL bridging the gap

TOEFL evaluates essential language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — preparing students for success in English-medium academic environments. It ensures that students are ready to excel academically while navigating the complexities of global communication. TOEFL scores are valid for two years and it is the only test that can be taken either from home or a test centre.

Accepted by over 13,000 institutions in over 160 countries, it is one of the most widely accepted tests for measuring English language proficiency. For Indian students, TOEFL serves as both an academic benchmark and a key component for gaining admission to universities in the US, Canada, Germany, UK, Ireland, Australia, etc.

For some countries like Germany, Australia etc., English proficiency tests like TOEFL are a mandatory requirement for obtaining student visas. As per a recent survey by ETS, 85% of Indian TOEFL test-takers who submitted their scores successfully obtained student visas, highlighting TOEFL’s importance in both academic admissions and immigration.

Not just for admissions and student visa, TOEFL scores have helped many Indian students secure on-campus jobs such as Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Research Assistantship (RA) during their studies. With TOEFL, students gain not only access to world-class institutions but also an essential tool to secure the professional opportunities that follow.

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GRE opening pathways

Accepted by over 1,300 business schools and universities worldwide, the GRE is essential for students seeking graduate, postgraduate or doctoral programmes in fields like STEM, business, law, and management. The GRE evaluates academic preparedness, testing quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills, making it an ideal test for students aspiring to excel in graduate studies abroad. GRE scores are valid for five years thereby offering a unique advantage to undergraduate or graduate students who are undecided on the masters programme that they intend to pursue.

Beyond STEM, GRE is now gaining wider acceptance for MBA programmes. Among the top 10 MBA programmes, GRE accounts for 37.2% of submissions, US News reports, up from 31.1% just two years ago. As per the latest available data, including the 2023-2024 admissions cycle published by US News & World Report as part of its annual ranking, 17 of 54 MBA programmes reported receiving more GRE submissions over other tests.

Similarly, GRE is gaining wider acceptance for some of the premier MBA and executive MBA programmes in India. Institutions like ISB for the regular one-year residential PGP programme and almost all IIMs for their executive MBA programs accept GRE. India’s increasing participation in the GRE is evident, with the country becoming one of the largest test-taking nations, especially in highly competitive fields like STEM.

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‘Big 10’ and beyond

Indian students are exploring destinations around the world – the shift from the ‘Big 4’ to the ‘Big 10’ which includes the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Ireland, France, Singapore, Japan and Italy. Countries like Germany, Ireland and New Zealand are gaining traction due to factors such as affordability, strong academic offerings, and post study work opportunities.

By supporting access to universities worldwide – across Big 10 and beyond, TOEFL and GRE ensure that Indian students are competitive candidates not only for traditional destinations but also emerging study locations. Whether seeking graduate studies in North America, business programmes in Europe, or STEM education in Asia-Pacific, TOEFL and GRE tests continue to support millions of students with their international mobility.

India a global education hub

India’s rise in global rankings, particularly in the QS World University Rankings, demonstrates the country’s growing competitiveness in the global education market. India recorded its strongest presence yet in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 institutions making the list — a big jump from 46 in 2025 and 45 in 2024. Assessments like GRE can power the ‘Study in India’ agenda in a significant way. By adopting TOEFL and GRE, Indian universities align themselves with global educational standards, attracting international students and fostering a diverse academic community.

As India continues to evolve into a global education destination, the integration of these internationally recognised assessments will enhance the country’s ability to offer high-quality, globally connected education.

Sachin Jain is the country manager of ETS India and South Asia. This piece first appeared in the 200th issue of the Careers360 magazine, published in August, 2025