Where one is Sinking, the other is Growing!
An Insight into the Changes in English Language Proficiency Requirements by Foreign Universities – Effects of COVID-19
Post Pandemic Situation
This is the future. This is the post pandemic situation. The world has transformed. Small economies have diversified. Business styles reformed. Technologies have moved into a virtual world. People are afraid of personal interactions. Many businesses have discovered new opportunities and many are ruined. Where one is sinking, the other is growing!
Education Sector
But, one segment of the industry is of paramount importance, and that is the “Education” sector. It includes the Primary Education, Secondary Education, High School, College/University level degrees and diplomas, and most essentially, the research. As universities and college are relentlessly affected by these circumstances, they have started altering their existing policies to cope up with the COVID-19 situation. In this entire process, the international students are suffering a great deal.
Language Requirement
For non-English speaking countries, like Pakistan, a foremost requirement for admission in UK universities is to prove a certain level of proficiency in English language. As of right now, many language providers and awarding bodies are not conducting any examinations until further notice.
To overcome this uncertain situation and to facilitate the students, institutes are moving towards accepting the alternative English language tests like TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, IELTS Indicator etc.
The plus point for these new alternative proficiency exams are that the students can now take them while living at home and these tests are also comparatively economical then IELTS. The test result is announced earlier than normal time period and the certificates can be delivered to the institution upon the request of the students.
University Specific Language Proficiency Tests
Apart from appearing for above mentioned examinations, many institutions have started conducting their own online English language proficiency tests as well. They have introduced this to entirely facilitate their students and, most significantly, these tests are normally free of charge that helps students financially. Institutes are also benefitted as by introducing this testing they will be able to recruit more international students.
Credibility Interviews
Many institutes are also accepting students on the basis of credibility interviews they conduct with students, at the time of admission. They believe that their highly professional university staff can easily and impeccably examine the student’s level of English.
English Language Proficiency Certificate
Last but not the least, most of the UK and Australian Universities are also providing exemption to the students based on an “English Language Proficiency Certificate” provided by the students. In this scenario, students just need to provide a certificate from their respective institutions, which shows the student is meeting the language proficiency requirements of the institution.
This is a great chance for students to take advantage of this opportunity. Students can secure admissions in a university of the choice, with flexible English language requirements. Many universities are also considering to tone down the admission requirements and make them more flexible. This might just be the right time for students to apply!
Try to find the opportunities at this time of pandemic and become a leader, instead of a follower!
