Today in Delhi, 10 Indian students were awarded TOEFL scholarships by Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Scott Nelson, Vice President of Marketing & Public Affairs. Valued at approximately US$70,000, the scholarships recognize the academic excellence of TOEFL test takers throughout India. Funding was increased by US$10,000 since last year’s award ceremony. 

ETS’s 10 TOEFL scholarships were awarded to help students continue their education at the undergraduate and graduate school levels. Four US$10,000 scholarships were awarded: one to colleges/universities in the United Kingdom, one to colleges/universities in the United States, one to colleges/universities in Australia and one to colleges/universities in Canada. Six US$5,000 scholarships were also awarded to students for study at any location of their choice.

“For the third consecutive year, ETS is proud to be able to recognize the talent and academic achievement of TOEFL test takers in India,” remarked Nelson. “With a strong foundation of the English language, the 2012 TOEFL Scholarship winners will be able to confidently pursue their education and career goals as they enter the global marketplace. ETS wishes them all the best.” 

Similar to the past two years, the 2012 Scholarship Program was highly competitive. Nine-hundred and sixty applications were received, representing more than a 30 percent increase since last year. To be eligible, applicants must live in India, accrue a high GPA and complete the TOEFL test and scholarship application. Applicants were judged on English communication skills, leadership skills and extracurricular activities.

This year the TOEFL Scholarship winners come from a variety of locations throughout India including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkuta, Chennai and Hyderabad. The winners will be studying worldwide at acclaimed universities in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and the United States. 

The ETS Scholarship & Recognition Program group, which annually administers millions of dollars in new and renewable awards in the United States and abroad, was involved in the coordination of the TOEFL Scholarship Program in India.