English Proficiency Test Market: Increasing Number of Candidates from Asian Countries Enrolling for Competitive Exams

The English Proficiency Test Market size was valued at USD 2.1 Billion in 2024 and the total English Proficiency Test revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.56% from 2025 to 2032, reaching nearly USD 4.05 Billion.

English is the most preferred language in terms of business perspectives across the globe, and comprises of close to 30 nations having English as their primary language for communication. Further, more than 20% of the global population. As a result, English language has been given significant importance by various industry sectors as a common language for communication. This is one of the factor driving the growth of the English Proficiency Test Market. Further, the increasing globalization trend has led to setting of businesses in different parts of the world where English is viewed upon as a mandatory language to communicate. Digitalization has had a far reaching impact on the education sector, where the power of technology has been harnessed to simplify examination processes by making them more easy for the students.

Corporate communication is one of the most critical functions faced by various employees working in Asia Pacific organizations. Pertaining to this fact, several companies operating in different countries in Asia Pacific undertaking initiatives to enhance the proficiency of English language among the employees. This factor is boosting the demand for digital English language learning through corporate sectors in Asia Pacific region, further driving the English Proficiency Test Market during the forecast period. The corporate English language learning training is majorly focused towards the information technology enabled services (ITES) including business process outsourcing individuals and knowledge process outsourcing individuals and also towards the professionals engaged in interaction with English-speaking country clients.To know about the Research Methodology :- Request Free Sample Report
English Proficiency Test Market Dynamics
Increasing Number of Candidates from Asian Countries Enrolling for Competitive Exams

An increasing trend among the Asian students to enrol themselves in universities located in the western countries for higher education including post-graduation is expected to drive the growth of the English Proficiency Test Market. Majority of the candidates from Asian countries especially India and China enroll themselves for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), among others. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are the tests conducted to asses a non-native candidate’s English fluency level. Pertaining to the fact that, these examinations and the universities and schools which accept these examinations qualified students, require proper English speaking and writing skills. This factor is expected to increase the demand for English proficiency test among students, further driving the growth of the English Proficiency Test Market.

The internationalisation of higher education, as well as a more mobile global workforce, is driving demand for English proficiency examinations for international migration and higher education. For example, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as many as 2,59,655 Indian students travelled overseas in 2020, compared to 5,86,337 in 2019. With reduced travel restrictions, the number grew to 4,44,553 in 2021, with up to 2,45,601 students enrolling at overseas colleges in the first half of 2022. The number of Indian students studying abroad is expected to skyrocket, reaching 1.8 million by 2024, with total spending expected to range between USD 75 and USD 85 billion. With the pandemic's influence fading, the number of students pursuing higher education overseas has increased, and one of the first stages for them, as is customary, is the English proficiency exam, such as the IELTS and TOEFL iBT tests.

IELTS Demographic Data 2021: Academic Frequency by 6 Nationalities,
by band score 6 to 8 (%)



Demand for English Proficiency Tests & English Language Training Institutes

The burgeoning demand for the English proficiency tests has led to the establishment of various English Language Training (ELT) institutions across the countries, which in turn has catalysed the different methods of English learning techniques. Thanks to the fact that, various schools, colleges and universities in India and China have adopted the digital learning technologies, and the trend of adoption of the same is consistently increasing. Various ELTs have also incorporated digital English language learning systems and technologies. This factor has impacted positively on the growth of English Proficiency Test Market in recent years. Additionally, several schools and universities in India and China are also offering the English learning training courses for the students willing to appear for TOEFL and IELTS. The increasing number of candidates from Asian countries enrolling for these exams to qualify for education in western countries is driving the English Proficiency Test Market in the Asia Pacific region.

High Cost of English Proficiency Tests

The pricing for the academic IELTS varies by nation; in the UK, for example, fees begin at 175 pounds, which might be extremely expensive for students from developing countries with weaker currency rates. Much of the furore about required English proficiency examinations stems from the exorbitant rates charged for a single test. Due to this, the growth of the English Proficiency Test Market is expected to decline during the forecast period.

Another common English proficiency exam, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), does not have a set fee and varies by region. The TOEFL, for example, might cost as much as 190 US dollars in India. Late registration, rescheduling, and additional score reports incur additional fees, adding to the financial hardship on overseas students. To make matters even more complicated, the IELTS and TOEFL have a two-year validity period. When it expires, the test scores are no longer valid for future applications, and students must repeat the exam, even if they performed well the first time. This factors are expected to restraint the English Proficiency Test Market growth during the forecast period.
English Proficiency Test Market Segment Analysis
Based on Type, the English Proficiency Test market is segmented into IELTS, TOEFL, and Others. IELTS segment held the largest market share of 47.1% in 2024. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a well-known English language test for work, study, and migration. The exam measures a candidate's English language aptitude in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Candidates can also select between the Academic and General Training versions of the exam. Academic IELTS are necessary for university or college entrance, whilst General Training IELTS are used for career and immigration purposes.

IELTS scores are accepted as evidence of candidates' English language competency by thousands of the world's most prestigious institutions and colleges. Many professional registration authorities, including accounting, engineering, law, medical, nursing, pharmacy, and teaching bodies in many countries, recognise IELTS results. IELTS is accepted by governments in more countries than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency.
English Proficiency Test Market Regional Insights
Asia Pacific region dominated the global English Proficiency Test Market in 2024, with the largest market share. The region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Governments in Asia Pacific countries are leveraging every possible method and model and investing significantly to improve English proficiency of people, with a major goal to increase the number of English-speaking individuals. Asian countries hold the second position, after Europe, among non-native English-speaking individuals.

Digital transformation has been instrumental in the growth of the education sector in APAC in the recent years. In Australia, South Korea, and China, the goal of schools is to prepare their students with fluent English language by providing them digital English courses. Australia and China are the most prominent countries to implement digitalization in schools and universities, including English language learning modules and courses. India also has implemented several initiatives to boost digital education in the country under the initiative “Digital India.”

Moreover, the growing reach of the internet has spurred the demand for digital learning in various APAC countries in the recent past. Also, the availability of online examinations and scrutiny test for individual English proficiency have gained popularity in APAC countries. The players present in the English Proficiency Test Market are focusing on signing partnerships to increase their market share and brand presence. For example, in 2017, Sanako, a Finland-based company, announced a strategic partnership with Eupheus Learning, an India-based company, to expand its reach to Indian students and help them learn English efficiently and interactively.
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English Proficiency Test Market


Report Coverage
Details


Base Year:
2024
Forecast Period:
2024-2032


Historical Data:
2019 to 2024
Market Size in 2024:
US $ 2.1 Bn.


Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR:
8.56%
Market Size in 2032:
US $ 4.05 Bn.


 Segments Covered:
by Test Type
IELTS
TOEFL
CAE
Others


by Mode of Test
Online
Offline


by Application
Graduates/ Undergraduates
Employers
Others



English Proficiency Test Market, by Region
North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)
Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria and Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Rest of APAC)
Middle East and Africa (South Africa, GCC, Egypt, Nigeria and Rest of ME&A)
South America (Brazil, Argentina Rest of South America)
Global English Proficiency Test Market Key Players are:
1. Berlitz Corporation
2. British Council
3. EF Education First
4. Pearson ELT
5. McGraw Hill Education
6. TALK Schools
7. Educational Testing Service (ETS)
8. New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc.
9. Transparent Language Inc.
10. Wall Street English
11. Cambridge Assessment English
12. Voxy
13. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
14. Inlingua International 10.15. TutorABC
15. Language Testing International
Frequently Asked Questions:
1] Which region is expected to hold the highest market share during the forecast period?
Ans. The Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the highest market share of the English Proficiency Test Market during the forecast period.

2] Which testing system is expected to have the highest growth rate in the Global English Proficiency Test Market?
Ans. IELTS testing system segment is expected to have the highest growth rate in the Global English Proficiency Test Market.

3] Which application segment held the highest Global English Proficiency Test market share in 2024?
Ans. Graduates/Undergraduates application segment held the highest Global English Proficiency Test market share in 2024.

4] What are the major players of the Global English Proficiency Test Market?
Ans. The major key players of the Global English Proficiency Test Market are Berlitz Corporation, EF Education First, Pearson ELT, Talk English International, Inc. and ETS among others.

5] Which mode of test segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period?
Ans. Online mode of test segment is expected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period.