Compulsory English Proficiency Testing for University Students
Universities must evaluate students' English proficiency to ensure it aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) before they graduate, as mandated by the government.
The universities are responsible for creating the tests, which must conform to the CEFR, a system rating language skills from beginner (A1) to mastery (C2). To graduate, diploma candidates need a B1 level, bachelor's students a B2, and postgraduates a C1.
On November 28, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the implementation of this testing requirement. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation is now ensuring universities comply.
They must offer guidance, training, and additional English-focused activities, utilizing effective and accessible teaching tools, both online and offline.
This initiative aims to enhance university students' English proficiency to match international job market standards. This proficiency is crucial for tourism, trade, investment, and research.
The decision comes after disappointing outcomes for Thai students in the OECD's Pisa test, where reading skills were at a 20-year low, highlighting broader concerns about the quality of Thai education.
On November 28, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the implementation of this testing requirement. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation is now ensuring universities comply.
They must offer guidance, training, and additional English-focused activities, utilizing effective and accessible teaching tools, both online and offline.
This initiative aims to enhance university students' English proficiency to match international job market standards. This proficiency is crucial for tourism, trade, investment, and research.
The decision comes after disappointing outcomes for Thai students in the OECD's Pisa test, where reading skills were at a 20-year low, highlighting broader concerns about the quality of Thai education.
