In line with our unwavering commitment to educational empowerment and youth development in Afghanistan, Jawana Foundation is proud to launch the Free TOEFL Preparation Program — an initiative designed to equip high-potential Afghan students with the necessary skills, guidance, and confidence to succeed in their pursuit of international scholarships and higher education opportunities abroad.
This program is part of Jawana Foundation’s broader mission to promote equity and access to quality education, especially for youth who demonstrate talent, ambition, and a strong sense of purpose in overcoming academic and social barriers.
About the Program
The Free TOEFL Preparation Program offers selected students the opportunity to engage in an intensive two-month training course aimed at preparing them for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) — a key requirement for most scholarship and university applications worldwide.
This cohort is designed to support 30 Afghan students, including 20 spots reserved for female students and 10 for male students — a structure that reflects our strong commitment to gender inclusion and equitable access.
Participants will not only receive instruction from qualified and experienced educators, but also benefit from:
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Full access to high-quality learning materials and practice resources (excluding hard copies)
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Academic advising and mentorship during and after the program
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Support with scholarship planning, university applications, and required documentation
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Guidance in writing personal statements, preparing for interviews, and navigating platforms like the Common Application
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A certificate of completion issued by Jawana Foundation
Please note that while the program is fully funded, it does not cover the cost of the official TOEFL exam. However, participants will be thoroughly prepared to independently register for and take the test upon completion of the course.
Application Process and Response
Applications for the TOEFL Preparation Program opened on April 1, 2025, and closed on April 11, 2025. In just ten days, Jawana Foundation received an overwhelming total of 1,633 applications from Afghan youth, demonstrating the deep desire and enthusiasm for learning and self-betterment among this generation.
Each application was reviewed based on a range of criteria including academic background, motivation, English proficiency, and alignment with the program’s objectives.
Following a meticulous review process, 317 applicants were shortlisted to proceed to the next stage.
Placement Test for Shortlisted Applicants
To ensure a transparent, merit-based, and fair selection process, all shortlisted applicants are now required to take a placement test. This decision was made regardless of whether an applicant submitted an English language certificate, as it provides an equal evaluation framework for all.
The placement test serves two purposes:
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To assess the current English proficiency of applicants.
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To ensure that selected students are adequately prepared for the demands of the TOEFL curriculum.
Details and information about the placement test was shared with shortlisted candidates on April 23, 2025. Following the placement test, some candidates may also be invited for interviews, depending on the evaluation outcomes and program requirements.
Next Steps and Expectations
Successful candidates from the placement test will be officially admitted into the Free TOEFL Preparation Program. Their journey will include interactive lessons, regular assignments, mock tests, and personalized mentorship by our global network of volunteers and educational experts.
Upon completing the program, students will:
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Be fully prepared to take the official TOEFL exam
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Have a clear academic plan for applying to international scholarships in the 2026 season
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Receive continued support in navigating the application process
A Note of Appreciation
Jawana Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every single applicant who took the time to submit their materials and share their stories with us. The number of applications and the quality of responses reminded us once again of the depth of talent and aspiration among Afghan youth.
To those who were not shortlisted — this is not the end of the road. We encourage you to stay engaged with our community and look out for upcoming programs and opportunities. Your journey matters, and we are here to walk with you.
For ongoing updates, future opportunities, and educational resources, follow Jawana Foundation on social media and subscribe to our newsletter. Together, we can build a brighter future through knowledge, opportunity, and resilience.