The EF SET (EF Standard English Test) is a free online English proficiency test by EF Education First. It produces a CEFR score (A1 to C2) and a downloadable digital certificate - at zero cost. For Pakistani students, it is a useful benchmarking and preparation tool before investing in IELTS, and is accepted by select scholarship programs.
What Is the EF SET?
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Cost | 100% Free |
| Format | Adaptive online test - Reading + Listening sections |
| Duration | 50 minutes (Full EF SET) or 15 minutes (EF SET Quick) |
| Certificate | Free downloadable PDF - shareable via public URL |
| Score scale | 1–100 (maps to CEFR: A1 through C2) |
| Platform | efset.org |
| Results | Immediate - shown right after completing the test |
EF SET vs IELTS vs TOEFL
| Feature | EF SET | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (Pakistan) | Free | ~PKR 35,000–40,000 | ~PKR 35,000–45,000 |
| Testing format | Online, self-paced, at home | In-person test center | Computer-based test center |
| Skills tested | Reading + Listening only | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking | Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking |
| Accepted by major scholarships? | Generally no - check each program | Yes - standard requirement | Yes - accepted by most programs |
| Accepted for visas? | No | Yes | Yes (for some countries) |
| Score validity | No expiry on certificate | 2 years | 2 years |
Important: EF SET is not a substitute for IELTS or TOEFL for CSC (China), GKS (Korea), Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary), Russian Government, or Saudi Government scholarships. These programs require a recognised external exam. Always verify the specific English proficiency requirement of your target scholarship before assuming EF SET qualifies.
CEFR Levels and What They Mean
| CEFR Level | EF SET Score | IELTS Approx. | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 - Beginner | 1–30 | Below 4.0 | Can understand and use very basic phrases |
| A2 - Elementary | 31–40 | 4.0–4.5 | Can communicate in simple, routine tasks |
| B1 - Intermediate | 41–50 | 5.0–5.5 | Can deal with most situations while travelling or studying in English |
| B2 - Upper Intermediate | 51–60 | 6.0–6.5 | Can interact fluently and understand complex texts |
| C1 - Advanced | 61–70 | 7.0–8.0 | Can express ideas clearly and spontaneously in academic/professional settings |
| C2 - Mastery | 71–100 | 8.5–9.0 | Can understand virtually everything heard or read in English |
For English-medium MBBS and most international scholarships, a B2 level (IELTS ~6.0–6.5) is the expected minimum. Competitive fully-funded scholarships typically expect C1.
How to Take the EF SET
- Visit efset.org and create a free account
- Choose your test: Full EF SET (50 min, more accurate) or EF SET Quick (15 min, rough estimate only)
- Complete the test - it is adaptive, so questions adjust based on your answers. Find a quiet spot with stable internet.
- View your score immediately - results are shown right after you finish
- Download your certificate as a PDF or share the public results URL directly
There is no waiting period and no booking required - you can take it right now. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it (though scores normalize after the first few attempts).
When Is EF SET Useful for Pakistani Students?
1. Pre-IELTS Diagnostic
Before spending PKR 35,000+ on IELTS, take the EF SET to gauge your current English level. If you score B1, you know you need 3–4 months of focused preparation before sitting the official exam. If you score high C1, you can be more confident going into IELTS with less preparation time.
2. Tracking Improvement During Preparation
The EF SET is free and unlimited - take it monthly to measure whether your preparation is working. It gives objective CEFR-aligned feedback that correlates well with IELTS performance on Reading and Listening sections.
3. Programs That Accept EF SET
Some smaller scholarship programs, online learning platforms, language institutes, and professional development programs accept the EF SET as a language proficiency document. Always verify with the specific program before relying on it - never assume.
4. CV and LinkedIn Profile
A strong EF SET score (C1 or C2) is worth adding to your LinkedIn profile and CV - especially as an additional indicator if you are still preparing for formal IELTS, or as a supplementary credential alongside your official score.
Which Scholarships Accept EF SET?
For clarity - the following major scholarship programs do NOT accept EF SET as a substitute for IELTS/TOEFL:
- CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship): requires IELTS 6.0 or equivalent officially recognised test
- GKS Korea (KGSP): requires TOPIK, IELTS, or TOEFL
- Stipendium Hungaricum: requires English medium prior education documentation or IELTS/TOEFL
- Saudi Arabia Government: requires IELTS or TOEFL
- Erasmus Mundus: requires IELTS or recognised equivalent
- UK / USA / Australia universities: universally require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
EF SET is best positioned as a preparation and benchmarking tool, not as a primary proficiency document for competitive scholarship applications.
IELTS Preparation Strategy Using EF SET
- Current EF SET: B1 → Target IELTS 6.0: Plan 3–4 months of intensive preparation. Use EF SET monthly to track progress on Reading and Listening. Use official Cambridge IELTS books for Writing and Speaking practice.
- Current EF SET: B2 → Target IELTS 7.0+: Plan 2–3 months of focused preparation. EF SET shows you're close - speaking and writing are the gaps. Prioritise those.
- Speaking and Writing: EF SET does not test these - but IELTS bands are equally weighted across all four skills. Add dedicated speaking and writing practice from the start.
- Official practice materials: Cambridge IELTS books (Series 12–18) and free tests at ielts.org are the gold standard for authentic IELTS preparation alongside EF SET.
Official Links
- Take the EF SET: efset.org
- CEFR Framework: Council of Europe - CEFR
- Book IELTS in Pakistan: ielts.org (IDP and British Council both offer tests)
EF SET CEFR alignments and IELTS equivalences are approximate and based on published data. Scholarship English requirements change annually - always verify directly with the scholarship program before submitting your application.