Examining the Link Between English Proficiency and Academic Performance Among EFL Undergraduate Students
Keywords:
English proficiency, academic performance, EPTIC, GPA, higher educationAbstract
English language proficiency plays a vital role in supporting students’ academic performance, especially in higher education settings where English is both the subject of study and a medium for learning. This study aimed to examine the relationship between English proficiency and academic performance among undergraduate students in the English Education Department at Universitas Sulawesi Barat, Indonesia. A quantitative correlational research design was employed, involving 90 students whose English proficiency was measured using the English Proficiency Test for Internal Control (EPTIC), while academic performance was represented by their Grade Point Average (GPA). Data analysis using Pearson correlation revealed a strong and statistically significant positive relationship (r = 0.664, p < 0.001) between English proficiency and GPA. Linear regression analysis further indicated that English proficiency predicted 44.1% of the variance in academic performance. These findings highlight the importance of English proficiency as a predictor of students’ academic success. The results also support the use of institutional language assessments like EPTIC for evaluating academic readiness. It is recommended that higher education institutions provide structured language support programs to enhance student learning outcomes. Future studies should investigate the contributions of individual language skills and other influencing factors.
References
Azizi, E. (2024). Role of English Language Proficiency Standards in Academic and Career Success in Iran. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Teaching, Learning and Education (Vol. 1, Issue 1, pp. 41–51). Mokslines leidybos deimantas, MB. https://doi.org/10.33422/ictle.v1i1.627
Azkiyah, S. (2023). English Proficiency as a Predictor of Academic Performance in the Context of Non-English as a Medium of Instruction. In PASAA (Vol. 65, Issue 1, pp. 32–56). Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University. https://doi.org/10.58837/chula.pasaa.65.1.2
Barkaoui, K. (2025). The relationship between English language proficiency test scores and academic achievement: A longitudinal study of two tests. In Language Testing. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1177/02655322251319284
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
Cui, X., & Gardiner, I. A. (2025). Investigating students’ academic language-related challenges and their interplay with English proficiency and self-efficacy on EMI success in Transnational Education (TNE) programs in China. In English for Specific Purposes (Vol. 78, pp. 53–69). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2024.12.002
Curle, S., Yuksel, D., Aizawa, I., Thompson, G., & Rakhshandehroo, M. (2024). Academic success in English Medium Instruction programmes in Turkey: Exploring the effect of gender, motivation, and English language proficiency. In International Journal of Educational Research (Vol. 123, p. 102288). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2023.102288
Devi, A. P. (2023). Relationship between English Proficiency and Academic Achievement of Indonesian EFL Postgraduate Students. In Journal of English Language Learning (Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 303–308). Universitas Majalengka. https://doi.org/10.31949/jell.v7i1.5566
Elvira, M., Sainuddin, S., Aisyah, S., & Rasyid, M. N. A. (2024). The Impact of English Proficiency on the Academic Success of English Literature Students: An Analysis Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). In Proceeding of International Conference on Islamic Education (ICIED) (Vol. 9, Issue 1, p. 425). Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University. https://doi.org/10.18860/icied.v9i1.3172
Emmanuel, M., & Andala, H. O. A. (2024). English Language Proficiency Factors and the Academic Performance of Students in Geography Subject in Secondary Schools in Rwanda. In International Journal of Management and Development Studies (Vol. 13, Issue 11, pp. 199–215). International Journal of Management and Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v13n11.016
Escobal, C., Decano, L. J., Galdones, R., Talplacido, N. J., & Oficiar, J. R. (2025). Impact of English Language Proficiency Levels on Academic Performance Among CGCI Grade 12 Students. Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5040407
Isma, A., Hermansyah, S., Ramadhani, Y. R., Lestari, I. W., Evenddy, S. S., Talenta, P. I., Sastri, L., Rasmin, L. O., Febrianto, A. R., & Pavita, M. D. A. (2023). Teaching English to 21st Century Learners (1st ed.). Yayasan Kita Menulis.
Isma, A., Lestari, I. W., Rohimajaya, N. A., Hardiyanto, A., Susanti, E., Meisarah, F., Novia, S., Kuning, D. S., Hamer, W., & Rasmin, L. O. (2024). Digital Tools for English Language Learning: A Comprehensive Guide for EFL Educators (1st ed.). Yayasan Kita Menulis.
Liu, X. (2024). The Impact of Language Proficiency on Academic Performance in International Programs: Insights for Educational Managers. In Higher Education and Practice (Vol. 1, Issue 5, pp. 100–106). Academic Education Publishing House. https://doi.org/10.62381/h241516
McGehee, M., & Isbell, D. R. (2024). Relationships between English Proficiency Test Scores and Academic Outcomes: DET, IELTS, and TOEFL in a U.S. Public Research-Intensive University. Center for Open Science. https://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/vguph
Phillips, D. (2001). Longman Complete Course for the TOEFL Test: Preparation for the Computer and Paper Tests. Longman.
Plooy, B. du, Stander, L., & Scheckle, E. (2025). The link between English language proficiency and academic performance among NC(V) first-year engineering students at a South African TVET college. In Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (pp. 1–12). National Inquiry Services Center (NISC). https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2024.2367435
Tin, T. T. (2024). Exploring the Factors Affecting Academic Performance: A Path Analysis of English Proficiency, Code Switching and Code Mixing Among TARUMT Students. In Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences (PJLSS) (Vol. 22, Issue 2). Elite Scientific Forum. https://doi.org/10.57239/pjlss-2024-22.2.001161
