There are various language tests and standardized entrance exams for international students willing to pursue their higher education abroad. Read through the article to get complete details about the exams to study abroad.
There are thousands of aspirants who migrate to different parts of the world for higher education every year. Applicants are required to clear some competitive entrance exams to study abroad. Good scores in these competitive 'study abroad' exams can also help you get scholarships and other forms of financial support.
In order to gain admission to foreign universities, students generally need to take one language exam and one standardized exam. Some countries, universities, or courses may exempt you from appearing for standardized exams. However, you will still have to pass a language exam to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
What are the Exams to Study Abroad?
Some of the most important entrance exams to study abroad are the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, MCAT, and the LSAT. Various universities and colleges around the world require these exams for admission.
The scores required for each of these exams vary from one university to another. In some cases, international students might need to appear for a combination of these tests and other examinations relevant to a particular country and its education system.
Language Exams to Study Abroad
Language exams determine your proficiency level in English. You must take one of the language exams to be admitted to a university in an English-speaking country. These tests are required for almost all undergraduate and postgraduate programs as well as certificate and diploma programs.
In different countries, one language exam is preferred over another. Some of the most popular English language tests required by foreign universities include
IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System ) is an English language test that should be taken by international candidates who are willing to study in an English-speaking country. Universities in the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc., commonly accept IELTS scores for admission to their programs.
The purpose of this test is primarily to measure a test taker's ability to communicate at each of the four basic levels of the English language: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. There are two kinds of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Go through the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, if you are curious.
Read More: IELTS
TOEFL
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency exams by foreign universities around the world, especially by US and Canadian universities. It tests an international candidate's English language skills (reading, listening, speaking, writing).
Students must note that the TOEFL exam is held in two formats: TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) and TOEFL paper-delivered test. Over 98% of TOEFL exams are given in the iBT format, while the revised TOEFL paper-delivered test is only available in areas that do not have access to the internet.
Read More: TOEFL
PTE
PTE (Pearson Test of English) is a computer-based English proficiency exam that is considered by several universities worldwide for admission. It is accepted by most UK universities and a few US universities. Students need to take the PTE exam to demonstrate their competency in English. In order to prepare for this exam, you will find free PTE practice test online.
PTE scores are valid for two years after the exam date. The candidate should be at least 16 years old to take the PTE Academic test. For candidates under 18 years of age, parents or guardians must sign a parental consent form before taking the test.
Read More: PTE
Standardized Entrance Exams for International Universities
Besides language tests, there are standardized tests that are accepted by universities around the world. These exams test the knowledge and basic aptitude of applicants. Depending on the country, university, level of course, and subject, there can be different standardized entrance exams to study abroad. The table given below shows the most common standardized tests accepted by prominent study abroad destinations for various courses:
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Standardized Tests |
Courses/Programs |
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Undergraduate |
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Undergraduate |
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MBA |
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MS, MBA |
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Medical |
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Law |
SAT
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), which is most commonly accepted by colleges in the US and Canada, is designed to assess your writing, critical reading and mathematical abilities. Colleges in the United Kingdom and Australia also accept these test scores.
There is no fixed age limit to appear for the SAT exam. Generally, research shows that 17-19 year-olds are among the most likely to appear for the SAT. The exam duration is 3 hours 50 minutes (including the optional essay), and the scores are valid for 5 years.
Read More: SAT
ACT
ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test taken by students applying to undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. This exam aims to measure candidates' skills in written communication, mathematics, verbal communication, and science.
There are no particular eligibility requirements to take the ACT since it is primarily for high school students. Following the declaration of results, ACT scores remain valid for five years.
GMAT
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-adaptive exam that evaluates the writing, reading, verbal, quantitative, and reasoning skills of students. It costs around $275 to take the GMAT Exam. Top business schools across the globe require this test for admission to graduate management courses, such as MBA and Masters in Finance.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appearing for the GMAT exam. Candidates are allowed to take the exam five times during the year if they are not satisfied with their scores. However, there should be a gap of 16 days between the two attempts. Students must go through GMAT mock tests and sample papers to ace the exam.
Read More: GMAT
GRE
GRE ( Graduate Record Examinations) is the most widely accepted and popular test for enrolling into master’s programs abroad. More than 1200 international business schools accept these scores for admission to MBA programs and multiple universities worldwide for master's programs.
An individual's GRE scores can be used to qualify for merit-based scholarships. There are two kinds of GRE tests: general test and subject test. The GRE subject test is required for students who wish to pursue their master's in specific courses. Take a look at the updated test syllabus for GRE Exam. The GRE test scores remain valid for up to 5 years.
Read More: GRE
MCAT
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is mandatory for students who wish to pursue a medical degree in some of the top study destinations, such as the US and Canada. There will be multiple-choice questions in this exam that will test your critical thinking abilities, problem-solving skills, and your understanding of concepts in areas like physics and biological sciences. You might also be interested in knowing some study tips for MCAT.
MCAT is offered at various locations around the world multiple times a year. Unfortunately, none of the Indian cities has MCAT examination centres. As a result, Indian residents must travel to countries such as Singapore, Israel, and Qatar to appear for the exam.
Read More: MCAT
LSAT
LSAT (Law School Admission Test) needs to be taken by students who wish to pursue law courses abroad. The exam comprises five sections wherein a candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning, reading comprehension, essay writing skills, etc., are tested. There is also an experimental section, which is the fifth section of the LSAT exam. If you are planning to study law abroad, check out the best books for LSAT preparation.
You do not need to meet any specific criteria to take this test, but having an academic background in law will greatly benefit you when applying to law schools. The duration of the LSAT exam is around three and a half hours, and the test scores are valid for a period of five years.
Read More: LSAT
Entrance Exams to Study Abroad After 12th
After completing their higher secondary education, students can take various entrance exams to study abroad. A few of the important international entrance exams include the SAT, ACT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS.
The choice of exam will depend on the country, college, and course that you intend to study. Hence, make sure to check the entry requirements of your course before you take any entrance test.
Exams Required After 10th to Study Abroad
There are a number of exams that students can take to pursue their education abroad after class 10th, but it is always more beneficial to study abroad after completing school education or after selecting a particular stream.
Students willing to study overseas after class 10th must take IELTS/TOEFL to qualify for foreign universities across the globe. Besides this, most colleges and universities require that the applicant be at least 18 years old and that a guardian accompany him/her in order to ensure their safety.
