Exams to Study Abroad: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT

Getting a degree from a foreign university is popular among students nowadays mostly due to the diverse options available in foreign countries whether they are of personal growth or professional. If you are one such individual then you need to be well-versed in the concept of studying abroad. To study in a foreign university where English is the primary language, one needs to provide an English proficiency score.

Passing the exam is crucial for every study abroad aspirant. There are various types of English proficiency exams one can take. Some of the most common entrance exams to study abroad a student has to take are GMAT, GRE, SAT, LSAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, ACT, and MCAT. However, you must go through the university guidelines to check the eligible English proficiency exam for college admission.

In this blog, you will come across all the major study abroad tests along with the list of common assessment exams a study abroad aspirant has to take. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the ocean of knowledge.

Top Exams to Study Abroad

International students applying to foreign universities need to take certain exams to be eligible for their shortlisted universities. In English-speaking countries, students would have to take English proficiency tests along with their standardised test to get into foreign universities. Below given is the list of exams to study abroad:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most popular English Proficiency Test for aspirants who wish to study, work, or migrate abroad. Every year, more than 3 million people take the IELTS exam. The British Council and IDP jointly own and conduct the IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam assesses the communication skills of the students in four segments such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The IELTS exam is scored from 0 to 9, with students who have a minimum score of 6 are accepted globally.

2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is another popular and globally recognised exam that is taken by the countries for admitting students to study abroad. More than 11,000 universities and 150 nations including the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada accept TOEFL scores of Indian students.

In this exam, students are required to sit for a four-hour examination administered by a computer. Also, it evaluates the mastery of the English language by scholars; this includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. The TOEFL scores are only valid for two years after the result declaration when offering such tests for abroad studies. It is assessed by earning 0-30 points for each sector, leading to a 0-120 points overall. Each section gives a top score of 24-30.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English proficiency test which is accepted by top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand. It gauges your ability to communicate by testing your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills. The PTE test score is valid for 2 years for the students against the global scale of English.

The PTE test does not restrict candidates by age and does not restrict them from appearing for the PTE examination. You must be at least sixteen years of age; the exam fee is approximately Rs.13000, and this exam occurs several times in a year. PTE does not have any set of rules regarding the eligibility for the test or candidates. The exam takes place via computer and candidates are allowed a maximum of three hours.

4. Duolingo Test

Recently, the Duolingo Test has also been accepted in many countries such as the USA, Australia, and many more for students wishing to study abroad. The duration of the Duolingo test is 60 minutes.

The Duolingo Test is segregated into three segments: the introduction, adaptive test, and video interview. The Duolingo Test is scored between 10 to 160, 160 being the highest score for students with advanced knowledge of the English Language.

5. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

The Scholastic Assessment Test is also conducted for UG programmes in both Canada and the United States. The test is in the written format and its purpose is to determine the subject level expertise in English and Mathematics. This exam to study abroad is divided into two sets; the first one is three hours and the other is three hours and fifty minutes the first section contains essay-based questions and the second section is on Mathematical questions. Moreover, the SAT scores are also recognised by different universities in the UK.

Do note that the SAT entails reading, writing, as well as mathematical skills in multiple-choice questions. Maths is then divided into two: with the use of a calculator and without the use of a calculator.

6. ACT (American College Testing)

American College Testing is a standardised test for the major universities’ admissions for undergraduate programmes in the USA. It measures the college academic preparedness of native and international students. Besides this, ACT scores are also recognised by Canadian universities. The students willing to study in the USA must take the three-hour American College Testing exam. However, those students who intend to apply to a particular college, have to decide between taking the SAT or the ACT.

Like most standardised tests, ACT is divided into four sections; English, Reading, Math, and Science. Furthermore, it ranges from one to 36 points for each of the divisions that are being assessed. Apart from the four sections, ACT has an option of writing an essay; this one comes with an additional 40 minutes.

7. GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test)

The Graduate Management Admission Test is known to be one of the best MBA programmes for overseas education. The GMAT exam is used for admission into the best business and management universities across the globe. The GMAT exam is used to evaluate student’s performance in analytical, writing, quantitative, reading, and communication skills.

This examination is administered and supervised by the Graduate Management Admission Council. The duration of the GMAT is 2 hours 15 minutes and this examination is valid for studying in Canada, USA, and Germany.

8. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The Graduate Record Examination is also conducted and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), it is for admission to graduate school. The score of this particular study abroad exam is accepted in countries like the US, Canada and Australia. However, most European countries do not mandate GRE scores. Over 1200 business universities recognise the GRE globally.

GRE is a computer-based exam which includes students’ quantitative, writing and verbal skills. GRE consists of various sections such as analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. Furthermore, this test is scored on a scale of 130 to 173; with 160s being the highest score.

9. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

The Medical College Admission Test is conducted and administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). A medical entrance examination for medical schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands. This exam is conducted 25 times in 21 different countries in a year. They mainly apply it to gauge the students’ capacities in analysis, reasoning, psychology, and systems biology. Therefore, the MCAT is one of the tests taken for foreign studies in the medical field.

This exam has four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.

10. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

LSAT is conducted and administered by the Law Admission Council. This exam to study abroad is of two types: LSAT Indian, and LSAT Abroad. The LSAT abroad is for admission into the best law schools in the USA, Australia and Canada. This test is administered six times a year; each session lasts three hours and thirty minutes.

There are three categories of scored LSAT; reading comprehension, logic games, and logical reasoning. In addition, there is one writing sample that is unscored throughout the test.

There are many other such study abroad exams for students wishing to gain overseas education; however, the list of exams we’ve covered are the most important ones you need to understand.

Conclusion

Choosing the right exam is crucial for students wanting to go for overseas education. Students are advised to check the country and university first before appearing for the examinations. MetaApply provides a one-stop platform for students by providing information and courses for all the study abroad examinations whether you’re looking for a standardised exam or any other English Proficiency Test.

With MetaApply’s TestPrep classes, you get an exclusive chance to connect with experts directly and crack your English Proficiency Exams within four to five weeks. So, if you are ready to study abroad and want complete assistance, then connect with us and get yourself consultations about the best university, online classes, financial aid, accommodations, and much more.