Planning to study abroad in 2024? Get a head start with our comprehensive guide to the top entrance exams for international students. From the GRE and GMAT for aspiring graduate students to the SAT and ACT for undergraduates, and language tests like IELTS and TOEFL, we cover everything you need to know. Discover eligibility criteria, registration processes, and effective preparation tips to ace your exams and secure a spot in your dream university.
Stay ahead in your study abroad journey with our expert advice and latest updates on entrance exams.
List of Popular Entrance Exams to Study Abroad
When preparing to pursue education abroad, it is essential to undergo a two-step examination process consisting of a language test and a standardized test. Nevertheless, the requirements may vary depending on the country, course, college, or university you are aiming for.
The examinations required to study abroad encompass a variety of assessments, ranging from standardized tests to language proficiency evaluations. Please refer to the table below, which highlights the prominent entrance exams for different levels of programs and courses.
Program Level | Standardized Test | English Language Test |
Undergraduate Programs | Digital SAT, ACT | TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK |
Post Graduation Programs (MBA/MS/PhD) | GMAT, GRE | TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK |
Medical Programs | MCAT, BMAT, UCAT | TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK |
Law Programs | LSAT, LNAT | TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK |
Engineering Programs | Digital SAT, ACT | TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK |
Language Programs | TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK |
Difference Between the Entrance Test and Language Test for Studying Abroad
To pursue studies abroad, individuals are required to take an entrance test corresponding to their desired degree or area of focus at the foreign university. Subsequently, they also need to fulfill an English language proficiency requirement, commonly known as a language test. For example, candidates who are taking the GRE and GMAT exams are also required to take the TOEFL or IELTS tests to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.
Key Points | Standardized Entrance Test | Language Test |
Exams Covered | GRE, GMAT, SAT, MCAT, LSAT | TOEFL, IELTS |
Exam Overview | This exam one needs to qualify to apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate program in varied fields of study. | This is a mandatory exam for Indian and other non-native English speakers, especially in the Commonwealth countries, for entry into most reputed universities and colleges overseas, and occasionally for immigration requirements as well. |
| Exam Objective | To assess the required knowledge in a specific subject that a candidate intends to pursue at a foreign university. | To evaluate the proficiency of an aspirant in English speaking, writing, and listening skills. |
Eligibility | Aspirants must be 18 years of age, 12th Pass, Graduate & Post Graduate. | Aspirants must be 18 years of age, with any educational background. |
Countries Applicable | UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand | UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand |
Quick Thought: Do I need to give only one exam or both General Exam and Language test?
Answer: The examination requirements for pursuing studies abroad can differ based on the particular country, university, and program you are applying to. In most of the cases, it is necessary to take both a general exam, to assess your overall aptitude, as well as a language test like TOEFL or IELTS to evaluate your English language proficiency. Nonetheless, it is crucial to thoroughly research and carefully review the specific requirements of the institutions and programs that interest you in order to determine the exams you need to undertake.
Language Exams to Study Abroad
Given that the typical study abroad trend is from non-English speaking Asian countries to English-speaking Western countries, language change plays a big role in the process. Since English is the primary language of communication in these nations, passing a language competency exam will be necessary to prove your language skills.
The three primary English language examinations that students who wish to study overseas after graduation take are the IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. The professional elements of non-native speakers seeking to relocate to English-speaking nations for employment are also influenced by their exam scores.
Let's take a closer look at each one.
IELTS
People who want to study abroad typically take the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, which is an English language assessment exam. In collaboration with the British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, and IDP: IELTS Australia, IELTS exams are administered in India.
The IELTS consists of two modules:
The IELTS Academic Module focuses on foreign higher education levels. When applying to research positions, international universities, or other academic jobs, you must pass the IELTS Academic exam.- The General Training Module of the IELTS exam covers workplace norms and social skills. A general test must be passed in order to apply for a job or for immigration.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 2 Years | INR 16,250 | 2 Hours 45 Minutes | 5.5-6.0 |
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, is an assessment tool used to gauge non-native English speakers' proficiency and level of English language understanding. To enroll students, colleges and universities in Australia, the UK, Canada, the US, and numerous other nations require TOEFL results. This test may be taken in two different ways: online or on paper. The online test is generally more well-liked than the paper test.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 2 Years | INR 16,900 | 3 Hours | 90-100 |
Must Read: TOEFL Exam 2024: Fees, Syllabus, Dates, Registration & More
PTE
PTE The Pearson Test of English, or PTE, differs significantly from the other two because of a few key features. First of all, because this test is entirely dependent on computerized technologies, the scoring patterns are significantly different. Furthermore, this test yields results more quickly than others of a comparable nature. In most cases, the findings are announced five days after the test. Therefore, if you are pressed for time because to restricted availability or a delayed results announcement, a PTE is advised.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 2 Years | INR 15,900 | 2 hours 15 minutes | 51-60 |
Duolingo
One of the newest assessments of language proficiency utilized by students from other countries is Duolingo. The exam, which is accepted by more than 4,500 universities worldwide, evaluates your proficiency in using English in everyday contexts.
The exam, which consists of four modules—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—is accessible online and offline. In the USA and Canada, it is more widely used.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 2 Years | INR 4,852 | 45 minutes | 10 |
Standardised Entrance Exams to Study Abroad
In addition to passing the language proficiency exams, which are the initial step towards your study abroad plan, you must also pass the entrance exam for your course. The SAT, MCAT, and ACT entrance exams are required to enroll in an undergraduate program.
You must score well on the LSAT, GRE, or GMAT in order to be admitted to a postgraduate program. These tests assess the candidates' problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing abilities as well as their understanding of scientific ideas and concepts that are pertinent to the study of a certain specialization.
Depending on your course, you may need to pass a standardized entrance exam.
SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test, or SAT, is a widely accepted college admission exam that is used to assess applicants' analytical, verbal, and writing abilities. After the 12th grade, students must take this exam in order to be eligible to enroll in college programs in both Canada and the United States of America. A few universities in the UK also recognize the SAT score as a legitimate criterion for admission. Before taking the SAT exam to study abroad, candidates are strongly advised to do extensive research on the selection criteria of the targeted colleges and courses.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 5 Years | INR 8,055- 9,062 | 3 Hours | 400 |
Also Read: SAT Exam 2024: Dates, Registration, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation & Results
ACT
The American College Testing, or ACT, is a standardized exam used to gain admission to US universities for a range of undergraduate programs. Several universities outside of the USA also accept it.
The ACT frequently assesses both domestic and international students' academic preparedness for particular college courses. This exam assesses candidates' writing, verbal, mathematical, and scientific abilities.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 5 Years | ₹16,703 (approx) | 2 Hours 55 Minutes | 16-17 |
GRE
One of the most common tests taken by Indian students hoping to study in the US, Canada, or any of the thousands of business schools worldwide is the GRE, often known as the Graduate Record Examinations. This exam evaluates the candidates' general analytical, mathematical, and linguistic abilities. Students who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in business administration (MBA) or science (MS) in the United States of America must take this exam.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 5 Years | INR 22,550 (approx) | 3 Hours 45 Minutes | 130 |
GMAT
GMAT Students who want to pursue an MBA degree overseas specifically take the Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT. This exam is extremely important since it determines admission eligibility to the world's best management and business schools.
The GMAT assesses your analytical, critical thinking, reasoning, logic, and problem-solving abilities. It is required for admission to more than 21,000 institutions and colleges across 114 countries.
The structure of the test is given below:
| Validity | Cost | Duration | Minimum Score |
| 5 Years | INR 24,600 (approx) | 3 Hours 7 Minutes | 200 |
Eligibility Criteria for Entrance Exam to Study Abroad
Any individual aged 18 or above (or between 13 and 17 years with written approval or consent from legal guardians or parents) who intends to apply for graduate or post-graduate programs abroad can participate in the entrance exams. Apart from the age requirement, there are no specific eligibility criteria established for any of the entrance exams.
Quick Thought: Can a school student in class 12th grade or a final year college student can apply for entrance exam?
Answer:Yes, The majority of the applicants are either students or professionals while many are final-year students. However, one can take the entrance exam even if it does not fall under any of these categories.
Entrance Exam to Study Abroad After 10th Grade
It is generally advisable to pursue higher education abroad after completing your secondary education. However, in the case where students thinking of studying abroad after completing their 10th grade can go only to Singapore. This is because many colleges and universities abroad often have a general admission requirement stating that students must be at least 18 years old, and it is preferable for a guardian to accompany the student to provide care and support.
Entrance Exam to Study Abroad After 12th Grade
For students who possess a clear vision and ambition to pursue higher education abroad immediately after completing their 12th grade, it is essential to commence exam preparation for standardized tests such as the Digital SAT, ACT, LSAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE right from the beginning. These exams serve as stepping stones towards gaining admission into their desired courses at prestigious universities worldwide. However, it is important to note that the acceptance of specific exams is contingent upon the program or course, as well as the policies of individual universities and colleges, and, of course, the country of study.
Entrance Exam to Study Abroad with Scholarship
Some entrance tests serve a dual purpose beyond mere entrance exams for foreign institutions. They also hold significant value as major scholarship exams for students aspiring to study abroad. GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL are among the widely recognized study-abroad exams that hold significant importance. Exceptional performance in these exams can greatly enhance students' chances of securing financial assistance, such as scholarships. Many universities specifically evaluate applicants based on their performance in these exams and automatically consider them for scholarships. The scholarship amounts provided may vary depending on the university and country. Scholarships can cover either full or partial tuition fees, making it more affordable for academically accomplished students who aspire to pursue their education abroad.
Choose the Right Entrance Exam to Study Abroad in 2024
When considering studying abroad, it is crucial to carefully select the appropriate entrance exams that align with your career goals.
- The selection process is heavily influenced by your academic plans, the specific course or degree you wish to pursue overseas, as well as the destination country.
- Opting for the right study abroad entrance exam is a critical decision that acts as a gateway to realizing your educational aspirations.
- These entrance tests serve as a fundamental requirement for pursuing a degree abroad and excelling in them can potentially open doors to scholarships and various forms of financial assistance, which hold significant value for the majority of applicants.
- On the other side, an essential exam that any aspiring student planning to study abroad must take is the Language test.
This exam evaluates the candidate's proficiency in English speaking, writing, and listening skills. These exams are conducted to ensure that Indian students meet the minimum requirements necessary for studying abroad at foreign universities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a journey to study abroad opens up a world of opportunities for individuals seeking global education and career prospects. From standardized tests like GRE, Digital SAT, ACT, MCAT, BMAT, UCAT, LSAT, LNAT, and GMAT that assess overall aptitude to language proficiency exams such as TOEFL and IELTS, each exam plays a vital role in the study abroad admission process. It is crucial for aspiring students to carefully research and understand the specific requirements of their desired institutions and programs. While the path to studying abroad may present its challenges, the rewards are abundant – a chance to broaden horizons, immerse in diverse cultures, and gain a competitive edge in the global job market.
Also Read:
What are the requirements to study abroad?
The requirements for studying abroad can differ based on the country and university of your choice. When applying for an undergraduate degree, you will typically be required to demonstrate completion of secondary education with grades that meet the program's requirements, such as GPA, A-level grades, or their equivalents. If you hold an international qualification and are uncertain about its acceptance, it is advisable to reach out to the admissions department of the university for clarification. They will be able to provide guidance specific to your situation and ensure you have the necessary information to proceed with your application.
Which exam is required for study in USA?
Apart from English language tests, the most popular exams accepted in the USA include ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and Digital SAT scores are required for undergraduate admissions while GMAT/GRE and MCAT are required for graduate-level courses.
Can I Study Abroad for Free?
Acquiring an international degree through studying abroad is a huge investment, as the expenses involved, including admission fees and living costs in a foreign country, have significantly increased over the years. However, there are numerous scholarships available for students seeking the opportunity to study abroad at no cost. These scholarships are fully funded but highly competitive due to the large number of applicants and limited slots available for recipients.
In a fully funded scholarship, there are two types of expenses covered:
- Tuition fee
- Living expenses