Each year, thousands of students leave their home countries to seek higher education overseas. There are now many more options for students who want to pursue an education overseas, and as a result, some requirements must be met in order to be admitted to a top university or institution abroad. Students must perform well on the aptitude and language proficiency exams to be eligible.
Students can also get scholarships and other types of financial help for continuing their studies by taking competitive “study abroad” tests. To be considered for admission, candidates must submit scores from exams like the GRE, GMAT, SAT, and IELTS in a number of nations. Let’s examine and comprehend the test preparation for the SAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL in order to assist you fully comprehend the details of these examinations.
Types of tests for international studies
Exams required for admission to higher education programs overseas often fall into one of two categories: aptitude tests or tests of language skills. To provide you more information on the required tests you must take in order to apply for study abroad, the following sections include a full explanation of each one:
Language proficiency exams:
Most institutions use language competency tests to assess applicants’ ability to understand a foreign language, often English. The language used in the country in which you choose to study might have an impact on the language competency test. Because English is the medium of instruction at the best colleges, English proficiency exams like the IELTS and TOEFL are the most often used.
- IELTS
The test is still valid for roughly 24 months after the findings are announced. Therefore, if you were to take the test on June 1, 2023, you may utilize the results for both visa applications and other purposes up to May 31, 2025. The majority of student visas, however, require that you have a score that will be good while you are traveling, so keep that in mind. So, if you’re considering taking the IELTS and need academic direction, consider getting IELTS tutoring to guide you through the curriculum modules.
One of the most well-liked tests for language competency is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A person’s competency in reading, writing, and speaking English is evaluated using the widely used standardised English proficiency test. The British Council and IDP have created a banding system for IELTS evaluation. Most nations want a band of 6 to 6.5 for student visas, while esteemed colleges may demand a band of 7 or above to admit students.
- TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, is a well-known assessment of language proficiency. The exam is commonly accepted in the US, however it may not be required for admission in several European countries, Canada, or Australia. The TOEFL assesses candidates’ skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English, much like the IELTS test does. Universities often set the bar by requiring an 80 or 90 minimum on a 120 point scale.
The TOEFL score is valid for two years from the date of application, similar to IELTS. Since TOEFL exams are frequently challenging, you might want assistance. So, at your leisure, you may choose between offline or online TOEFL instruction to help you better prepare for the examinations.
You should also be aware that you might need to take extra language competence exams. For instance, if a student wants to study in Germany and wants to enroll in a German course, they may need to take the appropriate German language exam. The majority of European countries, however, now offer English-taught courses, thus they accept the IELTS for admission and the issuance of student visas.
Aptitude Tests
The main goal of aptitude tests is to gauge a candidate’s level of mental preparedness for the selected field. The Scholastic Assessment Test, or SAT, is utilized for undergraduate admissions while the Graduate Record Exams (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are also necessary for admission to postgraduate programs at international institutions.
- SAT
At US and Canadian universities, taking the Scholastic Assessment Test is a requirement for admission to undergraduate programs. SAT scores are preferred by many top colleges abroad even if universities in the United Kingdom do not require them.
Three components make up the test: a basic aptitude test, math, and evidence-based reading and writing. The SAT now includes an essay section as well. Occasionally, though, foreign colleges do not take the essay portion’s score into account. For admission to the top colleges, a minimum SAT score of 1200 out of a possible 1600 points is needed. Therefore, before taking the SAT exams, make sure you have adequate test preparation.
- GRE
One of the most common aptitude exams is called the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). It is a graduate-level qualifying examination, and many institutions utilize the results to determine who gets into certain courses. This computerized multiple-choice exam is acceptable for enrollment in courses in business, engineering, and even social science.
- GMAT
One of the most popular aptitude exams in the world, the Graduate Management Admission Test is approved for admission by many international universities. For enrollment in all management-related courses, the best institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and other countries accept the recommended score. Similar to the CAT in India, the GMAT is a computerized online aptitude exam that assesses candidates’ analytical writing, verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, and mathematical reasoning abilities. Many reputable B-schools overseas have a minimum GMAT score requirement of roughly 650 out of a possible 800 points.
Other specialized tests, including as the USMLE, LSAT, and others, are necessary for entrance to certain professional examinations in addition to the GRE and GMAT. Additionally, several nations have distinct aptitude tests that are administered in the national tongue for admittance to different professional degrees.