Do you want to study abroad? What are the exams you can appear and what all the graduation and post graduation courses you can take?
Nowadays, lots of aspirants choose to study abroad for further studies. In this article, you will clear your confusion regarding the entrance exam you must take.
The admission process for graduation across the globe requires to clear one language exam and one standardized exam. The Language exam is mandatory for the Students. Depending on their chosen country, university, or course, they may be exempted from a standardised exam.
To be qualified to study in these foreign countries, international students applying to foreign universities must pass specific exams.
The SAT, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL are some of the most common and significant international entry tests. These are necessary for enrollment at universities and colleges in numerous nations worldwide. There may occasionally be a requirement for a mix of one or more of these tests or examinations with others unique to that nation and its educational system.
IELTS
IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world. It is the test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. The International English Language Testing System is the full name of IELTS.
The British Council, in collaboration with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English, developed and administered an English language competence test, which is known as the IELTS examination.
IELTS can open doors if you want to study, develop a career, or settle in an English-speaking country. The most well-known and respected English language skill test in the world for higher education and international migration is the IELTS system.
Most academic institutions in Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, Ireland, and New Zealand approve IELTS. Moreover, more than 3000 educational institutions accept IELTS in the United States alone and numerous professional associations throughout the globe.
IELTS Academic test
IELTS Academic is for people who desire to register in colleges and other higher education facilities. Test takers who wish to pursue professional registration or higher education in an English-speaking nation should apply for the Academic version.
IELTS General Training
For people wishing to pursue non-academic training, gain employment experience, or for immigration considerations, IELTS General Training is the appropriate exam to take. Test takers who intend to work, train, enroll in secondary school, immigrate to an English-speaking nation, or any combination should choose the General Training version.
IELTS Modules
There are mainly four modules of the IELTS exam.
- Listening Module
- Reading Module
- Writing Module
- Speaking Module
Time Duration of Modules
- Listening – 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes of transfer time)
- Reading – 60 minutes
- Writing – 60 minutes
- Speaking – 11–14 minutes
The test Score is valid for two years.
TOEFL
TOEFL means Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A standardized test called the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who want to enroll in universities that use English. ETS (Educational Testing Services) is responsible for the TOEFL test, conducting the TOEFL iBT test, and sending each examinee their scorecard.
TOEFL iBT
It is an internet-based test version of the TOEFL exam. This version was developed during the late 1990s,d in 2005, and introduced in the market. The TOEFL iBT is typically utilized in educational institutions where English is the medium of instruction, focusing on a person’s ability to speak and comprehend English.
TOEFL PBT
Test-takers no longer have the option to write the TOEFL PBT test format. The TOEFL exam’s PBT (the paper-delivered exam) is no longer offered as of April 11, 2021. Your test results are valid for two years if you took the PBT before that date.
TOEFL Modules
- Listening Module: 28 to 39 test questions
- Reading Module: 30 to 40 test questions
- Writing Module: 2 tasks
- Speaking Module: 4 tasks
Time Duration
- 3 to 4 hours, Additional 30-minute check-in period
The test Score is valid for two years.
PTE
The full form is the Pearson Test of English or PTE -Academic. Students and aspirants who want to study abroad or immigrate to a major English-speaking nation take the PTE-Academic English test. It is a Computer based English test.
Instead of testing a student’s proficiency in high-level English, the two-hour computer-based PTE Syllabus measures how well the student can comprehend the language as it is daily. The PTE exam’s multi-level grading structure guarantees a better comprehension of the student’s English language skills.
Types of PTE exam
The Pearson Language Tests – a unit of Pearson PLC Group is responsible for conducting three formats of the English proficiency test to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers of the English language.
- PTE Academic Exam
- PTE Academic UKVI
- PTE Home
PTE Modules
- Listening Module
- Reading Module
- Writing Module
- Speaking Module
Time Duration
- Speaking and Writing Module: 54- 67 mins
- Reading Module: 29 – 30 mins
- Listening Module: 30 – 43 mins
The test Score is valid for two years.
GRE
GRE is Graduate Record Examinations. The GRE is owned and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test was established in 1936 by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Further, GRE is one of the largest evaluation processes in the world for graduate admissions to business or law schools. Across the globe, universities give merits to GRE scores.
Apart from being one of the most commonly accepted exams by universities for admission to graduate programs, students looking to pursue MS courses, MBA courses, professional degree programs, or opting for thesis work are required to appear for the GRE General Test or GRE as part of the university admission process.
Types of GRE test
- GRE General Test
- GRE Subject Test
GRE General Test
Applicants who want to attend graduate school must pass the GRE General Test, a standardized exam, to demonstrate their overall academic ability. The GRE General Test is available in three formats:
- GRE Computer-Based Test- Computerized GRE General Test conducted at a testing facility approved by the GRE. Candidates should know that the GRE computer-based test is offered in any nation with Internet and computer technology access. The GRE General Test is most frequently taken in this online format, which is why it is so popular.
- GRE Paper-Based Test- There is no GRE Paper-Based test in India.
- GRE at Home Test- GRE at Home is the GRE General Test that can be taken in the safety of the candidates’ homes. GRE test has been designed to be conducted from Home as long as the candidate can meet the system requirements pre-determined by ETS and have a conducive environment during the entire duration of the GRE at Home Test.
GRE Subject Test
The GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidates’ ability in a particular subject. Moreover, the GRE Subject Test must be part of your GRE test to get admitted to the specialized courses/technical programs.
The GRE Subject test is primarily held three times (in September, October, and April) a year and is a paper-delivered test. GRE Subject Tests only extend to Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.
Time Duration
- GRE General Test- 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- GRE Subject Test- 2 hours and 50 minutes.
The test Score is valid for five years.
SAT
The full form of SAT is the Scholastic Assessment Test, earlier known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The SATs have been developed to evaluate the candidates’ written, verbal and mathematical skills.
The SAT Exam is for those who aspire to pursue undergraduate courses, particularly in the US and Canada.
High school students take the SAT, a standardized test that measures their reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and mathematical prowess. International students wishing to enrol in undergraduate programs overseas must take the SAT entrance exam and submit their results to the universities of their choice.
It has two sections. SAT – reading + writing and mathematics. SAT is scored on a total of 1600 marks.
- Total: 98 Questions
54 questions: Reading & Writing SAT Section
44 questions: Math SAT Section - Duration: 2 Hrs with 14 mins (134 minutes)
- MCQ & SPR type questions
GMAT
GMAT full form is the Graduate Management Admission Test for MBA admissions abroad. Even though the intent of the GMAT test is for MBA admissions, students are not needed to prepare anything about management.
GMAT intends to test verbal and quantitative reasoning along with the candidate’s analytical skills. GMAT evaluates the fundamental verbal and quantitative abilities needed to succeed in B-School coursework.
So there is no worry for students from non-management backgrounds.
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) owns and operates the test and states that the GMAT assesses analytical writing and problem-solving abilities while addressing data sufficiency, logic, and critical reasoning skills that it believes are vital to real-world business and management success.
Modules
It has four sections.
- Analytical Writing
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
Time and questions for each module
- Analytical Writing- 1 Topic- 30 minutes
- Integrated Reasoning- 12 Questions – 30 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning- 31 Questions – 62 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning- 36 Questions – 65 minutes
Questions Related
- Analytical Writing- Analysis of argument (essay)
- Integrated Reasoning- Table analysis, two-part analysis, Multi-source reasoning, Graphic Interpretation
- Quantitative Reasoning- Data Sufficiency, Problem-solving
- Verbal Reasoning- Reading unseen passages, sentence correction, Critical Reasoning.
MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students (Allopathic M.D. and Osteopathic D.O.) in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands.
Moreover, the intent of MCAT is to evaluate one’s capacity for problem-solving, critical thought, written analysis, and scientific knowledge.
Before 2007, the test was administered using paper and pencil; however, starting in 2007, only computer-based exams have been offered.
Modules
It has four modules.
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Time and questions for each module
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems- 59 questions- 95 minutes
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills- 53 questions- 90 minutes
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems- 59 questions- 95 minutes
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior- 59 questions- 95 minutes
LSAT
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) gives prospective law students who want to attend law school the Law School Admission Test or LSAT. LSAT is for admissions into leading law schools in the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Moreover, the LSAT intends to evaluate reading and comprehend verbal and logical reasoning skills.
In the United States, Canada (common law programs only), the University of Melbourne in Australia, and an increasing number of other nations, the test is an essential component of the admissions procedure for law schools.
The exam is conducted six times a year. It happens online and lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Modules
- Reading Comprehension
- Logical Reasoning 1
- Logical Reasoning 2
- Analytical Reasoning
- Variable Section
- Writing Sample
Time and questions for each module
- Reading Comprehension- approx. 26 – 28 questions- 35 minutes
- Logical Reasoning 1-approx. 24 – 28 questions- 35 minutes
- Logical Reasoning 2-approx. 24 – 28 questions- 35 minutes
- Analytical Reasoning- approx. 22 – 24 questions- 35 minutes
- Variable Section- 35 minutes
- Writing Sample- 35 minutes
CAE
The online CAE test (Cambridge English Advanced), now known as C1 Advanced, is one of the Cambridge English Qualifications. The CAE exam aims to act as a bridge test for English language proficiency between the B2 First and C2 Proficiency test levels.
You may prove that you possess the linguistic skills that organizations and educational institutions worldwide are looking for with the help of this exam.
Modules
- Reading and Use of English
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Time and questions for each module
- Reading and Use of English- 56 questions- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Writing- 2 parts- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Listening- 30 questions- about 40 minutes
- Speaking- 4 parts- 15 minutes per pair of candidates
CPE
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English. C2 Proficiency is the highest qualification provided by Cambridge Assessment English and shows that learners have mastered English to an exceptional level.
Moreover, it focuses on Level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
A student who gets the Cambridge C2 certificate of proficiency proves that the student has gained mastery of the English language to a near native level and is eligible to study or work in any type of English language setting. The English level test C2 is one of the English proficiency tests for studying abroad.
Modules
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Time for each module
- Reading – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Listening – 40 minutes
- Speaking- 16 minutes per pair of candidates