According to the statistics of UNESCO, India is the second country in the world that has the maximum number of students going abroad for higher education. As per the data of UNESCO, every year around 3.75 lakhs students from India are enrolled at abroad universities in different parts of the world like the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom,Germany,New Zealand, UAE etc.
The percentage of Indian students going abroad for higher education has increased steadily in the past few years and this number is likely to increase in the years to come. The reasons why Indian students go abroad for higher education are the opportunity for global exposure, quality education, career opportunities and scope. Also, there are many Indian students who prefer studying engineering and medical courses from an abroad institute due to the tough competition they face in their home country to take admission at a renowned institute.
However, taking admission at an abroad institute isnt an easy process. It requires systematic planning that involves choosing the right study abroad destination, shortlisting colleges, selecting the right course, understanding the admission process etc.
Once students are sure about their decision to take admission in a specific country the next most important step is to appear in the required test for admission acceptable for admission in a specific course. There are some international level tests which are course-based while others are language-based to analyse the English language test efficiency of a candidate.
If you are planning to study abroad, then you must know the list of examinations considered for admission at abroad universities for different courses. To help you out, we have complied all details related to study abroad exams here:
List of Entrance Exams to Study Abroad
Course of Study |
Entrance Exam |
Undergraduate Level |
SAT ACT |
Post Graduate Business Management Course ( e.g. MBA, PGDM) |
GMAT or GRE |
Post Graduate Engineering ( e.g. MS, MEng) |
GRE |
Law Courses |
LSAT Global |
Medical Courses |
NEET (UG) |
Apart from the course-specific entrance, the abroad universities also require candidates to demonstrate proficiency in English Language as the medium of instruction for study is English. To analyse the level of proficiency in the English language of an individual, the institutes accept the English language test scorecard. The list of English language test for admissions at abroad institutes is as follows:
-
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
-
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Entrance Exam for Undergraduate Courses to Study Abroad
ACTand SATare the two most important tests considered for admission in undergraduate courses at universities abroad. The test score accepted is decided by an individual abroad institute.Candidates seeking admission at an abroad institution for undergraduate courses must confirm the admission requirements of specific institutions and then appear in the test. The difference between the comparison of ACT and SAT can be found in the link given below:
SAT
Test Name |
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) |
Conducting Body |
College Board |
Mode of Test |
Written-Based |
Medium of Instructions |
English |
Test Sections |
Reading Test Writing and Language Test Math (Essay and Subject Test Scrapped) |
Duration |
|
Score Range |
400-1600 |
Negative Marking |
No |
Available |
|
SAT Test Dates |
March, May, August, September, October and December |
SAT Test Centres |
|
Universities Accepting SAT Test Score |
Check the following Links to know about the SAT 2021 Test:
How to Apply for SAT 2021?
Students who wish to undertake the SAT examination must register with the College Board. The registration fee for SAT examination is $52 + Non-U.S. Regional Fee ($49). Details of SAT 2021 Registration Process can be checked below:
SAT 2021 Latest Updates
The College Board has recently taken a few important decisions related to SAT Test 2021. Most importantly, the SAT Subject Tests and Essay has been discarded. These two sections are discontinued in the United States and the same will be discontinued internationally from May/ June 2021.
Also, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, a number of US universities have decided to drop the SAT requirement for Fall semester 2021.
ACT
Test Name |
American College Testing (ACT) |
Conducting Body |
ACT Inc. |
Mode of Test |
Paper-Based & Computer-Based Mode |
Medium of Instructions |
English |
Test Sections |
|
Duration |
2 Hours 55 Minutes |
Score Range |
1-36 |
Negative Marking |
No |
Available |
|
ACT Test Dates |
Throughout the Year. Upcoming Dates:
|
ACT Test Centres |
|
Universities Accepting ACT Test Score |
Check the following Links to know about the SAT 2021 Test:
How to Apply for ACT 2021?
Students planning to take the ACT examination must register with the ACT Inc. The registration fee for SAT examination is $150.00 (no writing) and $166.50 (with writing). Details of ACT 2021 Registration Process can be checked below:
ACT 2021 Latest Updates
The COVID- 19 pandemic caused many test centres to cancel the test on the scheduled dates. While students whose tests are being cancelled have to face the inconvenience, full refund for the test registration fees is being processed. The test centres are now open and students are requested to take necessary precautions to keep themselves safe from the virus.
Any changes in the test schedule, test centres etc, in the upcoming days will be communicated to the test takers via SMS and emails.
Also, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, a number of US universities have decided to drop the ACT requirement for Fall semester 2021.
Entrance Exam for Postgraduate Courses to Study Abroad
GMAT and GREare the two most important tests considered for admission in postgraduate courses like MS, MBA at universities abroad. Specific university offering postgraduate courses sets its own test requirement to enrol a student for admission. Candidates are thus required to confirm the minimum eligibility criteria before appearing in the test. The difference between the comparison of GRE and GMAT can be found in the link given below:
GRE vs. GMAT: Know Which One is Right Test For You
GMAT
Test Name |
|
Conducting Body |
GMAC |
Mode of Test |
Online |
Medium of Instructions |
English |
Test Sections |
|
Score Range |
200-800 |
Duration |
|
Negative Marking |
No |
Available |
|
GMAT Test Dates |
Throughout the year |
GMAT Test Centres |
|
Universities Accepting GMAT Test Score |
Details of GMAT can be found in the link given below:
How to Apply for GMAT?
The registration for the GMAT examination is open throughout the year. There is no specific date to appear for the examination. The students can choose the date of their choice. However, the students are encouraged to take the examination, at least two to three months before the application deadline of the University. The students can take the GMAT examination once in 16 days, five times in 12 months and eight times in their lifetime. Details of GMAT Registration 2021 can be found in the link given below:
GMAT 2021 Latest Updates
As a response to the COVID-19 many tests including the GMAT are being conducted in entirely online mode to ensure student safety. GMAT Online Exam can be attempted at home or at a place where the candidate is safe. Check everything you need to know about GMAT online exam in the link given below:
GRE
Test Name |
|
Conducting Body |
Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
Mode of Test |
Computer-Based & Paper-Based Mode. The GRE Subject Tests are delivered in a paper-based format only. |
Types of Test |
|
Medium of Instructions |
English |
Test Sections for GRE General |
|
Test Sections for GRE Subject |
|
Duration |
|
GRE General: Score Range |
130 to 170 |
GRE Subject Test: Score Range |
200 to 990 |
Negative Marking |
No |
Available |
|
GRE Test Dates |
Throughout the Year |
GRE Test Centres |
|
Universities Accepting GRE Test Score |
Details of GRE Test can be checked below:
How to Apply for GRE 2021?
The registration for the GRE examination is open throughout the year. There is no specific date to appear for the examination. The students can choose the date of their choice and appear for the test at the registered centres. The students are encouraged to take the examination at least two to three months before the application procedure starts for the University of their choice. Details of GRE Registration 2021 can be found in the link given below:
GRE 2021 Latest Updates
ETS, the conducting body for GRE has announced a temporary provision of the GRE General Test at Home as a response to COVID- 19 pandemic. To take the GRE Test at Home one must adhere to the regulations defined by Government of India and the candidate will be allowed to take GRE at home only if they meet the requirement and are approved by the government. Check details below:
Also Read: Mistakes to Avoid While Taking GMAT and GRE
Study Abroad English Language Test
Along with the course-specific tests, the abroad universities require international students to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by taking the English language test. The international level English language test accepted at the abroad universities include IELTS, TOEFLand PTE.
Know more about these tests here:
TOEFL
Test Name |
Test of English as a Foreign Language, (TOEFL) |
Conducting Body |
CollegeBoard and Educational Testing Services (ETS) |
Types of Test |
TOEFL iBT TOEFL PBT |
Mode of Test |
Online and Offline |
Medium of Instructions |
English |
Test Sections |
Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing |
Duration |
3 hours 30 minutes |
Maximum Marks |
TOEFL iBT: 120 TOEFL PBT |
Negative Marking |
No |
TOEFL Scholarship |
Available |
TOEFL Test Dates |
Throughout the year |
TOEFL Test Centres |
|
Universities Accepting TOEFL Test Score |
Check: TOEFL Exam Acceptance |
Details of TOEFL Test can be checked below:
How to Apply for TOEFL 2021?
Students can register for TOEFL four months in advance before the test date. The test is conducted throughout the year at designated centres in India and abroad. The test date varies and depends on the availability of space at the test centre.Details of TOEFL Registration 2021 can be found in the link given below:
IELTS
Test Name |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
Conducting Body |
British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English |
Types of Test |
|
Mode of Test |
Online |
Medium of Instructions |
English |
Test Sections |
Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing |
IELTS Scoring |
Bandwidth 0 to 9 |
Negative Marking |
No |
IELTS Test Dates |
4 times in a month |
IELTS Test Centres |
IELTS Test Centres in India |
Universities Accepting IELTS Test Score |
IELTS Scorecard Acceptance |
Details of IELTS Test can be checked below:
How to Apply for IELTS 2021?
The students who wish to appear for IELTS must register with the British Council and select the test centre and date of the examination. Once it is selected, the student can pay for the registration. Details of IELTS Registration 2021 can be found in the link given below:
PTE
Test Name |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) |
Conducting Body |
Pearson VUE |
Mode of Test |
Computer-based |
Medium of Instructions |
English |
Test Sections |
Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing |
Duration |
3 hours |
Score Range |
10- 90 for each section |
Negative Marking |
No |
PTE Test Dates |
Throughout the year |
PTE Test Centres |
PTE Test Centres in India |
Universities Accepting PTE Test Score |
College Accepting PTE Test scores |
Details of PTE Test can be checked below:
How to Apply for PTE 2021?
Students who wish to take PTE must create a Pearson account and schedule the examination. The students can undertake the examination throughout the year. However, the students are encouraged to take the test as early as possible and before the application deadline of the University they are applying for. Details of IELTS Registration 2021 can be found in the link given below:
Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com for study abroad admissions related queries.