7 Popular Entrance Exams for Studying Abroad
You have probably heard about some of the top entrance exams for studying at premier institutes of higher learning in India, such as GATE, NEET, JEE, CLAT, etc. Similarly, students who desire to pursue higher education abroad are required to appear in university/course-specific entrance exams like GMAT, GRE, SAT, MCAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
This blog will provide comprehensive information about top entrance exams for studying abroad, including academic standards and language proficiency tests.
Entrance Exams for Studying Abroad
Following are some important and common entrance exams for studying abroad in tabulated form.
| Exam | Type of Exam | Conducting Body | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT | College Entry Level | College Admission Team | 3 Hours |
| ACT | College Entry Level | College Admission Team | 2 Hours 55 minutes (without writing) 3 Hours 55 minutes (with writing) |
| GMAT | Graduate Level Entry Test | GMAC | 2 Hours 15 minutes |
| GRE | Graduate Level Entry Test | ETS | 1 Hour 58 minutes |
| TOEFL | Language Proficiency Exam | ETS | 2 Hours |
| IELTS | Language Proficiency Exam | IDP Education, British Council and Cambridge Assessment English | 2 Hours 45 minutes |
| PTE | Language Proficiency Exam | Pearson PLC Group | 2 Hours |
Undergraduate Level
The top overseas education entrance exams for the undergraduate level (B.Sc, BA, etc.) are described below. SAT and ACT are college/university-specific entrance exams for studying abroad in countries like the USA and Canada. These exams are conducted to impart admission to engineering, management, science, arts, mathematics, and humanities courses.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) – Table
- The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a globally recognised college admission test.
- The test evaluates the applicant’s candidature to get them enrolled in undergraduate courses in the USA and Canada.
- SAT is conducted by the college admission board. It evaluates the following skills of the international applicant:
- Mathematical Skills
- Writing Skills
- Reading Skills
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Analytical Skills
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 Years |
| Test Format | Computer Based and Paper Based |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Score Scale | 400-1600 |
| Exam Structure | Evidence-based writing Mathematics and Quantitative Analysis |
| Cost | USD 111 or INR 9,300 |
American College Testing
- American College Testing (ACT) is another globally recognised US college admission test that mainly emphasises geometry and science sections.
- ACT is an alternative to the SAT exam.
- It evaluates the following skills:
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Scientific Reasoning
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Time management
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 Years |
| Test Format | Computer Based and Paper Based |
| Duration | 2 Hours 55 Minutes (without writing) 3 Hours 55 Minutes (with writing) |
| Total Score Scale | 1-36 |
| Exam Structure | English Math Reading Science Optional Writing (Essay) |
| Cost | ACT (with writing)- USD 94 or INR 7800 ACT (without writing)- USD 69 or INR 5700 |
Postgraduate Level
For master’s courses in business and management, engineering, computer science, natural and applied sciences, etc., applicants must appear in one of the entry-level tests to showcase their academic and personality readiness for the desired program.
Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
GMAC, or the Graduate Management Admission Council, conducts the GMAT exam. It aims to evaluate the analytical, quantitative, and critical thinking skills of business and management course aspirants, such as MBA and MiM. Here is a basic overview of the GMAT exam.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 Years |
| Test Format | Computer Based Test |
| Duration | 2 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Total Score Scale | 205-805 |
| Exam Structure | Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Data Insights |
| Cost | USD 300 or INR 25,000 (online) USD 275 or 23,000 (at a test centre) |
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It assesses the skills and knowledge of those candidates who want to pursue postgraduate studies (MS, M.Sc., Master’s, PhD, etc.) in science, engineering, management, and law. This test evaluates the following skills in an individual:
- Critical Thinking
- Analytical Skills
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Writing Skills
Here is the basic overview of the GRE.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 Years |
| Test Format | Computer Based Test |
| Duration | 1 Hour 58 Minutes |
| Total Score Scale | 340 |
| Exam Structure | Analytical Writing (1 Section) Verbal Reasoning (2 sections) Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections) |
| Cost | USD 268 or INR 22,550 (General Test) USD 172 or INR 14,500 (Subject Test) |
Language Proficiency Tests for Studying Abroad
The language proficiency tests are conducted to evaluate the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. These tests assess the following skills:
- Reading comprehension
- Understanding the English language
- Ability to write in the English language
- Ability to interact with native English speakers
Some of the common language proficiency tests are discussed below.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardised exam conducted by ETS that assesses the English language proficiency of individuals whose first language is not English. It is intended for those looking to pursue studies or work in environments where competency in English is required. Over 13,000 universities accept the TOEFL in more than 160 countries, including the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 Years |
| Duration | Approx. 2 Hours |
| Mode of Delivery | Internet-based test |
| Editions | TOEFL iBT Test TOEFL iBT (Home Edition) |
| Sections | Reading Writing Speaking Listening |
| Total Score | Between 0-120 (Total Score) Between 0-30 (Per Section) |
| Cost | USD 201 (INR 16,900) |
IELTS Academic
Similar to TOEFL, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) also evaluates the English language proficiency of university candidates whose native language is not English.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 Years |
| Duration | 2 Hours 45 Minutes |
| Mode of Delivery | Internet and paper-based test |
| Sections | Reading Writing Speaking Listening |
| Total Score | Between 1-9 |
| Cost | USD 202 (INR 17,000) |
PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English, or PTE, also measures students’ English language proficiency. It has gained worldwide popularity because it is accepted in more than 3,000 institutes.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 Years |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Mode of Delivery | Computer-based test |
| Sections | Reading Writing Speaking Listening |
| Total Score | Between 10-90 |
| Cost | USD 202 (INR 17,000) |
Importance of Entrance Exams for Studying Abroad
Entrance exams are a critical part of the university admission process because of the following reasons:
Assessment of Academic Eligibility: Entrance exams in overseas countries evaluate applicants’ academic eligibility and competency to pursue different types of courses, such as engineering, management, medicine, arts, and science, especially when they come from diverse education systems across the globe.
Assessment of Language Competency: Some entrance tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, TestDaF, DSH, etc., check the proficiency of non-native English language speakers. They make sure that students can communicate and understand the language of instruction, such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.
Scholarship Opportunities: The entrance exam can also serve as an assessment tool for universities to evaluate candidates’ eligibility for merit-based scholarships.
Conclusion
Entrance exams are important for several reasons, primarily as a standardised method to assess applicants’ academic readiness and skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. These exams aid institutions in selective admissions, allowing them to manage application volumes while maintaining high academic standards and enhancing their reputation.
A good score in the entrance exams also fulfils the eligibility criteria for scholarships and financial aid in several universities.
FAQs
Which entrance exam is the best for studying abroad?
Depending on the level of their chosen course and degree program, candidates may need to take entrance exams to study abroad. For undergraduate programs, candidates can take the ACT or SAT exams. For postgraduate courses such as engineering, science, or business management, GRE and GMAT scores are sometimes required.
What is the difference between the GRE and the GMAT?
The GRE and GMAT are standardised tests for graduate school admissions. The GRE is accepted for master’s in science and engineering programs, and graduate business schools primarily use the GMAT for business-related programs.
Is IELTS better than TOEFL?
Both tests evaluate the English language proficiency of candidates seeking to pursue higher education abroad. Students can choose to take either exam based on their preference and university requirements.
What is a good IELTS score?
On average, an IELTS band score of around 6.5–8.0 is considered a satisfactory score to fulfil the language proficiency criteria.
Do 12th marks matter for studying abroad?
If you want to pursue undergraduate studies in leading countries like the USA, UK, and Canada, then 12th-grade grades matter because they form the basis of academic assessment and subject knowledge.
