Studying abroad is a desire for many students, but are SAT and IELTS the only exams that help one study abroad? No. In this article, we are going to give you a curated list of all the exams to study abroad. Whether you’re looking to pursue your undergraduate degree or master’s, here is a list of the examinations and why they are required and for which level of education:
Exams to Study Undergraduate Courses Abroad
For people looking to pursue their undergraduate course abroad, these are the list of examinations they will need to take:
Language Exams to Study Abroad
International aspirants who speak a non-native language need to give Language exams so that their proficiency in medium of teaching can be tested. Hence, language exams are the most important exams to study abroad. The most common and widely accepted language exams by universities for undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma programs are as follows:
- IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most preferred and widely accepted language exam to study abroad, especially in the universities of UK, Australia and New Zealand. IELTS scores are valid for 2years.
- TOFEL: Test of English as a foreign language or TOFEL is a language proficiency test. Universities of countries like the US and Canada accept TOEFL on a popular scale but is not widely accepted by the universities of UK. The scores are valid for up to 2 years after the results are declared. Also read: Study in Canada – The Complete Guide
- PTE: Pearson Test of English academic or PTE is accepted only by a few colleges in the US but most colleges in the UK accept PTE scores. Hence, it is mostly preferred by the British council. These scores are also valid for up to 2 years after declaration.
| Test | Maximum Score | Average Score to study abroad | Validity of scores |
| IELTS | 9 | 6.5 | 2 years |
| TOEFL | 120 | 82 | 2 years |
| PTE | 90 | 60 | 2 years |
Standardised Test Exams to Study Abroad
Other than language tests, there are standardized tests which are accepted by universities across the globe, to test the knowledge and basic aptitude of the students, which include:
- SAT: Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is most popularly accepted colleges in the US and Canada, is made to test your skills in writing, critical reading and mathematics. This test is also accepted by UK and Australia. Depending upon specific courses, students can choose to give SAT in those specific subjects hence giving their application eligibility a green signal. Only students between the age of 17 and 19 are allowed to appear for SAT without a limit. SAT scores are valid for a period of 5 years.
- ACT: American college testing widely accepted only the US and Canada. ACTs are for high school students and there is no particular eligibility criterion to appear for the examination. ACT scores are valid for a period of 5 years after the declaration of results. ACT exams evaluate the students on the basis of written, mathematical, verbal and scientific skills.
| Test | Maximum Score | Average Score to study abroad | Validity of scores |
| SAT | 1600 | 1000 | 5 years |
| ACT | 36 | 21 | 3 years |
Exams to Study Graduate courses abroad
For students who are looking to pursue masters, here’s a curated list of exams required:
Language Exams to Study Abroad
While language exams remain the same for any level of education abroad, make sure you’re well prepared.
Standardised Exams to Study Abroad
Moreover, standardized tests that are accepted to study abroad are as follows:
GRE: The most popular and widely accepted test across the globe for masters is GRE. More than 1200 business schools accept Graduate Record examinations or GRE for MBA and multiple universities worldwide for masters. GRE general test scores can land one a scholarship based on merit. GRE tests are of two kinds, GRE general test and GRE subject test. For students looking to pursue their masters in specific courses must take the GRE subject test. One must be a graduate to be able to apply for GRE. GRE is valid for a period of 5 years.
Also read: Tips for GRE and GMAT Preparation
Exams to study MBA Abroad
For students who are looking to apply for an MBA, the following is the list of exams required to be eligible to pursue an MBA abroad:
Language exams to study abroad
These remain the same as for the Undergraduate and MS courses.
Standard exams to study in abroad
- GRE: The details remain the same as for MS but the only difference is that the applicants need to give the GRE general test and not subject test.
- GMAT: the graduate admission management test or GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test that tests the candidates on analytical writing, quantitative, verbal and reading skills. This exam helps applicants to get admission into a graduate management program, such as MBA and Masters in Finance related courses in top business schools across the globe. GMAT is also valid for a period of 5 years after the declaration of results.
Also read: MBA Entrance Exam Abroad
| Test | Maximum Score | Average Score to study abroad | Validity of scores |
| GRE | 340 | 280 | 5 years |
| GMAT | 800 | 550 | 5 years |
Exams for Diploma and Certificate courses
For students who want to apply for diploma and certificate courses need not give any standard assessment. Hence, they only need to give language exams for proficiency.
Exams to study Law Abroad
Students who want to pursue Law need to give LSAT or Law School Admission Test. They test these skills in the exam: Reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, logical reasoning and writing. LSAT Scores are valid till 5 years.
Exams for MBBS
MCAT or Medical college admission test is an entrance exam to study MBBS abroad. Countries that widely accept MCAT entrance exam scores are US, Canada and Australia. These MCAT scores are applicable till 3 years.
Above was the list of exams to study abroad. All the best for all those are planning to apply in universities abroad. Prepare well and look forward to widening your perspective and knowledge in the subject of your choice by moving abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which test should I take if I want to study overseas for free?
Ans. TOEFL is among the most common English language examinations for study abroad scholarship programs, administered by English Testing Services.
Q2. Can I study overseas without taking any exams?
Ans. Yes, you may study overseas without having to take the IELTS or TOEFL. Most institutions regard IELTS and TOEFL to be the most important requirements for international admissions.
Q3. Which test is necessary to study in the United States?
Ans. Standardized examinations for college admissions often include the following tests:
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
- American College Testing (ACT)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Q4. Who is exempt from the IELTS exam?
Ans. Some colleges waive English language competence assessments for candidates who have resided or studied in a country where English is the major medium of instruction for the previous four years. Students with good communication skills are excluded from presenting IELTS results as well.
Q5. What is the minimum age for studying abroad?
Ans. To study overseas alone for an extended period of time, you must be at least 13 years old. The average age restriction for high school exchange programs is 15. To study overseas at universities and colleges, you must have completed high school and be at least 18 years old. However, age restrictions differ per nation.
Need help? Get in touch with ForeignAdmits and get your profile evaluated, now! At ForeignAdmits, we understand how important this decision is. We are here to help you every step of the way, from finding the right school to getting admitted and securing scholarships.