Top 8 Exams to Study Abroad [Exam Eligibility & Exam Structure]

Dreaming of studying abroad? Over 1.3 million Indian students are pursuing their education in foreign countries in 2024. Studying abroad opens up a world of academic and cultural opportunities, but before you pack your bags, there’s one crucial step: passing the right exams. These exams are designed to assess your readiness and proficiency for studying in a foreign country. Understanding the requirements and preparing thoroughly can significantly boost your chances of securing a spot at your dream university. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 8 exams to study abroad that can help you set your future on the path to a bright career.

Exams to Study Abroad 

To thoroughly prepare for studying abroad, you need a well-rounded strategy that covers university selection, application procedures, and scholarship opportunities. This is where programs like Internshala’s study abroad program can make a significant difference. You can choose a course from over 400K courses and 4K universities. It not only assists with exam preparation but also guides you through every stage of your study abroad journey, ensuring you’re fully equipped to reach your goals. 

a) Exams for MBA or MS:

Here are the exams you need to qualify for studying abroad.

1. GMAT

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is an exam for those looking to pursue MBA or other business-related graduate programs. It is taken by students and professionals who want to demonstrate their readiness for business school. It is widely accepted in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. The GMAT syllabus comprises four sections, including: 

• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Integrated Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning

i. Exam Eligibility

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the GMAT exam: 

• Educational Background: No specific educational requirements; commonly taken by college graduates or those with equivalent work experience.
• Age Limit: No age restrictions; suitable for individuals from various age groups, including recent graduates and seasoned professionals.
• Language Proficiency: No formal language requirements, but strong English skills are beneficial as the test is conducted in English.
• Test-Taking History: There is no limit on the number of times you can take the GMAT, but you must wait 16 days between attempts. A maximum of five attempts per year and eight-lifetime attempts are allowed.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities or health conditions; request accommodations when scheduling the exam.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued photo ID with a name matching the one used during registration must be presented on test day.

ii.  Exam Structure:

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Minimum Score
5 years	3.5 to 4 hours	Aim for a 700+ GMAT score for top schools, but lower scores can still lead to admission.  *Cut-offs vary by university.

2. GRE

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized entrance exam for abroad studies for those seeking graduate studies, such as a Master’s or MBA program. It is developed and administered by ETS and is used by universities worldwide to assess applicants’ readiness for advanced education. The test is valid internationally and evaluates skills beyond basic academic knowledge. The test is divided into the following sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

i. Exam Eligibility

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the GRE exam:

• Educational Background: No specific requirements; commonly taken by individuals applying for graduate or business school programs.
• Age Limit: No age restrictions; suitable for recent graduates and professionals.
• Language Proficiency: No formal language requirements, but the test is administered in English and requires strong language skills.
• Test-Taking History: No limit on the number of times you can take the GRE, but you must wait 21 days between attempts. A maximum of five attempts per year is allowed.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities; request accommodations during the registration process.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued photo ID must be presented on test day.

ii.  Exam Structure: 

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Minimum Score
5 years	3 hours and 45 minutes	Aim for a 320+ GRE score for top schools but lower scores can still lead to admission. *Cut-offs vary by university

b) Language Exams for Abroad studies:

Here are the language proficiency exams that you need to qualify to study abroad:

3. TOEFL

The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, measures English-language skills for university applicants whose first language is not English. Administered by ETS, this test is accepted by over 11,000 colleges and universities in more than 180 countries, including Canada, Australia, the U.S., the U.K., New Zealand, and across Europe and Asia. The exam consists of the following sections:

• Reading
• Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

i.  Exam Eligibility:

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the TOEFL exam:

• Educational Background: No specific requirements; generally taken by individuals applying to English-speaking universities or for visa purposes.
• Age Limit: No age restrictions; suitable for students and professionals needing to demonstrate English proficiency.
• Language Proficiency: No formal requirements, but the test evaluates English language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Test-Taking History: No limit on the number of times you can take the TOEFL, but you must wait 3 days between attempts.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities; request accommodations when registering for the test.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued photo ID is required on test day.

ii.  Exam Structure:  

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Minimum Score
2 years	About 3 hours	Aim for a 90+ TOEFL score for top schools but lower scores can still lead to admission. *Cut-offs vary by university

4. IELTS

IELTS, which stands for the International English Language Testing System is another exam to study abroad. A globally recognized English proficiency test. It is taken by individuals seeking higher education or migration opportunities in English-speaking countries. Over 4 million people take the IELTS each year, making it the world’s most popular English language exam to qualify for studying abroad. The test is developed and managed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. It is valid in countries worldwide. The IELTS test includes the following sections:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

i. Exam Eligibility 

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam: 

• Educational Background: No specific requirements; suitable for individuals seeking to demonstrate English language proficiency for academic or immigration purposes.
• Age Limit: No age restrictions; commonly taken by individuals planning to study or work abroad.
• Language Proficiency: No formal requirements, but the test assesses English language skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Test-Taking History: There is no limit on the number of times you can take the IELTS.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities; request accommodations when booking the test.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued photo ID is required on test day.

ii.  Exam Structure:

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Minimum Score
2 years	2 hours and 45 minutes	6.5 or higher out of 9

To delve deeper into the differences between TOEFL and IELTS and determine which exam is best suited for your study abroad plans, check out our detailed blog on TOEFL vs IELTS.

5. PTE 

The PTE, or Pearson Test of English, is a language proficiency exam essential for those planning to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, and Canada. It’s a key requirement for admission to many universities and colleges in these countries. The PTE is designed to assess English language proficiency in real-life scenarios, ensuring you can effectively communicate in an academic or professional setting. The test is divided into three main sections: 

• Speaking & Writing
• Reading
• Listening

i. Exam Eligibility 

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the PTE exam:

• Educational Background: No specific educational qualifications are required to take the PTE Academic test. It is open to anyone needing to demonstrate English proficiency for academic or immigration purposes.
• Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 16 to take the PTE Academic test. If under 18, a signed parental consent form may be required.
• Language Proficiency: No formal language proficiency requirements exist, but strong English skills are necessary as the test is conducted in English.
• Test-Taking History: There is no limit on the number of times you can take the PTE Academic test, but there must be a gap of at least five days between attempts.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities or health conditions; request accommodations during the registration process if needed.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued ID, usually a passport, is required on the test day, and the ID must match the name used during registration.

ii.  Exam Structure:

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Score
2 years	2 hours and 15 minutes	Aim for a 60+ PTE score for top schools but lower scores can still lead to admission. *Cut-offs vary by university

Also Read: PTE Exam Pattern

c) Exam for Law:

Here is the exam that you need to qualify to study law abroad:

6. LSAT

Another exam to go abroad is the LSAT or Law School Admission Test. This exam is required for admission to law schools, primarily in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. It is taken by individuals who aspire to pursue a legal education. The LSAT is designed to assess skills essential for law school success, such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension. The LSAT consists of the following sections:

• Logical Reasoning
• Analytical Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing Sample

i. Exam Eligibility 

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the LSAT exam:

• Educational Background: No specific requirements; commonly taken by individuals seeking admission to law school.
• Age Limit: No age restrictions; suitable for anyone planning to enter law school.
• Language Proficiency: No formal language requirements, but proficiency in English is necessary as the test is administered in English.
• Test-Taking History: There is no limit on the number of times you can take the LSAT, but you must wait for a specified period between attempts.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities; request accommodations during the registration process.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued photo ID must be presented on test day.

ii.  Exam Structure: 

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Minimum Score
5 years	3 hours and 30 minutes	Aim for a 160+ LSAT score for top schools but lower scores can still lead to admission. *Cut-offs vary by university

d) Exam for Medicine:

Here is the exam that you need to qualify to study medicine abroad:

7. MCAT

The MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, is a standardized exam for those who want to study medicine. It is primarily taken by students who wish to apply to medical schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. The MCAT assesses a student’s knowledge and critical thinking skills in areas essential for medical education. It is designed to evaluate readiness for medical school by testing various subjects. The MCAT syllabus has four main sections:

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

i. Exam Eligibility 

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the MCAT exam:

• Educational Background: No specific requirements; generally taken by students pursuing medical school.
• Age Limit: No age restrictions; suitable for individuals at various stages of their careers.
• Language Proficiency: No formal language requirements, but a strong command of English is needed as the test is in English.
• Test-taking History: There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must wait 15 days between attempts. Candidates can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year and up to seven times in their lifetime.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities; request accommodations when scheduling.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued photo ID is required on test day

ii.  Exam Structure: 

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Minimum Score
5 years	Approximately 7.5 hours	Aim for a 515 MCAT score for top schools but lower scores can still lead to admission. *Cut-offs vary by university

e) Exam for Undergraduate Admission:

Here is the exam that you need to qualify to pursue any undergraduate course abroad:

8. SAT

The SAT is a standardized exam you need to qualify to study abroad. It’s a computer-based multiple-choice test created and administered by the College Board. Additionally, it helps colleges evaluate a student’s readiness for higher education. International students can also take the SAT, making it a globally recognized assessment. SAT is one of the most common exams that you need to qualify to be admitted to any university in the United States. The test includes the following sections:

• Reading
• Writing and Language
• Math
• Essay

i. Exam Eligibility 

Here is the list of the eligibility criteria for the SAT exam:

• Educational Background: No specific requirements; typically taken by high school students applying for undergraduate programs.
• Age Limit: No age restrictions; suitable for high school students and adult learners.
• Language Proficiency: No formal language requirements, but proficiency in English is necessary as the test is administered in English.
• Test-Taking History: No limit on the number of times you can take the SAT, but registration fees apply for each test.
• Special Accommodations: Available for candidates with disabilities; request accommodations through the College Board.
• Identification Requirements: A valid, government-issued photo ID must be presented on test day.

ii.  Exam Structure: 

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Exam Duration	Minimum Score
5 years	3 hours	Aim for a 1210 + SAT score for top schools but lower scores can still lead to admission. *Cut-offs vary by university

Conclusion 

As you embark on the journey of pursuing education overseas, it’s crucial to understand and prepare for the exams to qualify for studying abroad, ensuring a smooth application process. Each test plays a unique role, assessing different skills essential for thriving in a foreign academic environment. Whether it’s evaluating critical thinking, analytical abilities, or language proficiency, these exams are designed to ensure you’re ready for international studies. By getting familiar with each exam’s structure, eligibility criteria, and requirements, you can prepare effectively and boost your chances of admission to top institutions worldwide. 

You can also explore our guide on the best countries to study abroad to find a dream location for higher studies.

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