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Exams for Studying Abroad – IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT & More

Updated on 18 March, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

You should know all about the entrance exams for studying abroad. Some of these exams for studying abroad include English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS. There are many other standardized entrance examinations for admission to specialized courses. 

 

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a mandate for non-native English speakers seeking admission into several universities throughout Australia, the United Kingdom, the USA, and New Zealand. The score is valid for two years. It is one of the most-favored entrance exams for studying abroad.

TOEFL

TOEFL is one of the best exams for studying abroad that tests of English language proficiency of non-native speakers. This examination is more preferred for getting admission into universities in Canada and the United States. It is not accepted at some colleges in the United Kingdom. The TOEFL scores remain valid till two years after the results are declared. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is widely accepted, including by the top 100 throughout institutes in the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. 

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GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is another popular exam for studying abroad. The GRE is widely used for gaining admission into educational institutions throughout Canada and the USA. It is a standardized examination for assessing candidates’ mathematical, verbal, and analytical skills. It is a requirement for admission to graduate programs, especially for the sciences and engineering in the USA. 

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a must for aspirants of top US and UK universities for management studies. It is also an assessment test vital for getting admission into several business institutions and colleges. The average GMAT scores range between 570 and 580, although a score of 700 is almost compulsory for entering leading business schools. Several new sections have been introduced recently, including Integrated Reasoning, making the GMAT test more competitive than previous years. The GMAT test is held worldwide in diverse locations, and slots should be booked well in advance. 

SAT

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is necessary for gaining entry into a few universities in the US if an applicant has not finished any equivalent examination. It has two main sections: the Reasoning Test, which helps in checking the general writing and grammar abilities of candidates, and the Subject Test, which helps in assessing candidates’ knowledge in any particular subject. The SAT is developed, owned, and held by the United States of America’s College Board. The SAT is held seven times every year in the USA, usually on the first Saturdays of November, October, January, December, March, June, and May. In India, it is conducted five times– March, May, August, October, and December.

LSAT & MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and LSAT (Law School Admission Test) are mandatory for gaining admission into medicine and law institutes, respectively, in the USA. MCAT is an examination with multiple-choice questions tailored to evaluate applicants’ knowledge and overall aptitude in relevant academic disciplines. The Law School Admission Council also conducts LSAT for those students wishing to pursue a legal career in the USA, Canada, and Australia. Competitive entrance examinations are reliable and standardized modes of analyzing the innumerable aspirants who plan to study abroad each year. 

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PTE

The list of exams for studying abroad is incomplete without PTE. Pearson Test of English or the PTE is acceptable at many colleges and universities in the USA and UK. Several British institutes also recognize the Cambridge English C2 Proficiency exam, previously known as CPE and C1 Advanced (previously CAE). The PTE Academic score remains valid for two years from the examination date. 

These are some of the top entrance exams to be given for studying abroad that you should always keep in mind while planning your higher education outside India. 

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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