5 Exams Every International Student Should Know About

Wish to migrate to your dream country? Whether you wish to pursue higher education, work or get a permanent residence, you will be required to qualify in an exam.

Today there are several exams which are the minimum qualification for applying for a program abroad. Apart from the passport and other immigration procedures, a student has to prepare for various mandatory exams to migrate to different countries. However, different countries demand different requirements. Also, your exam score and band decides if you are potential and capable to be the citizen of that country.  

Here in this blog, we will discuss 5 major exams that every aspirant of international education should attain. You might have heard of IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GMAT or many other tests. Let’s check out the 5 prominent exams that you should be aware about.  

1.Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is a standardized test that evaluates a candidate’s English language skills. TOEFL tests are conducted to determine your language skills to study in an English-speaking country. This language test is for non-native English speakers used as an entrance exam at universities. The test is compulsory for those who apply for a course in a foreign university which have English as its mode of instruction. 

In the English speaking world, TOEFL is a reputed exam. TOEFL scores are accepted in universities spread across 150 countries including the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and in Canada. TOEFL is not a requisite for your country student visa but is a requirement in your university admission process. Check out the major features of TOEFL.

• The test is valid for 2 years.
• Test locations are available over 4,500 worldwide.
• The scoring scale is from 0 to 120
• No official prerequisite is required to attend the exam.
• The test is held in two formats: TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) and TOEFL Paper-delivered test.
• The test evaluates the aspirant’s Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills.

2.International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

IELTS is an English language exam required to be taken if you wish to study, work or get residence in a country where English is the major language of communication. IELTS is accepted as evidence of English language proficiency for study, employment and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

The purpose of the IELTS test is to assess whether the candidate will be able to catch up and live in an English-speaking environment. IELTS is written by many aspirants today, scoring enough bands to migrate to their dream country. Unlike TOEFL, the IELTS test is not confined to academic purposes but also for work and residence. Before you start your IELTS preparation, check out the major features of the test. 

• IELTS are valid only for 2 years. 
• The IELTS exam has four parts including Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. 
• The IELTS exam is conducted by IDP Education Australia, British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
• It is accepted in more than 3000 institutions in the US and thousands of institutions in English speaking countries.
• There are two types of IELTS exams such as IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic Training. 

3.Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The GMAT test is for aspirants who wish to get admission into a graduate management program, in universities across the world. The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test. This test evaluates the candidates’ analytical writing, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in English. GMAT Test is the most widely accepted and popular exam for MBA admissions worldwide.

The GMAT exam intends to assess analytical writing, problem-solving abilities, critical reasoning skills that are important in real-world business and management success. The test scores of GMAT are accepted across 6,000 management schools worldwide and are available in about 114 countries. 

• GMAT score has a validity of 5 years.
• The GMAT test is conducted by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
• The mode of exam is a computer-based adaptive test.
• The GMAT exam comprises four sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. 
• The GMAT test duration is three and a half hours with a maximum score of 800 points.
• Students are also not allowed to appear for their GMAT exam more than 5 times in 12 months.

4.Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is a standardised entrance exam. This test is required to be taken by students seeking admission to undergraduate schools. Applicants who aspire to pursue undergraduate courses, in the US and Canada, are required to take the SAT exam. The SAT paper evaluates your skills on Maths and Reading and Writing. If you are aiming to be a part of the university especially in the United States, then you must focus on the SAT. The major features of the SAT exam are

• There is no limit as to the number of attempts in a year. 
• The SAT is conducted across 175 countries. 
• The score is valid for 5 years. 
• SAT offers subjects in areas like Literature, History, Mathematics, Sciences and Foreign Languages. 
• The SAT exam is accepted by the US, Canada, the UK and Australia
• The mode of exam is a written-based examination.
• There are no specific eligibility criteria to attend SAT.
• The SAT paper evaluates your skills on Maths, Reading and Writing.

5.Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree, specialised in business or doctoral degree, take the GRE revised General Test. GRE is conducted in more than 160 countries and can be taken more than once in a year. A large number of students opt for this test as the majority of universities across the world accept GRE scores. GRE measures candidates’ qualifications irrespective of educational and cultural backgrounds. The GRE General Test is accepted at schools, including business and law. Here are the points you should remember before taking up this exam.

• There are two types of GRE tests. They are the GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test.
• This test is generally accepted for MBA courses outside India and MS courses in the USA.
• This test is conducted by ETS (Educational Testing Service).
• The test evaluates Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.
• Anyone can register for this exam, irrespective of age or qualifications.

As you read, there are several tests available to migrate to your dream country. However, choosing one depends on your convenience. No one is easier than the other. But you must work hard to improve your skills whichever test you choose. Check out which one suits you, the cost, syllabus, exam pattern, result publishing and every detail before you register for an exam. Also, do not forget to look over the countries accepting these tests. Get started today. Don’t wait to fly to your destination. 

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