Do you want to see the world while completing your education? The correct answer is- yes! Who doesn’t want to move to a different country and explore new parts of the world, obtain an international degree, learn more about foreign worlds, and possibly get a job that pays much better than it would pay back home?
Studying abroad is a dream for hundreds of thousands of students in India. Moreover, Indians also make up one of the largest student populations in most countries. You need to attempt certain exams to study abroad. You also need to pass these exams to study abroad and meet your target institution’s minimum requirements. Thus, the education you seek plays a huge role in your foreign application.
Now, you must be wondering - what exams are required to study abroad? In this blog, we have discussed all the exams to study abroad after 12th that you need to know about, and possibly attempt.
Language-Based Examinations
Most foreign countries require you to clear one of the language exams to study abroad after 12th. This exam is a mandatory requirement. It proves that you have mastered the local language of the country you want to move to. Having good control over the language is imperative to settling and adjusting to a foreign country seamlessly. So, what exams are required to study abroad that prove your language skills?
Here are all the important language exams to study abroad after 12th that you should know about.
1. IELTS
IELTS is an acronym for the International English Language Testing System. It is a standardized English language examination that determines your proficiency and competency in the English language. Over 3.5 million non-native speakers take the IELTS exam every year. It is accepted by most English-speaking countries, so even if you’re looking for exams to study abroad after engineering or something like that, you will most likely have to attempt this too. The IELTS has a scoring scale from Band 1 to Band 8. Like most language-based exams to study abroad, it has four components- listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
2. TOEFL
TOEFL, short for Test Of English As A Foreign Language, is another standardized English test that is widely accepted globally. It is also one of the oldest international language exams to study abroad. Since it is also a widely taken language test, if you have decided what stream to pursue and are looking for tests to prepare for, like exams to study abroad after engineering or medicine, you will still have to prepare for TOEFL. Like most language-based exams to study abroad, it has four components- listening, speaking, reading, and writing. TOEFL has a scoring scale from 1 to 120.
3. PTE
PTE stands for the Pearson Test for English. This test is one of the computer-based exams to study abroad which, as the name suggests, measures your proficiency in English. This test too, like the last two, has four components- listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It scored on a scoring range from 10 to 90. Since it is a simple computer-based test, it has gained popularity over the years. So if you look for what exams are required to study abroad, this test is bound to catch your attention.
4. Country-Specific Language Exams
The above-discussed tests are language exams to study abroad in English-speaking countries. For countries like Germany, France, Spain, etc which are also known for their higher education programs, you will need to know the respective languages of these countries. You need to have at least C1 proficiency in their national languages and be able to converse in the language like a natural. Many recognized institutions facilitate language classes recognized by the responsive country. For example, the Max Muller Institute is the most popular and government-recognized institute for German, while Alliance Francais is well known and well recognized for learning French. These tests are important exams to study abroad after engineering, law, medicine, or any other field of your choice.
Standardized Exams To Study Abroad
We have covered the language exams to study abroad after 12th that you should know about. Now, let’s talk about exams to study abroad that test your aptitude and knowledge - both general and stream-specific.
1. SAT
The SAT is one of the most prominent exams to study abroad after 12th. It is taken by prospective college students wishing to study in the US. The SAT has two sections that cover English (reading and writing) and mathematics respectively. It is three hours long. Both segments have 800 points each, so the total comes up to 1600 points.
2. ACT
The ACT is also one of the mandatory exams to study abroad after 12th in the US, along with the ACT. This test, along with English and math like the SAT, has a third section on science. It also has an optional essay option. This test is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 and is almost 3 hours long to attempt. So if you’re looking for exams to study abroad after engineering, the ACT is a better choice than the SAT, due to the science component.
3. GRE
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. If you’ve ever looked for what exams are required to study abroad, you will have come across the GRE. This test assesses an applicant's eligibility for overseas postgraduate courses. It measures your verbal, quantitative, and general analysis reasoning skills. It’s almost 4 hours long. This is a general exam so even if you’re looking for field-specific tests, like exams to study abroad after engineering or economics degrees, you will have to attempt this anyway.
4. GMAT
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Aptitude Test. This exam is the target exam for MBA aspirants who wish to study MBA abroad. This exam has four segments: Analytical writing, quantitative aptitude, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning.
Conclusion
“What exams are required to study abroad?” - the answer is, that there are so many exams out there. Listed in this article are some of the most important and widely taken exams around the world. Every one of the exams to study abroad has a different set of requirements. Some of them have specific eligibility criteria as well, so make sure you are eligible for the exam you choose. Be thorough with your preparation as well! Acing the exam will be of no consequence if you practice and master the exam beforehand. Good luck!
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