List of Entrance Exams to Study Abroad in 2024

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity to learn new-age courses, Indian students usually opt to study abroad because the education system abroad is more advanced and the availability of new courses and degrees is easier. Earning an international degree not only enhances your career prospects but also provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can greatly contribute to your future success. Studying overseas assists in learning a language and living a language, and the chance to immerse oneself in a different culture. By embarking on this path, individuals can look out for jobs at an early stage, obtain a global outlook, and gain exposure on an international scale. To secure admission and achieve a degree abroad, it is essential to appear for a study abroad entrance examination that aligns with one’s academic goals.

Choose the right Entrance Exam to Study Abroad in 2023

When considering studying abroad, it is crucial to carefully select the appropriate entrance exams that align with your career goals. The selection process is heavily influenced by your academic plans, the specific course or degree you wish to pursue overseas, as well as the destination country. Opting for the right study abroad entrance exam is a critical decision that acts as a gateway to realizing your educational aspirations. These entrance tests serve as a fundamental requirement for pursuing a degree abroad and excelling in them can potentially open doors to scholarships and various forms of financial assistance, which hold significant value for the majority of applicants. On the other side, an essential exam that any aspiring student planning to study abroad must take is the Language test. This exam evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in English speaking, writing, and listening skills. These exams are conducted to ensure that Indian students meet the minimum requirements necessary for studying abroad at foreign universities.

Difference between the Entrance Test and Language Test for studying abroad

To pursue studies abroad, individuals are required to take an entrance test corresponding to their desired degree or area of focus at the foreign university. Subsequently, they also need to fulfill an English language proficiency requirement, commonly known as a language test. For example, candidates who are taking the GRE and GMAT exams are also required to take the TOEFL or IELTS tests to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.

Key Points	Standardized Entrance Test	Language Test
Exams Covered	GRE, GMAT, SAT, MCAT, LSAT	TOEFL, IELTS
Exam Overview	This exam one needs to qualify to apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate program in varied fields of study.	This is a mandatory exam for Indian and other non-native English speakers, especially in the Commonwealth countries, for entry into most reputed universities and colleges overseas, and occasionally for immigration requirements as well.
Exam Objective	To assess the required knowledge in a specific subject that a candidate intends to pursue at a foreign university.	To evaluate the proficiency of an aspirant in English speaking, writing, and listening skills.
Eligibility	Aspirants must be 18 years of age, 12th Pass, Graduate & Post Graduate.	Aspirants must be 18 years of age, with any educational background.
Countries Applicable	UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand	UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

Quick Thought: Do I need to give only one exam or both General Exam and Language test?

Answer: The examination requirements for pursuing studies abroad can differ based on the particular country, university, and program you are applying to. In most of the cases, it is necessary to take both a general exam, to assess your overall aptitude, as well as a language test like TOEFL or IELTS to evaluate your English language proficiency. Nonetheless, it is crucial to thoroughly research and carefully review the specific requirements of the institutions and programs that interest you in order to determine the exams you need to undertake.

Eligibility Criteria for Entrance Exam to Study Abroad

Any individual aged 18 or above (or between 13 and 17 years with written approval or consent from legal guardians or parents) who intends to apply for graduate or post-graduate programs abroad can participate in the entrance exams. Apart from the age requirement, there are no specific eligibility criteria established for any of the entrance exams.

Quick Thought: Can a school student in class 12th grade or a final year college student can apply for entrance exam?

Answer:Yes, The majority of the applicants are either students or professionals while many are final-year students. However, one can take the entrance exam even if it does not fall under any of these categories.

List of Popular Entrance Exams to Study Abroad

When preparing to pursue education abroad, it is essential to undergo a two-step examination process consisting of a language test and a standardized test. Nevertheless, the requirements may vary depending on the country, course, college, or university you are aiming for. The examinations required to study abroad encompass a variety of assessments, ranging from standardized tests to language proficiency evaluations. Please refer to the table below, which highlights the prominent entrance exams for different levels of programs and courses.

Program Level	Standardized Test	English Language Test
Undergraduate Programs	Digital SAT, ACT	TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK
Post Graduation Programs (MBA/MS/PhD)	GMAT, GRE	TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK
Medical Programs	MCAT, BMAT, UCAT	TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK
Law Programs	LSAT, LNAT	TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK
Engineering Programs	Digital SAT, ACT	TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK
Language Programs	TOEFL, IELTS	TOEFL for US, Canada IELTS or PTE for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand CELPIP for Canada CAE or CPE for the UK

Entrance Exam to Study Abroad after 10th Grade

It is generally advisable to pursue higher education abroad after completing your secondary education. However, in the case where students thinking of studying abroad after completing their 10th grade can go only to Singapore. This is because many colleges and universities abroad often have a general admission requirement stating that students must be at least 18 years old, and it is preferable for a guardian to accompany the student to provide care and support.

Entrance Exam to Study Abroad after 12th Grade

For students who possess a clear vision and ambition to pursue higher education abroad immediately after completing their 12th grade, it is essential to commence exam preparation for standardized tests such as the Digital SAT, ACT, LSAT, IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE right from the beginning. These exams serve as stepping stones towards gaining admission into their desired courses at prestigious universities worldwide. However, it is important to note that the acceptance of specific exams is contingent upon the program or course, as well as the policies of individual universities and colleges, and, of course, the country of study.

Entrance Exam to Study Abroad with Scholarship

Some entrance tests serve a dual purpose beyond mere entrance exams for foreign institutions. They also hold significant value as major scholarship exams for students aspiring to study abroad. GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL are among the widely recognized study-abroad exams that hold significant importance. Exceptional performance in these exams can greatly enhance students’ chances of securing financial assistance, such as scholarships. Many universities specifically evaluate applicants based on their performance in these exams and automatically consider them for scholarships. The scholarship amounts provided may vary depending on the university and country. Scholarships can cover either full or partial tuition fees, making it more affordable for academically accomplished students who aspire to pursue their education abroad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, embarking on a journey to study abroad opens up a world of opportunities for individuals seeking global education and career prospects. From standardized tests like GRE, Digital SAT, ACT, MCAT, BMAT, UCAT, LSAT, LNAT, and GMAT that assess overall aptitude to language proficiency exams such as TOEFL and IELTS, each exam plays a vital role in the study abroad admission process. It is crucial for aspiring students to carefully research and understand the specific requirements of their desired institutions and programs. While the path to studying abroad may present its challenges, the rewards are abundant – a chance to broaden horizons, immerse in diverse cultures, and gain a competitive edge in the global job market.

FAQs

Which entrance exam should I give to Study Abroad?

Students applying to foreign universities will have to take certain exams (Standardised Entrance Exams + Language) in order to be eligible to study in a foreign land. The standardized entrance exams for international universities differ for each course, with variations based on the field of study and academic level. The required exams for different courses vary. Depending on your chosen courses, you will only need to take a single standardized entrance exam for pursuing education abroad along with a language test which has now become mandatory.

What are the requirements to study abroad?

The requirements for studying abroad can differ based on the country and university of your choice. When applying for an undergraduate degree, you will typically be required to demonstrate completion of secondary education with grades that meet the program’s requirements, such as GPA, A-level grades, or their equivalents. If you hold an international qualification and are uncertain about its acceptance, it is advisable to reach out to the admissions department of the university for clarification. They will be able to provide guidance specific to your situation and ensure you have the necessary information to proceed with your application.

Which exam is required for study in USA?

Apart from English language tests, the most popular exams accepted in the USA include ACT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, and Digital SAT scores are required for undergraduate admissions while GMAT/GRE and MCAT are required for graduate-level courses.

Can I Study Abroad for Free?

Acquiring an international degree through studying abroad is a huge investment, as the expenses involved, including admission fees and living costs in a foreign country, have significantly increased over the years. However, there are numerous scholarships available for students seeking the opportunity to study abroad at no cost. These scholarships are fully funded but highly competitive due to the large number of applicants and limited slots available for recipients.

In a fully funded scholarship, there are two types of expenses covered:

1. Tuition fee
2. Living expenses