International entrance exams to study abroad

What’s included in this article?

• Popular international entrance exams to study abroad
• TOEFL
• IELTS
• GRE
• GMAT
• SAT
• MCAT
• LSAT
• PTE
• DET
• C1 Advanced
• FAQs on international entrance exams to study abroad

A passport to your dreams

Thousands of aspirants migrate to various parts of the world every year to complete their higher studies. Whilst the global study abroad scene has opened up tremendously to accommodate students of all academic backgrounds and interests, there are still certain pre-set academic standards that need to be met. A basic requirement is that you need to clear competitive exams to study abroad. Good performances in competitive ‘study abroad’ exams also help you to win scholarships and other forms of financial aid, which would be a big deal for a majority of the applicants.

If you are relying on consultancies to guide you in your study abroad journey, make sure you pick the right one.

Popular international entrance exams to study abroad

Some of the most popular, and most important international entrance exams for abroad studies include the GRE, GMAT, SAT, MCAT and LSAT. While there are subject-specific exams, most of these tests are required for admission to universities and colleges in various countries across the globe. Some are specific to some subject areas, like the LSAT for Law courses. At times, countries and education systems set specific requirements and students will have to clear a combination of one or more of these and other tests/examinations to be considered for admissions. 

Speak to our counsellors who have first-hand information about the requirements and are the best people to help you in your study-abroad journey.

Apart from these competitive exams, most European countries require students to prove their English language skills. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE etc are some of the popular proficiency tests used to test your English skills.

English language tests to study abroad

TOEFL and IELTS

TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language and the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System probably top the list considering the sheer number of students across the world needing to undertake one or the other to demonstrate English language proficiency. Knowing English is necessary because it is the medium of instruction in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia etc.

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

The widest possible selection of universities and colleges accept TOEFL scores, including the top 100 in the UK, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. TOEFL is held throughout the year. You also have the option to take the TOEFL iBT exam from home.

2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The IELTS is the popular and accepted language test 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 purposes as well.

Take our Free IELTS Practice Test to hone your skills for the test day. 

You can book your slot at any recognised IDP test centre to take up IELTS. Alternatively, you can also go for the IELTS Online test, which can be taken from the comfort of your home or anywhere with a stable internet connection.

International Competitive Entrance Exams to study abroad

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the popular examinations among Indian students aspiring to study in institutions in Canada or the USA. Though the format has undergone quite a few changes over the years, GRE is a standardized test that measures the verbal, mathematical and general analytical skills of the candidate. It is an admission requirement for many graduate courses, especially in engineering and the sciences, in the USA. The test is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS) based in the USA. The computer-based version of the test is available in India.

Learn more about the GRE test.

4. Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Management aspirants need to take the GMAT, which is an admissions assessment for business colleges. Average GMAT scores are in the range of 570-580; however, a higher score will be required for admissions to top schools. The sections such as Integrated Reasoning makes the GMAT test more competitive than before.

Remember that GRE and GMAT tests are different. They are available throughout the world in more than 500 locations, though you will have to book your slot in advance.

Learn more about the GMAT exam.

5. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Another competitive exam for studying abroad is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) test, which is required for entry into some universities in the USA. The test is developed and administered by the College Board, a private, not-for-profit organisation.

The SAT exam is of two types - the Reasoning Test to check the general writing skills and grammar and the Subject Test to check a candidate's knowledge in the chosen subject. The SAT is owned, developed and conducted by the College Board of the United States of America.

Within the USA, the SAT is offered seven times a year, generally in August, October, November, December, March, May and June.  Most other countries follow the same dates.

Explore the SAT website for more information on this test and test dates.

MCAT and LSAT

6. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Other competitive study abroad examinations include the Medical College Admission Test or the MCAT and the Law School Admission Test or the LSAT. These tests are mandatory for getting into medicine and law courses respectively, especially in the USA.

The MCAT is a multiple-choice test that is designed to evaluate the examinee's aptitude and knowledge about relevant subjects in the medical field. It is a computer-based standardised examination. The test is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

7. Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The LSAT is administered by the Law School Admission Council for students who wish to pursue a career in law in the USA, Australia and Canada.

Competitive entrance exams are standardised and reliable modes of evaluating millions of applicants who aspire to study abroad every year, so take your time, prepare well and get ready to go places! If in doubt, speak to our experts, who can guide you through the entire process.

Other international language tests to study overseas

8. Pearson Test of English (PTE)

PTE or Pearson Test of English is also gaining popularity among Indian students. It is delivered through its global network of test centres. PTE is also accepted by the majority of universities in the UK and many universities in the USA and Australia.

9. Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is a language test developed by Duolingo, an American-based educational technology company. It is an online test which gained huge popularity during the pandemic. It is an adaptive computer-delivered test – the questions get tougher with every right answer and simpler with wrong answers.

10. Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE/C1 Advanced)

It was also known as the Certificate in Advanced English. It is a test to prove high-level English skills. The test is administered by Cambridge Assessment English. It focuses on language skills in real-life situations. Candidates have the option to choose between the computer-delivered test or the paper-based test. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face. More than 6000 institutions worldwide accept C1 Advanced scores.

As you prepare for these competitive exams, remember that getting high scores in these tests is not the only prerequisite for gaining admission in your dream university. But it will definitely give you an upper hand. So, give it your best. If you need more information about taking up tests for your higher education abroad, please speak to our counsellors. 

FAQs on international entrance exams to study abroad

Which are the easy entrance exams to study abroad?

Most of the competitive entrance exams test your aptitude skills and language skills. Depending on the subject you choose the competitive exam you choose will include questions to test your analytical and reasoning skills too. The difficulty level of an exam will depend on the individual. The best way forward would be to:

• First decide the subject you want to study
• Then look for the entry criteria
• Understand which test scores are accepted
• Read up about these tests, the format, question types, evaluation and scoring criteria
• Finalise the test that is the best for you.

What are the requirements for international students to study abroad?

A good academic score, proof of English proficiency (if you are applying to universities in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia etc), scores from competitive exams such as GMAT or GRE (this varies depending on the course), proof of finances, visas etc. are some of the basic requirements for studying abroad.

Can I study abroad without SAT?

It is indeed possible to study abroad without SAT scores. During the peak pandemic, SAT or the Scholastic Assessment Test requirement was waived by multiple universities abroad including the top universities like Harvard and Princeton. Several universities abroad continue to waive the requirement for the 2023-2024 academic year too.

Which test is best for going abroad?

The test that is accepted by the university is the one that you choose while planning your studies abroad. Hence the first step is to finalise the universities and courses you want to apply to, look at the entry requirements and then apply for the entrance tests.

If you have more questions about the study abroad process, you can get in touch with our counsellors by simply filling out the form on this page. Our study abroad experts will get in touch with you in no time!

Editor's note: This article was originally published in February 2016. We have included up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.