As commute has become hassle-free from one part of the world to the other, study abroad programmes have opened up a window of opportunities for Indian students more than ever. By giving entrance exams and securing scholarships and other related financial aids, each year thousands of aspirants from India are going to different parts of the world to pursue higher studies.

If you are among the thousands of aspirants who is looking forward to join the group of international students, then you have to successfully complete one language exam and one standardized exam. Standardized exams vary according to the country, course, college or university that you target for. However, you need to take one language test to showcase your English language proficiency.

Language Exams That Are Given By Students

In order to prove your English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, you are required to sit for one of the English language exams. This will grant you admission to any university where English is a language of communication (also Standardized exams if required). Undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, certificate or diploma courses require students to go through English proficiency test.

Some of the top English language exams that are preferred by different countries are listed below –

IELTS (www.ielts.org) – International English Language Testing System or IELTS examination is accepted by universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. IELTS score is valid for two years. IELTS comprises of Listening, Academic Reading, General Training Reading, Academic Writing, General Training Writing, and Speaking rounds. 30 minutes is allotted to students to complete listening round (students need to listen to 4 recordings and answer accordingly).IELTS Academic Reading, General Training Reading, Academic Writing, and General Training Writing are 60 minutes tests. Speaking test comprises three parts and candidates need to complete the test within 11-14 minutes.

TOEFL (www.ets.org) – Test of English as a Foreign Language or common as TOEFL examination is for universities in the United States and Canada. It is also accepted by some of the colleges in the United Kingdom. Same as IELTS, TOEFL score is valid for two years post result declaration. The test is conducted either via internet or in pen-paper mode. In TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test), students are required to successfully complete Reading (54-72 minutes), Listening (41-59 minutes), Speaking (17 minutes) and Writing (55 minutes) rounds. In case of paper-delivered test, students need to go through rounds of Listening (30-40 minutes), Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes), Reading Comprehension (55 minutes) and Writing (30 minutes).

PTE – Pearson Test of English Academic is a computer-based English language test accepted by universities, colleges, and governments around the world. Preferred by colleges in the United States and the United Kingdom, the score is valid for two years from the date of examination. The examination is conducted for straight three hours where a candidate’s speaking and writing (together), listening and reading abilities are measured. Questions vary from Multiple Choice to Essay Writing and interpretation of information.

The Standardized Entrance Examination for Abroad Universities

The entrance examinations for studying abroad are different according to the courses, which are listed below –

Undergraduate Courses – For Undergraduate courses in US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the standardized examination is SAT (3 hours paper-based examination having four sections – reading, writing, and language along with mathematics. A fifth section of essay writing of 50 minutes is optional required by some colleges) or ACT (A standardized examination for admission in colleges in the United States. The examination tests candidates’ proficiency in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. Direct writing is optional for this test).

MBA and MS Courses – GMAT or GRE are the main examinations for pursuing MBA degree abroad (US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand). GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test assess a candidate’s analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. Graduate Record Examinations comprises verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills rounds.

Medical Courses – MCAT is a standardized examination to study law in countries like US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It is a computer-based examination for aspiring medical students that test a student’s ability in problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.

Law Courses – Countries like the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand accepts LSAT score for students opting Law courses in the respective countries. This is a half-day standardized test administered six times every year at recognized centers around the world. The test has rounds of logical reasoning, reading comprehension, logic games, Unscored Variable section, and Writing sample.