Why English language and other tests are required to Study Abroad ?
The JOY of moving abroad for your higher education sounds exciting! However, there is a lot to be done when it comes to preparing yourself about your plan to study abroad. One of the most important steps you will need to know is what all exams you need to take to become eligible to study abroad.
English is by and large, the most widely spoken language all over the world. English language tests, validate your skills and level of understanding of about English. The tests is a direct way to assess your English Language competency. A general assumption is that if you don’t know how to speak, write, listen and read in English, then how are you suppose to manage your studies abroad? This is because of the fact that the countries you choose to study are all English-speaking countries, where the preferred mode of communication is in English both inside and outside the campus. Most of the countries access a student application based on the following English language proficiency exams, as they are mandatory to pursue a degree from abroad and also for scholarships. The exams prove your ability and proficiency in terms of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing skills. These exams also contribute to the professional aspects of non-native speakers who desire to study to native English-speaking countries. Before registering for any of the exams, applicants must check if the fee has been updated or not.
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
English proficiency test widely accepted across various countries, IELTS is taken up by over 5 million people across 140 nations, every year. Jointly owned by British Council and IDP, IELTS is for testing the communication skills of test takers across 4 major areas – writing, speaking, reading and listening. The test is measured on a scale of 0 to 9, with an average band of 6 being accepted worldwide.
IELTS is accepted by major universities for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions in countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA. Trusted by over 11,000 organizations, IELTS is of 2 types – academic and general.
The test is available multiple times in a year, with an exam fee of INR 14000. The exam comes in both the computer-delivered format and paper-based format. The validity of the test score is for 2 years.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Administered by ETS, TOEFL is one of the top English proficiency tests widely accepted by some of the best countries to study abroad. Over 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 150 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom accept TOEFL iBT scores from Indian students.
TOEFL is a 4-hour long computerised test, assessing a candidate on 4 major English skills – reading, writing, listening and writing.
There is also a paper-based version of the test. The exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, and the exam fee in India is around 13K for PBT, and the iBT cost may range anywhere from INR 11,000 to 17,000 in India. The exam is available throughout the year, with 50 exam dates so far.
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
PTE is accepted by major universities and colleges in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. It assesses your ability to communicate effectively by testing your reading, writing, speaking, and listening ability.
The test score is valid for 2 years and is scored against the global scale of English. There is no age bar for taking up the PTE test. You must be at least 16 years of age. The exam fee is around INR 13,000 and the exam happens multiple times in a year. PTE doesn’t have eligibility criteria. The exam happens online, for a duration of 3 hours.
Duolingo Test
ACT (American College Testing)
ACT (American College Testing)
A standardized exam to test high-school readiness, ACT is primarily for admissions into colleges in the USA, and considered to be one of the most trusted exams in the country. It is currently administered by ACT, a nonprofit organization of the same name. The test measures a student’s knowledge and skills in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. ACT lasts for 3 hours [technically, it takes 2 hours 55 minutes], with 4 sections – Math, Reading, Science, and English; there is an optional writing section. The exam is scored on a scale of 1-36, with 21 being the average score. Thus, overall ACT registration without writing exam will cost around INR 14,500 approximately. While those applying for ACT exam with the writing component will have to pay INR 14,500 + INR 2,053 which is almost INR 16,553.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment) – CAEL is Canada’s trusted English Language test for study. It’s accepted by over 180 post-secondary institutions in Canada. CAEL is officially accepted by professional organizations, colleges, universities, and employers as proof of English language proficiency. CAEL is one of the best tools for identifying students with the right English skills for academic success. It provides an authentic representation of language use in a Canadian academic context. The CAEL Test is offered as a test you can take at home online, or at a test centre. Test takers read articles, listen to a lecture, answer questions, and write a short essay, as they would be expected to do in a first-year Canadian university or college classroom. The exam lasts for 3.5 hours and comprises Speaking, Integrated Reading and Listening, and academic Units A and B. There are only 2 CAEL test centres in India – at Chandigarh and Ahmedabad. Candidates are required to make a payment of CAD 195 (equivalent to 11,697.72 INR). Additionally, if a candidate wishes to reschedule the test date, there is an associated cost of CAD 60 (equivalent to 3,599.30 INR).
CAE (Cambridge English Advanced)
C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is one of Cambridge English Qualifications. It is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for. CAE is Offered by Cambridge ESOL, CAE is a proof of your English skills. More than 9,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.
Preparing for C1 Advanced helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-speaking countries. Canada, the USA, and Spain also accept CAE scores for admissions in higher education institutions. The exam has 4 sections – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Currently, in India the CAE exam fee is around INR 6000.
CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency Exam)
C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is also one of Cambridge English Qualifications. It is the highest-level qualification – proof that you are a highly competent speaker of English. A C2 Proficiency qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker. Over 2500 universities and organizations around the world accept Cambridge English exams, including CPE.Also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English, CPE is also offered by Cambridge ESOL. Over 2700 centres conduct CPE exams all over the world. The exam fee is around INR 6700.
ECCE (Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English)
ECCE (The Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English) has been certifying learners at a high-intermediate level since 1993. Popular in Europe and Latin America, the ECCE tests all four language skills and is aimed at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English (ECCE), The test of general English language competency, the ECCE is awarded by the University of Michigan. It shows your fluency in English and can be used to show your skills to employers. The ECCE test stands at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is accepted by many institutions in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, France and the USA and UK. The exam fee varies based on the test centre, but is usually around 150$.
AP (Advanced Placement Exams)
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The Scholastic Assessment Test, previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test. The SAT exam was developed to assess the applicants verbal, mathematics & written skills. SAT is for admissions into undergraduate programmes in the United States and Canada. SAT is a written test; it tests students’ language skills and mathematical skills. SAT is administered by the College Board. The exam has 2 types of formats – with an essay and without an essay, each lasting for 3 hours and 3 hours 50 minutes. The exam is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 points. The exam fee is around 40$ to 60$ based on whether you take up the essay section or not. Some students are eligible for a fee waiver.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer adaptive test intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as a Master of Business Administration program. GMAT is used to assess a candidate’s analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. It is administered and managed by the Graduate Management Admission Council. GMAT is required for admissions in graduate management programs of business schools.The exam is mainly used for MBA admissions by leading business schools around the world. Countries like Canada, Germany, and the USA accept GMAT scores. The exam duration is close to 2 hours 45 minutes. The test score is assessed on a scale of 200 to 800, with the average score being 550. The GMAT online exam can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance and up to 24 hours before an available GMAT slot. Online GMAT exam fees is $300, which is nearly Rs, 24,600 (as per the current exchange rate).
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The Graduate Record Examinations is a standardized test that is part of the admissions process for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada and a few other countries. The GRE is owned and administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service). The test is accepted by all English-speaking countries, particularly Canada, Australia, and the USA. Most of the European universities do not require GRE or have it optional in certain cases. Also, over 1200 business schools accept GRE all over the world. The exam is delivered online and tests a candidate’s ability of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and writing as well. The exam fee is now 213 US$, and it’s offered throughout the year; there are no specific dates for GRE. The application fee for the GRE General Test is ₹ 22,550 INR for Indian students registering for the GRE test. The GRE fee in Indian rupees is roughly Rs. ₹ 22,550. GRE is valid for 5 years from the date you get your results.
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and administered by Pearson VUE, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an entrance test for admissions into medical schools in the United States, Canada, Australia and Caribbean Islands. The exam takes place 25 times across 21 countries every year.
The MCAT exam fee is around $315 – 360. It’s mainly used to assess a candidate’s analysis, reasoning, psychological skills and the knowledge of biological systems. The overall MCAT score lies between 472 and 528.
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
Yale University - Yale Law School
Harvard University - Harvard Law School
Stanford University- Stanford Law School
Columbia University- Columbia Law School
University of Chicago- University of Chicago Law School
McGill University- Faculty of Law
University of Toronto - Faculty of Law
