​Many students dream to study abroad in the quest to study in a better education system and gain exposure to the global world. However, there are some essential entrance tests that you need to pass before you hang your bag. These tests assess your language proficiency and the knowledge of a subject as well as the overall academic preparedness. Most students want to study abroad in a country like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia or Europe, the first step is to know the kind of tests required for the process.

The requirements are diverse by each country and university and overseas education consultants can help you to know about these requirements. ​In case you intend to study in an English-speaking nation, you will be required to provide ​English proficiency scores to show that you are competent in English. Majority of universities also desire to know how you have performed in p​revious studies and whether you are ​prepared to adapt to their country's education system. Tests as IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, and so forth​ will help them to assess your preparedness. Also UK and France does not require IELTS or any English tests.

​English Language Proficiency Tests

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
One of the most common English tests is IELTS. It is accepted in the UK, Canada, Australia, even in most of the countries in Europe. The test assesses your writing, listening, reading and speaking skills. They are scored on a scale of band 1-9. ​Most universities require a 6.0 or 6.5 band score​ and vary depending upon the program you are applying to.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is m​ostly approved by institutions of higher learning in the USA and Canada. The test is a computer based test and contains reading, writing, listening and speaking. ​Maximum score of 120​ with each module being scored at a maximum of 30 in each section. Any score that is higher than 90​ overall is good ​to get in​to the best colleges.

PTE ( Pearson Test of English )
PTE is increasingly becoming popular in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. It is a test which is computer based and also tests English proficiency in four s​ections. It is quick in results and the scoring is between 10-90.

Duolingo English Test
Duolingo has become affordable, quick and takes place at home​, many universities now accept it. It is a​ new alternative to IELT​S or TOEFL, but it is becoming widely used in the USA and in Europe.

Cambridge English Tests
The UK and Europe are the regions where such tests as CAE and CPE by Cambridge are accepted. These are higher level tests and are usually taken by those students who are already well versed by the English language.
 

​Under graduate Admission Tests

SAT (Scholastic assessment test)
The SAT is very popular in the USA and in some of the Canadian and Singapore universities. It is a test of math, reading and writing. You can score a maximum of 1600. Good score in SAT increases your chances of obtaining scholarships as well.

A​CT (American college testing)
The other college admission test in the USA is ACT. It contains English, Math, reading, science and an optional writing component. The ranges and the number of points is 36 points. Other students appear to prefer ACT as it contains more direct questions.
 

Postgraduate Admission Tests

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

GRE is required to enrol in masters programs in the USA a​nd Germany. It measures verbal reasoning, the quantitative reasoning (math), and analytical writing. The highest scoring is 340. Most universities normally require a score of above 300.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
When you are p​lanning to pursue Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other master-related programs, then GMAT is​ required. It majors in logic, mathematics and writing. It involves a scale of 200 to 800. A score of over 650 is termed as competitive.

Medical and Other Subject-Specific Exams


Medical College Admission Test (or MCAT)
 
 
BMAT / UCAT