There are many exams that you have to take when you want to study abroad with scholarships. In this article, We will give you a brief summary of what exams you would have to take in order to be a successful applicant. Since there are different requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs, we will cover each of the exams needed for each degree level.
Standardized Tests for Undergraduate Programs
If you want to apply for scholarships, there are certain exams that you would have to take. It is true that the requirements are different for each university, but these are exams you need to take if you want to receive scholarships in most universities. It is best to check individual universities’ scholarship pages to see what they require. This is just to give you an idea of which exams are needed for almost all universities.
1. English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS)
You will definitely need one of these two tests: TOEFL or IELTS. These are English proficiency exams, which test your ability to read, write, speak, and listen in the English language. Although these are not required in admissions in some universities, they are required to receive scholarships in almost all universities.
These are required or recommended even in universities whose primary language of instruction is not English, such as China, South Korea, and Japan. So, getting a high score in one of these two exams will increase your chances of studying abroad with scholarships.
2. Country-Specific Language Proficiency Exams
Since undergraduate programs in most universities are taught in the primary language of that country, universities require that you acquire a certain level of proficiency in the language of instruction. Countries whose primary language of instruction is not English would require other proficiency exams along with TOEFL or IELTS to be eligible for scholarships. Here are some examples:
If you have taken one of these exams, you will have an advantage in the admissions and scholarship selection process. Some universities have an alternative, which is enrolling at a language school for a year or a summer.
3. College Entrance Exams in your country
Universities will recognize college entrance exams that are accepted by universities in your country. Examples include Gaokao in China and CSAT in Korea. If you don’t have these entrance exams, universities will accept standardized tests like SAT, ACT, A-Level, or IB instead.
4. SAT, ACT, A-Level, IB, AP
Some universities may require prospective students to submit standardized tests. If you have a good score on these exams, you will have a great advantage when applying for scholarships. Here are the descriptions of these tests:
- SAT and ACT – these are two college entrance exams that are the most common in the US. Some universities in other countries would also require international students to submit these as part of the requirements for admissions.
- A-Level – this is a college entrance standardized exam that is common in the United Kingdom. As with the SAT and ACT, universities in other countries include this as part of the general admission requirements.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) – International Baccalaureate is a college-prep program that is only offered at designated high schools. If a school nearby where you live offers it, you might want to consider enrolling in that school as it will award you with an IB Diploma once you graduate.
- Advanced Placement (AP) – this is an American version of A-Level where students can receive college credits by taking an AP Test.
Check Also: Available Programs for International Students
Standardized Tests for Graduate Programs
The following exams are required by most universities in order to be eligible for scholarships.
1. TOEFL or IELTS
As with undergraduate students, these English proficiency exams are required for most graduate schools. If you want to receive scholarships while studying abroad, you definitely need to take these exams.
2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
GRE is required by almost all universities in English-speaking countries and prestigious universities in non-English-speaking countries. It is not required by most universities in countries whose primary language is not English. However, if you obtain an excellent score on GRE, you have a huge advantage over those who did not take the test. So, taking the GRE will increase your chances of studying abroad with scholarships considerably.
3. Country-Specific Language Proficiency Exams (if applicable)
Unlike undergraduate programs, most graduate programs that are in English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries are offered in English. So, you do not need to take country-specific language proficiency exams in most universities. However, check with the individual universities that you are applying to see what that specific university requires.
Standardized Tests for Professional Schools
Professional schools such as medical school or business school, require other types of exams. Here’s a list of exams that might be included:
1. TOEFL and IELTS
These are required by most professional schools.
2. Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
If you want to study in medical school, you need to take the MCAT. Although scholarships in medical schools are very rare, it is still advisable to achieve a good MCAT score.
3. Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
This is for law school. You can find more information on this page.
3. Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
This is for business school. You can find more information here.
We hope that this guide on the different exams you need for studying abroad has helped a lot. Make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
