Eligibility to Study Abroad: Language Tests, General Exams & Documents Required

Requirements to Study Abroad: Studying abroad has become an increasingly popular choice among students worldwide. However, it comes with a set of eligibility criteria that students must meet before applying to top universities abroad. One of the most crucial eligibility requirements is proficiency in the English language, which is typically measured through standardised language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Additionally, many universities and colleges require students to take exams such as GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT, depending on the program they wish to enrol in.

Apart from language proficiency and exam scores, students must also provide various documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, SOP, and essays to demonstrate their academic achievements and personal qualities. Some popular study abroad destinations include USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The application deadlines for studying abroad vary depending on the country and institution, and it is advisable to start the process well in advance to avoid missing out on opportunities.

Why study abroad?

Most international students choose to study in US, UK, Germany, France, and Australia. These countries host half of all international students. Some of the reasons to study abroad are given below:

1. According to a study by the Institute of International Education, students who study abroad are more likely to graduate on time and have higher graduation rates than those who do not.
2. A survey by the British Council found that 90% of employers consider international experience to be important for applicants, with 64% of employers believing that graduates with international experience are more employable.
3. A report by the Institute for International Education of Students (IES) found that studying abroad can significantly increase students' cross-cultural communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and self-confidence.
4. The European Commission's Erasmus Impact Study found that students who participated in the Erasmus program (which allows European students to study abroad in other European countries) had higher employability rates and earned higher salaries than those who did not.
5. The study conducted by Erasmus Impact found that 74% of college students who graduated from foreign universities reported initiating a professional career.

Eligibility to Study Abroad: Language Exams

One of the most crucial eligibility requirements for studying abroad is proficiency in the English language. Many universities and colleges around the world require international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking standardised language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. In this section, we will explore the language exams required for studying abroad.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized and popular language proficiency test used for academic and immigration purposes. It evaluates a person's proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English across all four language skills. Over 10,000 organisations, including universities, institutions, employers, and immigration authorities in more than 140 countries accept IELTS as a valid credential.

For studying abroad, the required IELTS score varies depending on the institution and program. Universities and colleges typically require a minimum overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5 or 7.0 for graduate programs. It is important to examine the prerequisites of the institution and programme you are interested in as some may have higher score requirements for certain programmes or courses.

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a widely recognized English language proficiency test that assesses the four language skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is accepted by over 11,000 universities and institutions in more than 150 countries worldwide.

The TOEFL scores required for studying abroad vary depending on the institution and program, but typically fall within a range of 60-100 for the internet-based test (iBT) and 520-600 for the paper-based test (PBT). However, some highly selective institutions may require higher scores.

PTE

PTE (Pearson Test of English) is another widely accepted English language proficiency test for studying abroad. The exam measures a student's ability to communicate effectively in English by testing their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. PTE is recognized by many universities and colleges in English-speaking countries, including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

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The scoring system for PTE ranges from 10 to 90, with 10 being the lowest and 90 being the highest. The minimum score required for admission to a university or college varies depending on the institution and the program. However, most universities and colleges require a minimum score of 50 to 60 for admission.

CAEL

The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) is a standardised English language test recognized by many universities in Canada, as well as in USA and other countries. The test assesses the language proficiency of non-native speakers in academic contexts and is designed to measure their ability to use English for academic purposes.

The CAEL test consists of four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each component is scored on a scale of 0-90, and the total score is the average of the four component scores.

Eligibility to Study Abroad: General Exams

In addition to language exams, many universities and colleges around the world require international students to take general exams such as the GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT as part of their admissions process. These exams are used to evaluate applicants' academic skills and readiness for higher education. In this section, we will explore the general exams required for studying abroad

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised exam used by many business schools in the world to assess applicants' analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. The GMAT exam is typically required for students applying to Master's in Business Administration (MBA) programs.

The GMAT is divided into four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. The exam's overall score ranges from 200 to 800, with a 556 average. However, the score requirements for admission vary depending on the institution and program, and some schools may have a minimum score requirement of 600 or higher.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised exam required by many universities and colleges for admission to graduate programs in various fields such as business, engineering, and social sciences. The test evaluates a student's analytical writing, verbal reasoning, numeric reasoning, and critical thinking abilities.

Both the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE are graded on a scale of 130–170, with 170 being the maximum possible score. The analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments.

SAT

The SAT, or the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardised exam that measures a student's knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and maths. The SAT is commonly used by universities in USA as an eligibility requirement for undergraduate admissions. However, some institutions outside of the US also accept SAT scores as part of their application process.

ACT

The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardised test used for college admissions in USA. It covers four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science, with an optional writing section.

Choosing between SAT and ACT? Here's what you need to know to determine which exam is the right fit for you: SAT v/s ACT

LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardised exam used by law schools in USA, Canada, and some other countries to evaluate applicants' critical thinking and reasoning skills. The LSAT is required for admission to most law schools in the United States and Canada.

While the LSAT is not required for all study abroad programs, some universities and colleges that offer law degrees or programs may require LSAT scores as part of their admissions process. Typically, law schools abroad require LSAT scores of 160 or above (out of a possible 180) for admission, but the score requirements may vary depending on the institution and program.

Eligibility to Study Abroad: Documents Required

Students who wish to study abroad must also prepare and provide various documents to meet the eligibility criteria. Some of these documents are listed below:

Resume/CV

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that provides a summary of an individual's education, work experience, skills, and achievements. While a resume or CV is not always required for admission to study abroad programs, it may be necessary for certain programs or internships, particularly in fields such as business, engineering, or technology.

Crafting a compelling resume is essential for success in today's competitive admission criteria followed by universities abroad. Here are 10 tips on writing an effective resume to help you stand out from the crowd.

Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Letters of recommendation (LOR) are a crucial component of the application process for many study abroad programs. These letters are written by teachers, professors, or employers who know the applicant well and can provide insight into their academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success in the program they are applying to.

Explore the format and samples of LORs required for studying abroad along with tips on how to prepare effective LORs.

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a critical document required by many universities and colleges for admission to their study abroad programs. The SOP is an essay in which students are expected to express their motivations, academic background, and career goals.

In an SOP, students are expected to explain why they are interested in pursuing a specific program and what they hope to gain from the experience. This essay provides the admissions committee with insight into the applicant's character, personality, and potential to succeed in the program.

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Studying abroad provides a unique opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, gain international exposure, and develop valuable skills that will serve them well in their future careers. However, to be eligible for study abroad programs, students must meet certain criteria, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and document requirements.

By understanding these requirements and preparing accordingly, students can increase their chances of being accepted into their desired study abroad program and make the most of this life-changing experience.