What is the Qualification for Studying abroad?

What is the qualification for Studying abroad: Students who wish to pursue college education overseas must take language examinations such as the IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, as well as standardized exams such as the SAT, GMAT, GRE, and ACT. More on the exams later.

Statistics reveal that many Indians migrate to foreign countries for education. Still, the most popular ones are the United States of America (USA), Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), and France. Students who want to study abroad must take language proficiency and standardized tests, depending on the degree qualification and the candidate's preferred university eligibility criteria.

The (IELTS), (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are all standardized language proficiency assessments that are necessary for admission to institutions overseas. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and ACT are required for entry into undergraduate courses, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is for management courses, and Graduate Record Examination for masters programs are examples of standardized tests. In addition, people interested in subject-specific courses like law and medicine must take examinations such as the  MCAT and LSAT.

What is the Qualification for Studying abroad?

These follow various criteria, structures, and result bands. These examinations differ in numerous ways, and institutions compulsorily require candidates' results to admit them.

Standardized Tests

The list of standardized tests for qualification for abroad is as follows:

SAT:

The Scholastic Assessment is a test administered to all students in grades 1-12 and high school students in the District of Columbia for admission into undergraduate degrees. The test measures students' reading comprehension, writing skills, and mathematical abilities. The exam is of three hours duration(pen and paper-based) and costs around 8,200 INR.

There is no set upper or lower age requirement for students to take the SAT exam. You do not need to meet any age requirements to take this exam. The SAT  also does not have any minimum educational requirements.

However, you are required to have a high school completion certificate.

There used to be an essay section also, but it is discontinued. The National Board conducts the exams for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in collaboration with other organizations, such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The exams are also administered in many countries by external examiners who are qualified by NBPTS.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Council gives the GMAT exam to applicants seeking admission to a graduate management program. The GMAT exam is either computer-based or paper-based.

The exam is available in two formats:

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

This test consists of four sections, each with three questions: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning Assessment (IRA), Quantitative Section, and Verbal Section. The CBT has a total time limit of 4 hours, followed by a break for 30 minutes. You can take the test as often as you want until you get the score you need to be admitted into your desired program.

Paper-Based Test (PBT)

This test consists of three sections, each with four questions: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning Assessment (IRA), and Quantitative Section. You have a maximum of 60 minutes to complete this section.

The GMAT is designed to assess your ability to evaluate complex business situations and make reasoned decisions based on the information you are presented with in each statement or question. It requires critical analysis, reasoning skills, and familiarity with basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and statistics.

Anyone with a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution can take the test. There is no upper or lower age qualification needed to take the GMAT. Many examinees are either students or working professionals in their pre-final or final year of study. You can still take the test as an add-on even if you do not fall into any of those mentioned above.

GRE

The GRE is the most widely used standardized test for admissions to Masters's courses. It is offered three times a year in the spring, summer, and winter. The test can be taken at any point in your undergraduate career, but most students take it while enrolled as full-time students.

The GRE is a computer-based test that consists of multiple sections. Your score on each section will determine your score for the entire exam. Each section has its own score range and time limit, so you need to know what each section covers before taking it if you plan on getting a high score.

The GRE General Test has four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Quantitative Ability Assessment (Quantitative), Verbal Ability Assessment (Verbal), and Integrated Reasoning Assessment (IR).

The cost of taking the GRE is around 16,000 - 17,000 INR. Rescheduling and Cancellation charges vary. You can check the official website. Same as GMAT, there is no age limit for GRE Exam.

GRE can be taken at many centers across India. There is also an option to give tests from home also.

Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an English language examination offered by the British Council to assess the skills of non-native speakers of English.  Hundreds of universities and international schools worldwide use the IELTS academic test.

IELTS is based on four general skills

 reading, writing, listening and speaking. It also includes two specialist skills: listening to audio recordings and viewing video clips.

As with all language tests, IELTS is not an exact science. Nobody will be able to tell you exactly how much you have improved in any area of your ability – but we can tell you which areas need work and provide guidance for improvement.

The IELTS Exam Syllabus is divided into two formats

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Test. Those seeking further education in an English-speaking nation take the IELTS Academic. In contrast, those seeking Jobs or work experience in major English-speaking countries take the IELTS General Training Test. It is also used for international migration to big economies such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Furthermore, as per IELTS exam criteria, the majority of famous educational establishments throughout the world demand an IELTS overall score of 7.0 with section scores of 6.5.

The cost of taking the IELTS Exam is around 15,000 INR. It can be taken at any time of the year. 

Candidate should be a minimum of 16 years of age, and there is no other educational qualification required.

TOEFL

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an international English language proficiency test for non-native speakers. It measures your ability to listen, speak, read, write and understand English.

The TOEFL is taken by students who want to study at an American university or college and must prove that they have sufficient English skills. The test is also taken by people applying for jobs in the US.

The test was developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and has been used internationally for English proficiency since 1992. It is now a screening tool for international applicants to U.S. universities and immigration purposes.

The eligibility criteria for both IELTS and TOEFL are the same.

PTE

It is a test anyone can take, but the exam is only available to those who have completed a minimum of two years of study at the university level. It's important to note that you can't take the PTE if you're currently enrolled in an English-language program or are taking an undergraduate degree in another country.

The test is offered six times yearly at Pearson VUE Testing Centres across Canada and once yearly in Asia. The exam covers four skill areas: reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening. Each section has two parts: one section with multiple-choice questions and one section with free-response questions (essays).

Each part of the exam has three sections: reading, writing, and speaking/listening. The speaking/listening part consists of two tasks: one for answering multiple-choice questions and one for answering free-response questions (essays).

Aside from the examinations listed above, another significant facet of a candidate being qualified for admission to universities/colleges overseas is the successful submission of admission paperwork. These documents are as follows:

Letter of recommendation (LOR)

 Letters of recommendation (LOR) is also required by students when applying to specific colleges. The LOR should come from a member of your prior education institute's faculty. If you are an employee, your boss may also provide a letter of recommendation.

A Statement of Purpose (SoP) is a document that outlines the purpose and mission of your academic program. It should also be an introduction to your faculty and program, highlighting what you have achieved, what you hope to achieve, and why you feel qualified to pursue graduate study in your chosen field.

It is crucial to write a simple and concise Statement of Purpose. It should include the following:

• Your background and a brief introduction;

• Your research interests;

• The goals of your proposed program;

• A brief description of how these goals will be furthered through your proposed coursework;

• Any previous research experience that may be relevant to the completion of this program;

• A detailed account of how you would use your knowledge gained from this degree program to address a problem or solve a social issue in your professional field;

• A discussion about how this degree will prepare you for future employment opportunities.

Conclusion

Still, have questions regarding qualification for study abroad? Get advice from our Counselors, who are always available to answer your questions. It is recommended that students extensively research the entrance criteria of the university/college to which they are applying and take the exam accordingly.

Many educational institutions accept specific tests, but others enable students to take whatever exams they like. As a result, before studying for the exam, students should check with the university of their choice.

Choosing the right study abroad program can be an exciting but daunting task. This article has given you a great starting point to consider all the important factors, from academics and culture to safety and cost. Now that you have a better idea of what you're looking for, start your research and find the perfect program for you!

Studying Abroad: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the basic academic qualifications for studying abroad?

• Undergraduate Studies: For bachelor's programs abroad, you'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent with strong grades. Some universities might require completion of specific standardized tests like AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) exams.
• Graduate Studies: For master's or doctoral programs, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.

2. Do I need to take any standardized tests for studying abroad?

Many universities require international students to take English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Some programs might have additional requirements like the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) for business programs or the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) for various graduate fields. Check the specific program requirements on the university website.

3. What other documents are typically required for studying abroad?

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from your previous educational institutions.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically from professors or employers who can speak to your academic ability and potential.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): An essay outlining your educational goals, motivations for studying abroad, and why you're a good fit for the program.
• Financial Documents: Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

4. Are there any resources to help me navigate the application process for studying abroad?

Absolutely! Here are a few helpful resources:

• The Institute of International Education (IIE): https://www.iie.org/ offers a wealth of information on studying abroad, including scholarship opportunities.
• Project Study Abroad: https://www.internshipstudyabroad.com/programs provides a comprehensive search engine for study abroad programs worldwide.
• U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: https://eca.state.gov/ offers information on scholarships and resources for international students.

An IIT Delhi IIM Ahmedabad alumni initiative

Alpha Education Abroad is an initiative by IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad alumni. The firm helps students get admitted to top universities overseas in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and many other countries. It allows students to apply for graduation as well as post-graduation courses abroad. It also helps students get admitted to top 1 year MBA programs such as ISB and IIM Ahmedabad in India.