About Study Abroad Exams
Study abroad exams are standardized tests conducted to evaluate the aptitude, language skills, and academic readiness of students who wish to pursue higher education in foreign universities. These exams are mandatory for admission into undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses abroad.
Who Can Appear for Study Abroad Exams?
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the exam and the target country:
- For undergraduate programs, students must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
- For postgraduate programs, candidates should hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with required minimum marks.
- Some exams require minimum age, language proficiency, and standardized test scores.
Major Study Abroad Exams
Several exams are conducted to assess aptitude and language proficiency for studying abroad:
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) – Required for undergraduate admissions in the USA.
- ACT (American College Testing) – Alternative to SAT for US universities.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) – For admission to graduate programs worldwide.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) – For management programs like MBA abroad.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – For English proficiency in countries like UK, Australia, Canada.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – For English proficiency, widely accepted in US universities.
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) – For English language assessment abroad.
Career Opportunities After Study Abroad Exams
Qualifying these exams allows students to pursue higher education in prestigious universities, leading to diverse career opportunities globally, such as:
- Research and academic positions
- Corporate and business roles internationally
- Technology, engineering, and IT jobs abroad
- Management and finance careers
- Healthcare, law, and other professional roles
Available Course's
Where Can You Get Placement?
Universities abroad often provide campus placements, internship opportunities, and industry connections:
- Top US, UK, Canadian, Australian universities with industry tie-ups
- Global multinational companies
- Research institutions and think tanks
- Startups and entrepreneurial ecosystems in foreign countries
Expected Salary
Salary after study abroad programs varies based on country, industry, and specialization:
- Engineering, IT, and management graduates can expect $50,000–$120,000 per annum initially.
- Research and academic roles may offer $40,000–$80,000 per annum.
- Professional degrees like healthcare, law, and business can yield higher starting packages.
When Are Study Abroad Exams Conducted?
Exams are conducted as per the global academic calendar:
- SAT – Multiple dates from March to December annually
- ACT – Several dates from February to December annually
- GRE – Year-round, multiple test centers
- GMAT – Available throughout the year
- IELTS & TOEFL – Multiple sessions monthly
Qualifying Procedure
The admission and qualifying process generally includes:
- Standardized Test Scores – Students must meet minimum score requirements.
- English Language Proficiency – IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores are mandatory for non-native speakers.
- Application Submission – Application to universities with required documents, SOPs, and recommendation letters.
- Interviews or Additional Tests – Some universities may conduct interviews, portfolio reviews, or aptitude tests.
- Acceptance & Visa Process – Final admission depends on university acceptance and student visa approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which is the most important study abroad exam for undergraduate admission?
SAT is the most widely recognized for undergraduate programs abroad.
Q2. Can I take GRE for undergraduate studies?
No, GRE is primarily for postgraduate programs; undergraduate candidates appear for SAT or ACT.
Q3. Do I need to appear for an English proficiency exam?
Yes, non-native English speakers must provide IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores for admission.
Q4. How many times can I attempt these exams?
Most exams allow multiple attempts in a year; SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL have flexible test dates.
Q5. Can I study abroad without appearing for these exams?
Some universities may offer conditional admission or foundation programs, but standardized exams are generally required for most top-ranked institutions.