Which exams should you clear, to study abroad after 12th?

You just finished your major high-school exams, and thought you could be on a break. But this is the time when you should be planning your next step, especially if you are planning to study abroad. There are certain exams that you should take, to study abroad after 12^th.

You need to take those exams because they are considered important criteria for your admissions at universities abroad. The tests vary based on your course and university choice, and the destination country. If you would like to know more about the admission requirements, you can contact our experts who will be able to give you admission guidance and help you get the documents in order for your application.

Exams to take, for studying abroad after 12^th

There are two categories of exams students usually take when planning to apply at institutions abroad.

1. Language tests
2. Standardised tests

Language test to study abroad after 12th

Language tests are meant for students who are non-native speakers like Indian students. These tests measure your language skills to ensure that you can understand your lectures delivered in English. Some test providers give you the option to go for a paper-based test or computer-delivered test. The language of instruction at universities in the USA, the UK, Canada, New Zealand etc will be in English and these universities will have specific English language requirement for different levels of study. The preferred type of exam will also vary, but IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are some of the common ones. There are also online versions of most of these tests to deliver it to students who can’t make it to the test centres due to various reasons.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System or IELTS is accepted worldwide and is one of the most trusted validation of your English skills. It is required by most countries to allow admissions to international students who are keen on studying English-taught programmes at reputable universities and colleges. Academic IELTS has many variants of English, including British, American and Australian English. It tests the ability of students, across reading, speaking, listening and writing modules. Before you attempt the actual test, you can try out the various IELTS mock tests provided by different websites.

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL is taken up mostly by students looking for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the USA. There are both, online and paper-based TOEFL tests available for students. A good TOEFL score improves a student's chances of securing admission in a good school in the USA. You can also look for tips to prepare for TOEFL. If you are confused whether to go for IELTS or TOEFL, check with the university or speak to our counsellors.

PTE

Pearson Test of English or PTE is considered to be different from the former exams. It is based more on everyday English. The scoring and test patterns of PTE are different, and its results are often declared sooner compared with other English language tests. This makes PTE a popular choice of language exam to study abroad after 12^th, amongst many students who are in a rush to get their English tests scores. Their scores are accepted by many universities in the UK and USA and Australia. Be sure you are aware of the PTE score requirement before attempting the test.

Standardised exams for studying abroad after 12th

Standardised tests are mostly considered as academic criteria laid down by each university or college abroad. Standardised tests vary depending on the course and country that you select for your studies.

GMAT

Most B-schools abroad ask for Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT scores when admitting international students. GMAT is a computer-based test, and is used to measure a student’s logical and critical thinking ability, along with mathematical skills. GMAT is accepted by nearly 6000 business or management institutes around the world. The test is offered at 39 test centres across 34 Indian cities. It's offered on demand, throughout the year. You can sift through our site for more articles on GMAT - tips on how to prepare for GMAT, which are some of the sites that offer GMAT mock tests and more.

GRE

Students take up Graduate Record Examination or GRE when they want to study graduate or business programmes in countries like the USA and Canada. GRE is a measure of a student’s verbal, analytical and mathematical skills. The test is offered at over 1000 test centres in over 160 countries. When you learn about the test, also look for quick tips from people who have aced the test.

SAT

Scholastic Assessment Test or SAT is mostly taken up by students planning to pursue undergraduate courses at universities in the USA and Canada, though some UK universities accept SAT scores. SAT scores mainly assess a student’s written, verbal and analytical skills. Once you get the SAT scores, you will be able to choose universities based on your SAT scores.

ACT

American College Testing or ACT is yet another test for studying abroad after 12^th and it is required for undergraduate admissions in the USA. The test evaluates the verbal, written, scientific and mathematical skills of students. Do check out the tips for preparing for ACT exam.

Not every college or university abroad you apply at will ask for standardised test scores. Some universities might exempt standardised test scores and ask only for the language test scores from students. Australia will require you to clear the GTE if you are interested in studying in Australia. If your preferred course is Law, you might have to clear university-specific law entrance exams or LSAT.

Feel free to speak to our counsellors to get a better idea of these requirements. They will be able to help you with the information that you need – Whether it’s about applying for a course or applying at a country that fits your budget and academic needs.

Editor's note: This article was originally published in April 2018. We have included up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.