Qualifying exams to study abroad

The desire to study abroad has grown significantly among students in recent years. Research suggests about 1.5 lakh Indian students apply to study overseas annually, with around 25,000 studying in the US alone. After the United States, large numbers head to countries like Britain, Australia, Canada, Singapore, and New Zealand.

Securing a seat at a prestigious foreign university, especially in Europe, often requires clearing specific entrance tests. For US institutions, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, and SAT scores are typically required. Admission to UK institutions usually requires GCE qualifications. In Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand, you'll need to pass TOEFL or IELTS. If Australia is your destination, IELTS scores are widely accepted.

Here are the details of the key examinations.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Since English proficiency is crucial for most international universities, the IELTS exam tests a student's language knowledge. This examination is organized jointly by the British Council, Cambridge University ESOL, and IDP Education Australia. IELTS scores are valid at most US institutions, as well as academic institutions in Australia, the UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and about 35 other countries globally.

For Indian students' convenience, the exam is held twice a month in four metro cities: Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. More information can be obtained from IDP Education Australia, Nehru Place, New Delhi, and the British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Almost all students aiming to study abroad must pass this English language entrance exam for admission to institutions in over 120 countries, including the US. It's mandatory; applications are not considered without it. For most postgraduate courses in the US, UK, and New Zealand, a TOEFL scorecard is required. While TOEFL scores are valid for two years, many institutes ask for fresh results. The Internet-Based Test (IBT) is now the standard at most centers.

The TOEFL test assesses reading, listening, writing, and speaking (IBT only). It evaluates comprehension, grammar, reading ability, and writing skills across four sections on a 667-point scale. Admission to undergraduate courses at reputable colleges typically requires a score of 500. For postgraduate and research levels, 550 points are generally needed.

The examination is conducted by TOEFL/TSE Services, PO Box 6151, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, USA. In India, more information is available from the Director, Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement, 119 W 25 A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Civil Lines, Allahabad-11001, or the United States Educational Foundation in India, Fulbright House, 12 Hailey Road, New Delhi-110001 (Phone: 011-23328944).

GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test)

Admission to management colleges requires the GMAT exam. This test, started about 65 years ago in 1953, is accepted by about 2,000 business schools worldwide. Over 7,000 graduate management programs accept GMAT scores. Annually, around 300,000 students from across the globe take this exam at 600 test centers in about 100 countries.