The quality of education and the excellent infrastructure in the academic institutions in some developed countries is a major attraction for Indian students. The U.S., Australia, the U.K., New Zealand, Canada, Singapore and Germany are the most preferred destinations for Indian students.
Except for Germany, the medium of instruction in all these countries is English. In Germany, some universities offer some programmes both in German and in English. It is a preferred destination for master’s programmes as the tuition fees in Germany for master’s courses in science and medical/medicines-related subjects are quite low. Indian students aspiring to study abroad are expected to take some tests.
These tests are essentially designed to ensure that the students are at par with other international students. English language tests are necessary for getting admission in universities abroad — at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate level. There are two types of these tests: general and academic. General tests are taken by those who are aspiring to immigrate and academic tests are taken by prospective students.
The common English language tests are: International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Pearson Test of English (PTE).
IELTSIELTS is jointly owned by British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. The test has four parts — Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The listening, reading and writing tests are done in one sitting. The speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests. There is no pass or fail in IELTS. The test assesses all levels of English proficiency.
Test takers are graded on their performance in the test, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test. The results then produce an overall band score.
Minimum overall band score accepted by lesser known universities for admission is 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each section. Good universities expect a minimum overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each section. Every major city in India has IELTS test centres. Tests are conducted almost every week. IELTS test results are available in 8 – 10 working days. The scores are valid for two years. Universities in the U.K. accept IELTS scores only if the test is taken at a centre approved by UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration). The test registration fee for IELTS is Rs. 10,600.
TOEFLThis test is administered by ETS, a U.S. organisation. In India, the TOEFL iBT test is offered and is conducted online. It evaluates how well a student combines listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. The test pattern is: Reading — 60-80 minutes — 36-56 questions; Listening — 60-90 minutes — 34–51 questions; Speaking — 20 minutes — 6 tasks and Writing — 50 minutes —2 tasks.
Minimum overall score required for admission is 79 out of 120 in less known universities. Good universities may ask for a score of 104 or higher.
The test results are available in 8-10 working days and the score is valid for two years. The test registration fee for TOEFL is $170.
PTEThis test is conducted by the Pearson PLC Group. It assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing skills through a single three-hour test session. The test has three main parts: speaking and writing (together), listening and reading. The range for each communicative skill score is 10-90 points. Overall scores are in the range of 10 – 90. Overall scores of 58 – 63 with a minimum of 55 in all parts are accepted by average universities. Leading universities may ask for an overall score of 70 and a minimum of 65 in each section.
PTE Academic test can be taken at a secure Pearson test centre. Every major city in India has secure Pearson PTE test centres and the tests are conducted almost every week. Test results are available in 2-5 working days and are valid for two years. The test registration fee for PTE is Rs 10,900. Aspiring students can take practice tests for all the three language tests. Based on the scores in the practice tests, students can take a call on taking training to prepare for the tests. The training is normally for about 45 hours and costs around Rs. 6,000 to 7,500.
After registering for a test, the students are given training material by the test organisers.
Besides the language tests, there are other tests that are required to be taken depending on the country and the course. These are as follows:
SATFor application to a bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and management subjects, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is necessary in almost every University in the U.S. and Singapore. Some top ranking universities in the U.K., Australia and Canada may also ask for SAT scores.
GREFor application to a master’s degree or a PhD programme in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subject, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is necessary in almost every university in the U.S. and Singapore. Some top ranking universities in the U.K., Australia, Germany, Canada and New Zealand may also ask for GRE scores.
GMATFor application to a management related programme at the master’s level or higher, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is necessary in almost every university in the U.S. and Canada and some top ranking universities in the U.K., Australia, Singapore and New Zealand.
