GRE, GMAT, IELTS & TOEFL are some of the most popular and globally accepted entrance exams for international students. You must choose the entrance tests depending on your preferred course, educational institution and study abroad destination. To assist you in planning your overseas study journey, we have compiled some essential aspects of entrance exams such as GRE, GMAT, IELTS & TOEFL. Let’s dive in.

Are entrance exams necessary?

Several study abroad students apply for international universities. However, the seats at such premier educational institutions are limited. Hence these entrance exams help in evaluating the student’s profile. These entrance tests bring transparency in the admission process, allowing deserving students to grab the seats. 

English Proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL are conducted to gauge English language skills. Since the study programs in international universities are taught in English, these English Proficiency tests are essential to understand if you can comprehend the English-taught curriculum. 

1. Graduate Records Examination – GRE

If you intend to pursue a Master’s Degree, PhD or Business Management Studies, GRE is for you. This is one of the entrance exams widely accepted by most universities across the USA, the UK, Germany and Canada. You will be amazed to know that ~1,200 B-schools accept the GRE test scores. You can take the GRE test once you have thoroughly prepared for the exams. It is best to appear for GRE exams ~60 days before you begin your admission process. 

Skills evaluated 

• Quantitative skills
• Reasoning abilities 
• Analytical writing skills

Conducted by: Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Scores valid for: 5 years  

2. Graduate Management Admission Test – GMAT 

Who must appear for GMAT? Students interested in pursuing Business Management courses are required to take the GMAT exam. More than 20,000 varsities across 114 countries require students to appear for this exam. GMAT is one of the mandatory entrance exams in most varsities in the USA, Canada, Germany and Australia.

Skills evaluated 

• Analytical writing skills
• Integrated reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Verbal reasoning
• Problem-solving skills

Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)

Scores valid for: 5 years 

3. International English Language Testing System – IELTS

Entrance exams like IELTS intend to examine the English proficiency of the students. The IELTS test is designed to evaluate the reading, listening, speaking and writing abilities. You must appear for the IELTS test if you are interested in studying in countries like Canada, the UK, the USA, New Zealand and Australia. Reputed universities from ~140 countries require IELTS scores. Although India has 75+ centres for IELTS exams, you can opt for an online IELTS exam too. 

Conducted by: IDP Education Australia, British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment 

Scores valid for:  2 years

4. Test of English as a Foreign Language – TOEFL

Similar to the IELTS exam, TOEFL evaluates the English speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. Popular study abroad destinations like Germany, France, the USA and Canada accept TOEFL entrance exams. You can opt for online TOEFL exams by registering 4-7 days before the exams. Please remember to check the minimum TOEFL score required by your university so that you can set your goals accordingly.

Conducted by: Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Scores valid for: 2 years 

So, here is all that you need to know about entrance exams before you plan to study abroad. If you are set to take these entrance tests but worried about the finances, you can opt for a study abroad loan. A loan for overseas education is the best choice to earn a self-made badge.

At Avanse Financial Services, we offer several benefits like customized loans, 100% finance, score-based financial solutions, and several other benefits. If you want to know more, please connect with us. We will be glad to answer all your queries. All the best!