Students planning to pursue higher education abroad often face a long list of entrance and eligibility tests. The exams required depend on the country, university, course and level of study. Broadly, these tests can be divided into language proficiency examinations and standardised academic or aptitude tests.

According to Praneet Singh, AVP – University Partnerships, upGrad Study Abroad, overseas education entrance requirements generally fall into two categories: language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE, and standardised aptitude or subject-based tests such as GRE, GMAT, SAT and ACT.

“ The entrance exams required for overseas education differ by country, university, and program level,” Singh said.

English language proficiency tests

For students from non-English-speaking countries, proof of English proficiency is often an important part of the admission process. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are among the commonly accepted tests.

These examinations assess skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking and are designed to determine whether students can cope with academic instruction in English.

The specific score requirement varies by university and programme. Some institutions may also waive the language test requirement for students who meet certain academic or educational criteria.

SAT and ACT for undergraduate admissions

Students applying for undergraduate programmes, particularly in countries such as the US and Canada, may be required or encouraged to submit scores from standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT.

These tests assess skills including mathematics, reading, writing and analytical reasoning. However, requirements differ significantly between institutions, and applicants should check whether their target university follows a test-required, test-optional or test-blind policy.

GRE and GMAT for postgraduate programmes

For postgraduate applicants, the GRE and GMAT remain important tests for several programmes.

The GRE is commonly considered for master's and other graduate programmes, while the GMAT is traditionally associated with MBA and business-school admissions. However, universities increasingly have flexible testing policies, making it important for students to check programme-specific requirements.

Siddharth Anand, founder and CEO of Tertiary Education Advisors, said the importance given to different tests can also depend on the programme.

“A STEM master's may put heavier weight on quantitative reasoning (GRE), while a humanities programme may emphasise writing/verbal skills. Similarly, an MBA may still prefer GMAT,” he said.

What do universities consider besides test scores?

Entrance exam scores are only one component of an international university application. According to Singh, selection processes generally consider academic performance, test scores and a holistic assessment of the candidate.

Depending on the institution and programme, universities may also examine academic history, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation and interview performance.

The tests themselves may assess quantitative ability, verbal reasoning, analytical thinking and, in some cases, subject-specific knowledge.

Anand added that selection can also depend on minimum academic requirements, institutional policies and the programme being applied for.

Professional qualifications are another pathway

The overseas education landscape is also seeing growing interest in internationally recognised professional qualifications.

Dr Kamal Chhabra, US CPA and CA and founder and CEO of KC GlobEd, said students are increasingly considering professional credentials such as US CPA, US CMA, US EA and UK ACCA to enhance international career mobility.

Unlike conventional university admissions, these professional qualifications involve passing the relevant certification examinations and meeting experience or other eligibility requirements.

Chhabra explained that while academic programme admissions may consider test scores, essays and interviews, professional certifications primarily involve qualifying the examinations and fulfilling the experience requirements prescribed by the respective professional bodies.

Which exam should students take?

There is no single entrance examination required for every student planning to study abroad. The right test depends on the destination, university, degree level and programme.

Before registering for any examination, students should check the latest admission requirements of their shortlisted universities. They should also verify accepted tests, minimum scores, test validity and whether exemptions or alternative qualifications are available.

For international applicants, understanding these requirements early can help avoid unnecessary examinations and ensure that applications meet the eligibility criteria of the chosen universities.