There are several exams you may need to take when applying to study abroad with scholarships. In this article, we give a brief overview of the exams that may be required for undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Requirements differ by country, university, program, and scholarship provider, so always check the official admissions and scholarship pages for each program before applying.
Standardized Tests for Undergraduate Programs
If you want to apply for scholarships, certain exams may strengthen your application or be required by the university or scholarship provider. Requirements vary by institution, so it is best to check each university’s scholarship and admissions pages. This guide is meant to give you an idea of the exams that are commonly requested.
1. English Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS)
Many universities and scholarship providers ask international applicants to submit an English proficiency score, such as TOEFL or IELTS, especially if the program is taught in English or the applicant has not completed previous education in English. TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic assess reading, listening, speaking, and writing. However, some universities waive this requirement for certain applicants or accept other tests, so verify the official requirements before registering.
English proficiency tests are also commonly used for English-taught programs in countries where English is not the main language, such as China, South Korea, and Japan. For programs taught in the local language, you may also need to submit local language proficiency results or take a country-specific entrance exam. Strong language scores can strengthen an admissions or scholarship application, but they do not guarantee admission or funding.
2. Country-Specific Language Proficiency Exams
Since many undergraduate programs outside English-speaking countries are taught in the national or local language, universities may require proficiency in the language of instruction. If the program is taught in English, universities may instead require an English test and may waive or reduce local-language requirements. Common examples include:
If you have taken a relevant language exam, it may help your application when the university or scholarship provider recognizes that exam. Some universities and scholarship programs also offer language preparation or foundation routes, but eligibility depends on the specific program.
3. College Entrance Exams in Your Country
Some universities consider national or regional school-leaving and college entrance qualifications from your country, such as the Gaokao in China or the CSAT in South Korea. Other universities may ask for international qualifications such as the SAT, ACT, A Levels, IB Diploma results, AP exams, or their own entrance exams. Always check whether your qualification is accepted by the target university.
4. SAT, ACT, A-Level, IB, AP
Some universities may require, recommend, or consider standardized tests and international qualifications. Strong results can support your application, but test policies vary widely by country, university, and program. Here are brief descriptions of these tests and qualifications:
- SAT and ACT – these are common college admissions tests in the United States. Some universities outside the United States also accept or request them, but many universities are test-optional or use different requirements.
- A Levels – these are subject-based qualifications commonly used in the United Kingdom. They are usually studied over two years and are often assessed through exams.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) – the IB Diploma Programme is a pre-university program for students aged 16 to 19 and is offered by authorized IB World Schools.
- Advanced Placement (AP) – AP offers subject-based courses and exams. Some colleges grant credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP scores, but policies differ by institution.
Standardized Tests for Graduate Programs
The following exams are commonly requested by graduate programs and scholarship providers, but requirements vary widely. Always check the current test policy for each program before applying.
1. TOEFL or IELTS
Many graduate schools require proof of English proficiency from international applicants for English-taught programs, unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption. TOEFL and IELTS are common options, but some universities also accept other tests or set different minimum scores by department.
2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE is accepted by many graduate, business, and law programs worldwide, but it is not required by all universities or departments. Some programs require it, some make it optional, and others do not consider it. If the GRE is accepted or required by your program, a strong score may strengthen your application.
3. Country-Specific Language Proficiency Exams (if applicable)
Many graduate programs taught in English do not require a local-language proficiency exam for admission, while programs taught in the local language usually do. Some universities and scholarship providers may require or reward scores from exams such as TOPIK, HSK, TestDaF, DSH, JLPT, or other recognized language tests. Check the requirements of each university and department before applying.
Standardized Tests for Professional Schools
Professional schools, such as medical, law, and business schools, may require or accept field-specific exams. Requirements depend heavily on the country, degree type, and school.
1. TOEFL and IELTS
Many professional schools require English proficiency scores from applicants who were educated in a language other than English, but exemptions and accepted tests vary by school.
2. Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
If you want to apply to medical school in the United States or to many medical schools in Canada, you usually need to take the MCAT. Medical schools in other countries may use different admissions tests or no MCAT requirement. Scholarships for medical school vary by institution, so check each school’s financial aid and scholarship policies.
3. Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is designed specifically for law school admission and is commonly used for JD programs in the United States and Canada. Some law schools also accept other tests, so review each school’s admissions requirements. You can find more information on this page.
3. Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is widely used for MBA and business master’s admissions. Some business schools also accept the GRE or waive standardized test requirements, so check each program’s policy. You can find more information here.
We hope that this guide to the different exams you may need for studying abroad has helped. Make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
