The cost of studying abroad can be expensive for many students, especially those from developing countries.
Scholarships can help you bridge that financial gap, but they are often competitive and often require you to take standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
Exams for the scholarship to study abroad are standardized tests that are used to test the academic ability and potential of the students who are applying for scholarships.
These exams are typically offered in the English language, and they cover a variety of subjects including math, science, reading, and writing.
Students who do well on scholarship exams are more likely to get into good colleges and graduate with honors.
Also, many scholarship programs require you to keep your grades up to keep your scholarship.
In this blog post, we will discuss the most popular exams for scholarships to study abroad, how to prepare for them, and how to choose the right exam for you. We will also provide tips for applying for scholarships and finding scholarship opportunities.
What are scholarship exams for studying abroad?
Scholarship exams for international study assess the academic aptitude and potential of students seeking scholarships to pursue education abroad.
These standardized tests are commonly administered in English and cover a range of subjects, such as mathematics, science, reading, and writing.
These exams are a way for universities, governments, organizations, and institutions to provide financial assistance to students based on their academic achievements, skills, and potential.
The following are among the scholarship exams that enjoy significant popularity:
- IELTS (International English Language System)
- TOEFL (Test Of English As a Foreign Language)
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
- SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
- ACT (American College Test)
Scholarship programs use the results of these exams to help them select the most deserving and qualified students to receive scholarships.
In addition to academic achievement, scholarship programs also consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, financial need, and personal essays.
Why are they important?
Exams for scholarships to study abroad are important for some reasons:
- They help scholarship programs select the most deserving and qualified candidates: Scholarship programs use the results of these exams to assess the academic ability and potential of students who are applying for scholarships.
This helps scholarship programs ensure that they are investing in those students who are most likely to succeed in their studies and careers.
- They can help you to improve your academic performance: Preparing for scholarship exams will help you to improve your academic skills and knowledge. This will lead to better grades in school and better performance on other standardized tests.
- They can help you gain admission to top universities: Many top universities around the world require students to submit scores from scholarship exams, such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. By performing well on these exams, you can increase your chances of being admitted to your dream university
- They can provide students with greater financial aid options: Scholarship exams can help you receive scholarships that can cover the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses. This can make studying abroad more affordable for you and your families.
- They can make students more competitive in the job market: Employers often look for candidates who have achieved high scores on scholarship exams. This is because they view these exams as a measure of academic ability, potential, and drive.
Overall, exams for scholarships to study abroad are important because they can help you achieve your academic goals, reduce the financial burden of studying abroad, and become more competitive in the job market.
If you are a student who is serious about studying abroad on a scholarship, we encourage you to start preparing for scholarship exams as soon as possible. Need assistance, contact our experts today.
What are the most popular scholarship exams for studying abroad?
IELTS (The International Language Testing System)
The International Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers.
IELTS has been establishing the benchmark for English language assessment for over three decades. It will help you to achieve your ambition of working, studying, or moving to those countries where English is the native language.
This test is globally recognized as one of the most widely accepted assessments of English language proficiency.
Every year more than 30 lakh IELTS tests are booked worldwide. It is used by universities, colleges, and employers to assess your English language skills.
The IELTS exam is divided into four parts:
- Listening: This section tests your ability to understand and listen to spoken English.
- Reading: This segment assesses your capacity to comprehend written English.
- Writing: This section tests your ability to write English in a variety of contexts.
- Speaking: This segment evaluates your proficiency in speaking English fluently and precisely.
Why is it important to study abroad?
The significance of the IELTS exam in the context of studying abroad lies in its widespread recognition as a reliable indicator of English language proficiency.
International students aiming to enroll in universities and colleges in English-speaking nations are typically obliged to furnish their IELTS scores as part of the admission process.
Moreover, numerous scholarship initiatives mandate that students undergo the IELTS examination as a prerequisite.
How to prepare for IELTS?
There are many ways to prepare for your IELTS exam. You can take IELTS preparation courses, you can study independently, or use a combination of both methods.
If you are willing to take an IELTS preparation course, make sure to choose a course that is accredited by a reputable organization.
The course should cover all four parts of the IELTS exam that we have discussed above and should provide you with opportunities to practice your English skills.
If you are studying independently, there are several resources available to help you prepare for the IELTS exam. You can find IELTS preparation books, websites, and online courses.
Here are some additional tips that can help you to prepare for the IELTS exam:
- Begin your preparations in advance by allowing yourself a minimum of six months to get ready for the exam.
- Develop a study plan: Developing a study plan will help you to stay organized and on track.
- Practice all four parts of the exam.
- Take practice exams under timed conditions: This will help you to get used to the format of the exam, and difficulty level and can manage your time effectively.
- Get feedback from a qualified IELTS instructor: This can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop a strategy for improving your score.
TOEFL (Test of English As a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL (Test of English As a Foreign Language) is a standardized test that measures your ability to combine listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills, making it a vital assessment for those students who wish to study or work in English-speaking countries.
Why is it important to study abroad?
TOEFL exam is crucial for several reasons, such as:
- Admission requirement: Many universities and colleges in English-speaking countries require you to submit your TOEFL scores as a part of your admission process.
Why do you need to submit your TOEFL scores? These scores help universities to pick those students who have the necessary language skills and abilities to build up their careers.
- Visa requirement: Some countries like the United States, use TOEFL scores as a component of your student visa application process. Meeting the required TOEFL score is essential to obtain your student visa.
- Scholarships and financial aid: TOEFL scores may be used as eligibility criteria for scholarships and financial aid opportunities, which can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad.
- Language proficiency: Proving proficiency through the TOEFL exam ensures that students can engage effectively in coursework, interact with professors and peers, and excel academically in an English-language environment.
How to prepare for TOEFL?
There are many ways to prepare for your TOEFL exam. You can take TOEFL preparation courses, you can study independently, or use a combination of both methods.
If you are willing to take a TOEFL preparation course, make sure to choose a course that is accredited by a reputable organization.
The course should cover all four parts of the TOEFL exam that we have discussed above and should provide you with opportunities to practice your English skills.
If you are studying independently, there are several resources available to help you prepare for the TOEFL exam. You can find TOEFL preparation books, websites, and online courses.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test is designed to assess the kind of thinking you’ll need in today’s challenging graduate programs, such as business and law.
It measures your skills in reading, math, critical thinking, and writing. These skills are developed over time and are important for success in many different areas of study.
It is also one of the widely accepted tests like IELTS and TOEFL. It is administered and regulated by the ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is designed to assess your readiness for graduate-level study.
Test structure
GRE is divided into three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
This section measures your ability to:
- Examine and make judgments based on conversations or texts, think logically even with limited information, spot what the author assumes or believes, and grasp various layers of meaning, including what’s directly stated metaphoric language, and the author’s purpose.
- Choose key points, separate significant from less important details, condense the content, and grasp the organization of a text.
- Comprehend the definitions of single words, sentences, and entire texts; grasp the connections between words and concepts.
- Quantitative Reasoning
This test measures your ability to:
- Grasp, explain, and assess numerical data.
- Address issues by utilizing mathematical representations.
- Utilize fundamental abilities and basic principles of math, algebra, geometry, and data examination.
- Analytical writing
This test measures your ability to:
- Express intricate concepts clearly and compellingly.
- Back up your points with appropriate explanations and instances.
- Maintain a clear and logical conversation.
- Master the fundamentals of proper written English.
You need to offer precise responses according to the given tasks to effectively showcase your ability to directly address the requirements.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam for scholarship to study abroad, used by many universities worldwide to assess your analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills.
It is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the difficulty of the questions you are asked adapts to your performance on previous questions.
This test is divided into four sections:
- Analytical writing assessment: This section measures your ability to think critically and communicate effectively. In this, you will be asked to write two essays: The Argument Essay and an Issue Essay.
Within 30 minutes you have to complete your 1 question. The score range for this section will be between 0-6.
- Integrated reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze and interpret data presented in multiple formats.
You will be asked to answer 12 questions in 30 minutes that require you to synthesize information from tables, graphs, and text passages. The score range for this section will be between 1-8.
- Quantitative reasoning: This section measures your ability to solve quantitative problems and interpret data.
You will be asked to answer 31 questions in 62 minutes that cover topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving. The score range for this section will be between 6-51.
- Verbal reasoning: This section measures your ability to read and understand complex text passages.
You will be asked to answer 36 questions in 65 minutes that cover topics such as reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. The score range will be between 6-51.
You have to solve a total of 80 questions in 3 hours and 7 minutes. The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with a total score of 600 being considered average.
Why is it important to study abroad?
The GMAT is important for studying abroad because it is a standardized test that is widely accepted by business schools around the world.
A good GMAT score can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting into your chosen university.
Here are some specific reasons why the GMAT is important for studying abroad:
- Demonstrates your academic readiness: The GMAT test assesses your quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. A good GMAT score shows business schools that you have the academic foundation necessary to succeed in their MBA programs.
- Provides a competitive edge: The GMAT is a competitive test, and a high score can give you a significant edge over other applicants.
- Meets the minimum eligibility requirements: Many business schools have minimum GMAT score requirements. If you do not meet these requirements, your application may be screened out without further consideration.
- Strengthens your overall profile: A high GMAT score can help to strengthen your overall profile, even if you have other weaknesses, such as limited work experience or a low GPA.
- Compensates for other weaknesses: A high GMAT score can also compensate for other weaknesses in your application, such as a gap in your work experience or a limited professional background.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a standardized test widely used for college and university admissions in the United States.
This is an examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, conducted and designed by the college board, and completed using pencil and paper.
This test covers three sections:
- Evidence-based reading and writing: This section assesses your ability to read and understand complex texts, as well as your ability to write clearly and effectively.
- Mathematics: This section assesses your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Essay: This section is optional, but many colleges require it. It assesses your ability to write a persuasive essay in response to a given prompt.
The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors and is offered seven times per year.
Scores are reported on a scale of 200-800 for each section, and the total score is calculated by adding the scores from the three sections.
Why is it important to study abroad?
It is important for several reasons, such as:
- It can help you qualify for scholarships and financial aid. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships to international students who achieve high SAT scores.
- It can help you gain admission to top-ranked universities. Many of the world’s leading universities, such as Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, require international students to submit SAT scores as part of their application.
- It covers a wide range of academic subjects, including reading, writing, and mathematics. By preparing for the SAT, you will be developing the skills and knowledge that you need to succeed in college-level coursework abroad.
How to prepare for the SAT exam?
Here are some tips on how to prepare for the SAT exam:
- Firstly try to understand the exam pattern of the SAT exam. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test and having three sections; Reading, writing and Language, and math. Try to understand the difficulty level of each section.
- There are many resources available to help you prepare for the SAT. You can find official SAT practice tests, study guides, and online courses on the College Board website.
- Once you have gathered your study materials, next step is to create a study plan that works for you. Be sure to schedule time each week to review the material and take practice tests. It is also important to focus on your weak areas and set realistic goals for yourself.
- In addition to studying the content, it is also important to develop a test-taking strategy. This includes learning how to manage your time effectively, identify the correct answer choices, and avoid common mistakes.
- One of the best ways to prepare for the SAT is to take practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you get used to the format of the test and the pace of the questions.
ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test that is used for college admissions in the United States. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test that covers four skill areas:
- English
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Science
There is also an optional writing test.
The purpose of this test is to assess whether you are ready for college-level work or not. The test is scored on a scale of 1 to 36, and the composite score is the average of the four subject scores.
The ACT is utilized by more than 1,800 colleges and universities across the United States, making it one of the two primary standardized tests for college admissions, alongside the SAT.
Admission officers at colleges consider ACT scores, in addition to various other factors like high school grades, class ranking, extracurricular involvement, and recommendation letters, when determining who gets admitted.
Here is a brief overview of each of the four ACT subject tests:
- English: The English test measures a student’s ability to read and understand complex texts, write effectively, and apply grammar and usage rules.
- Mathematics: The mathematics test measures a student’s ability to solve math problems that are similar to those that are taught in high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry classes.
- Reading: The reading test measures a student’s ability to read and understand complex texts, identify main ideas and supporting details, and make inferences.
- Science: The science test measures a student’s ability to read and understand scientific passages, interpret data, and make scientific inferences.
The ACT Writing Test is an optional test that measures a student’s ability to plan and write a short essay on a given topic.
Why is it important to study abroad?
The ACT is important for studying abroad for several reasons:
- It is a standardized test that is widely accepted by universities around the world. This means that you can use your ACT scores to apply to universities in many different countries, without having to take a separate admissions test for each country.
- Universities use ACT scores to evaluate your academic readiness for college-level work.
- ACT scores can help you to qualify for merit-based scholarships. Many universities offer scholarships to international students based on their ACT scores.
How to prepare for the ACT exam?
- Take a practice test and review the test format and content areas. This will help you to understand what you can expect on test day.
- Once you have taken a practice test, review your answers to identify the areas where you need to improve.
- Establish a consistent study routine and adhere to it. Make sure to allocate time for both reviewing content and working on practice questions.
- There are many different ACT preparation resources available, including books, online courses, and tutoring.
- In addition to practicing content, it is also important to practice test-taking strategies, such as time management and guessing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing education abroad can be financially challenging, especially for students from developing countries.
Scholarships offer a crucial means to bridge this gap, but they often require standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and ACT to assess academic potential.
These exams, conducted in English, cover various subjects and can greatly enhance the chances of admission and financial aid.
To succeed in these exams, early and thorough preparation is essential, utilizing accredited resources and developing effective test-taking strategies. Scholarships and these exams play vital roles in shaping the future of students aspiring to study abroad.
