Exams required to study abroad

Overseas Education is an amazing opportunity for students to gain exposure to new age courses as well as be part of a diverse community that will help them grow as individuals.

Universities and colleges abroad, actively engage their students with a balance between theory and practicality. They offer both on campus and off campus experiences to equip their students with skills to help them engage in the study matter. A feature about an education abroad is the flexibility of the courses that lets students choose their course based on their interest and also allows them to work part time so that they can earn while studying.

However, before students commence on their journey to study abroad, there are certain exams that they are required to appear for, here’s a list of some of them, that they may be required to give:

TOEFL:

Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a standardized English proficiency test that assesses English Language skills in the areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Candidates who wish to study at an undergraduate or graduate level are required to take the TOEFL to demonstrate their English proficiency skills. TOEFL Test format is divided into 4 sections namely- Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. The Total duration of the entire Test Format is 4 Hours. Each section of TOEFL is graded on a scale of 0 – 30 in 1-point increment. TOEFL is scored out of 120. 100+ is considered to be a good score.

IELTS:

International English Language Testing System is a globally recognized, standardized English Proficiency Test that assesses English Language Skills in the areas of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS consists of two types of modules - Academic and General Training. Academic Module is required to be given by test takers who plan to study abroad at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. While, the General Training Module is generally a prerequisite for candidates who either want to pursue vocational studies or plan to immigrate. IELTS is graded on a scale of 0 – 9, known as Band Scale. Generally, a score of at least 6 bands for UG & 6.5 bands for PG is required in each section. The result is available in 15 working days.

PTE:

Pearson Test of English Academic is a computer-based test that evaluates the Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing abilities of non-native speakers of English who need to demonstrate their academic English capability to obtain admission abroad or for a visa application. PTE Academic is accepted for student visas & immigration in Australia & by Universities in New Zealand. It asses the students speaking, writing, listening and reading abilities. Overall score is a mark out of 90, a good score of 65 is sought after.

GRE:

Graduate Record Examination is a world-renowned admission test required to be given by those candidates who wish to seek admission to graduate programs primarily in the areas of Engineering and Sciences in the USA. It is divided into sections namely, Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. Essays are scored on a scale of 0 – 6 in 0.5 increments. The Quantitative Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130 -170 in 1-point increment. Whilst Verbal Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 130 - 170 in 1-point increment. A good score is 320/340.

GMAT:

Graduate Management Admission Test is a popular admission test required to be given by the candidates wishing to take admission to Graduate Management programs at education institutions abroad. It is divided into sections that comprise of Analysis of an Argument, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative and Verbal. This study abroad tests is scored out of 800 where a score of 650+ is considered good.

SAT:

The Scholastic Assessment Test is a distinguished admission test required to be given by the candidates who wish to seek admission to undergraduate programs primarily in the USA. It comprises of Reading, Writing, Maths and an Essay section. Out of 1600 a score of 1250+ is considered good to study in USA.

Duolingo:

An online based test, it is used to measure English proficiency of non-native English speakers within 60 mins. An adaptive test, it tests the listening, reading, writing and speaking skills of the students. The scores for the Duolingo test ranges between 10-160, with a significant number of universities looking for a score of above 120.

We offer coaching services for all the above-mentioned exams, helping you accomplish your study abroad dreams.

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 725 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.

For Complete Information About Overseas Education, Contact Edwise Overseas Education Consultants, on 1-800-102-0336 (Toll Free)

What it means to study abroad now

The world is now during grappling with the effects of COVID-19. It is safe to say that study abroad plans in 2020 will be affected, however, one cannot predict its impact and there exists an air of uncertainty.

Current Situation

USA: There are some international students who are still in the USA, due to the unavailability of flights and have decided to stay back to complete the rest of the semester online. Like most countries, the USA is also following the trend of working from home. IT companies especially are increasingly seeking work from home interns.

Canada: The IRCC has recently announced that those students who are planning to study in Canada for the May/June intake, can begin attending online courses from their home country. Those students, who have a study permit for the May/June intake but cannot travel due to the travel restrictions imposed can commence their classes online and complete 50% of their course, without having a negative impact on their visa status. Even though international students will have to attend online classes, they will remain eligible for the Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit.

UK: Most international students in the UK, decided to return to their home countries. Universities were at the threshold of completing their semester or were on Easter break. A major trend was either online courses or students returning home. Universities are currently offering COVID-19 related scholarships, tuition fees, discounts, and waivers to prospective students.

Ireland: Dates for the different levels of the admissions process are being revised. Students who have applied for visas for the April intake have now been deferred to the September intake. Some universities are processing student applications without certain application documents. The 2-year stay option opportunity that Ireland offers, continues to remain intact.

Australia: Universities in Australia, along with the government has announced hardships funds for everyone, to mitigate the COVID-19 risk. Universities are offering and encouraging online programs and all forms of technical aid are provided. Interactive scholarships are also offered. Some universities have taken the decision to waive off accommodation fees for up to 4-8 weeks. Those students who have received their ECOE after the payment of the stipulated fees are recommended to wait till the High Commission of Australia provides an update. 

New Zealand: Classes in New Zealand universities were shifted online. Those who are part-time workers in the health care sector, were permitted to work for more than 20 hours per week. It is a widespread speculation that this trend will continue even after the lockdown has ended. Furthermore, even those students who are working in supermarkets can put in the extra hours, without having a detrimental effect on their visa status. 23rd April onwards, New Zealand is on alert level 3, which means that 50% of individuals can resume work, provided social distancing norms are adhered to.

Proficiency Tests

Entrance exams such as TOEFL, GRE, GMAT are now conducted online. Duolingo is becoming an increasingly used platform by universities for English proficiency tests. Apart from this, there are a significant number of universities in the UK that are conducting these tests by themselves. Some universities in Canada are accepting applications without the IELTS scorecard and final year marksheet. Certain universities in Ireland are accepting IELTS scores of 3 years instead of the usual 2 years. Moreover, TOEFL ibt home edition tests are also considered. Whether or not these online tests will be accepted by the immigration authorities is something clarity is sought after. Students who are looking to study in New Zealand but face the risk of their IELTS expiring before they make an application for the July intake can make an application irrespective because such applications will continue to be considered. However, this does not apply to those students who extend beyond 12 months.

Visa

The I-20 form which was earlier sent to prospective students looking to study in USA by courier is now sent in an electronic format and is now referred to as the eI-20. Visa centres in the UK are hoped to remain open and students can expect their applications to be kept under review. Those who will travel by air to study in Canada will have to undergo the necessary medical testing. Students are also required to self-isolate themselves for a period of 14 days. However, students who do not have a place to self-isolate will not be permitted to enter Canada. Those students who hold a student visa in New Zealand or a Post Study Work visa can extend their visas till the 25th of September provided that their visas were on the verge of expiring. Students can make applications for visa to study in Ireland online, these applications will be valid until the application centres open.

Future Predictions

In most probability, the scheduled intakes will commence with the online study option for most courses, even for international students starting from semester one. Students could consider this as an option. However, we recommend that each student carefully weigh the options and take decisions after reviewing the terms and conditions.

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 725 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.

For Complete Information About Overseas Education, Contact Edwise Overseas Education Consultants, on 1-800-102-0336 (Toll Free)

8 Unique Ways of Making Your University Applications Shine

Now that you’ve decided to study abroad and have finalized on your university and program of persuasion, it is time to dive into perfecting your student application. University admissions are extremely competitive in nature and having to shine your university application because a must.

The more renowned the college is, the more difficult it is to gain admission. You have to make your application stand out in the pool so that the university picks you.

Here are some unique ways that you can make your application shine from the rest.

Strong Academic Background

This is the most critical element of your university application. Having strong grades is a must-have when looking to study abroad. Make sure that you not only have good grades in the subject of your persuasion but hold a good academic stance throughout. If you are expected to work towards a predictive grade do everything in your power to make sure that you reach the same.

Work Experience

The second most crucial aspect of making your application stand out is having the requisite work experience. If it happens to be in the area of your study it will be a huge bonus point. Having work experience shows initiative on your part and speaks volumes about your application. It shows to the admissions committee that you have what it takes to study in a foreign land. For a student to step out of their academic life and jump into the pool of professional responsibilities is no easy task. If you made the effort of putting yourself out of your comfort zone, the admissions committee has a reinstalled sense of belief that you will be able to do so again when you decide to study abroad. Having a heap of responsibilities thrown at your shows to the university that you can juggle with multiple tasks at hand and have a sense of maturity to work in a team.

Social Work

Apart from the academic and professional sphere, universities also look for volunteering experience. It speaks to your attributes of working for the society and highlights traits of hard work, social responsibility, and benevolence. Thus, a volunteering experience shows that you care as much for the society as you do for yourself.

Language

Whilst English is the most spoken language and the majority of the courses are conducted in the said language. Having knowledge of another language speaks to your memory skills, perseverance, and cultural empathy. Being able to understand the local language will allow you to mingle with the locals, making it easy for you to communicate and undertake networking activities. Since you will be interacting with students from all over the world, your communication skills need to be top-notch, all of which knowing an additional language will teach you.

Recommendation Letters

Letters of Recommendations are important components of your application procedure. Make sure to get recommendations from those professors who will speak highly of your attributes. It is important that you get a recommendation from such a professor that has taught you for a significant amount of time. Universities are very specific about the kind of recommendations they require, make sure you adhere to the same.

Extra-Curricular Activities

For an overseas education, it is becoming increasingly important to not just focus on your academics but to also give equal importance to your extra-curricular activities. Universities abroad want to admit a holistic candidate. This means, gone are the days where students were required to only have good grades. Along with a strong academic background, it is important that you participate in other activities. This harnesses your communication skills and at the same time also allows you to have a greater world view.

Research

Tailor-make all of your applications. Be specific about the college and let them know that you have done your research. Speak about why you wish to study at that university and undertake that program specifically. Go the extra mile and show the university that you have undertaken the necessary efforts to study there. This shows that you’re truly interested to study from there.

Don’t exaggerate

Lying on your application is a big no. Don’t exaggerate about things you haven’t undertaken. Be true to yourself and let the university understand what your interests and passions are. 

We at Edwise streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining strong networks with over 725 universities in 16 countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational establishments worldwide.

For Complete Information About Overseas Education, Contact Edwise Overseas Education Consultants, on 1-800-102-0336 (Toll Free)