Studying abroad is ripe with opportunities. Over 7.65 lakh of Indians went abroad for higher education to pursue their dreams. This number keeps growing; The number of Indian students enrolled in foreign higher education institutions is expected to reach 20 Lakh by 2025. Studying abroad has become synonymous with success; it not only offers opportunities to grow professionally but can help with character building and personal development and makes one culturally sensitive.
There is no denying that studying abroad is expensive. The average cost of studying abroad comes to ₹30 to ₹40 lakhs for an Indian. But there are multiple opportunities at a student’s disposal; students have scholarships, overseas education loans, financial aid, exams for studying abroad with scholarships, etc. If you are parent who wishes to see their child go abroad for their bachelors or masters, you have the option of starting a college fund for the baby.
In this blog, we will be showing primarily on exams for studying abroad with scholarship. Asking questions like what the top exams are for studying abroad for Indians, which exam should you take for study abroad, what are the exams for studying abroad?
Key Exams for Study Abroad
Here’s a list of exams for studying abroad. Some of these exams are gateways to top universities and are mandatory for admission. For instance, SAT and ACT are significant if you wish to pursue bachelors in USA. TOEFL or IELTS are English speaking tests used for multiple courses across universities and countries.
Standardized Tests for Undergraduate Programs:
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): The SAT assesses reading, writing, and math skills. It’s widely accepted by universities in the US, Canada, and several others.
- ACT (American College Testing): Similar to the SAT, the ACT evaluates reading, English, math, science reasoning, and writing skills (optional). It’s another prevalent test for US and some other universities.
Fees (Approximate INR):
- SAT: ₹6200-₹7000 (with essay), ₹5400-₹5800 (without essay)
- ACT: ₹12,000 (with writing), ₹9,000 (without writing)
Importance for Indian Students:
These exams provide a standardized measure of academic preparedness for universities abroad. Scoring well strengthens your application and increases your chances of admission to prestigious programs.
Universities & Courses Unlocked:
High scores on the SAT/ACT can open doors to top universities in the US, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, and others. These tests are typically required for various undergraduate programs, including Business, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Sciences, and more.
Relevance:
The SAT and ACT assess core academic skills and critical thinking abilities deemed essential for success in a foreign university environment.
Standardized Tests for Graduate Programs:
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): The GRE evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. It’s widely accepted by universities in the US and many others for various graduate programs.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): This test focuses on analytical writing, quantitative and verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills. It’s required for admission to most Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs worldwide.
Fees (Approximate INR):
- GRE: ₹16,000
- GMAT: ₹21,000
Importance for Indian Students:
Similar to undergraduate exams, the GRE and GMAT demonstrate your academic preparedness for rigorous graduate studies. Strong scores can significantly enhance your application and scholarship prospects.
Universities & Courses Unlocked:
High GRE/GMAT scores can unlock admission to top universities worldwide for Master’s, Ph.D., and other graduate programs in various fields, including Business, Engineering, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities (for GRE).
Relevance:
The GRE and GMAT assess the specific skills and knowledge base crucial for success in graduate-level studies, particularly in quantitative and analytical areas.
English Proficiency Tests:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): The TOEFL assesses English language proficiency for academic purposes. It’s widely accepted by universities worldwide.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Similar to the TOEFL, the IELTS evaluates English language proficiency for academic and immigration purposes. It’s another widely accepted test.
Fees (Approximate INR):
- TOEFL: ₹13,000
- IELTS: ₹15,000
Importance for Indian Students:
Most universities abroad require proof of English language proficiency to ensure successful communication in class and academic settings. These tests fulfill this requirement.
Universities & Courses Unlocked:
A good TOEFL/IELTS score is necessary for admission to almost any university abroad, regardless of the program.
Relevance:
English proficiency is essential for comprehending lectures, participating in discussions, and completing coursework effectively at a foreign university.
Other Relevant Exams:
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test): Required for admission to law schools in the US and Canada.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Prerequisite for admission to medical schools in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Study abroad exam preparation strategies
Conquering those exams is the first to studying abroad and getting the scholarships or financing to help you achieve your dream. Here are some tips to get you started:
Understanding the Exam:
- Familiarize yourself with the exam format, content areas, and scoring criteria for each test you’re taking (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS). Each exam has a different objective, marking system and a set of questions.
- Official test websites and prep materials offer valuable insights.
Study Planning & Time Management
- Create a personalized study schedule that allocates dedicated time for each exam section.
- Be realistic about your pace and adjust your plan as needed.
- Schedule breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
Practice Tests & Review Materials
- Take practice tests regularly to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Utilize official practice materials, prep books, and online resources.
- Review mistakes thoroughly to solidify concepts and prevent repetition.
Boost Your Prep
- Consider enrolling in online courses or seeking guidance from tutors for personalized support.
- Joining study groups can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and motivation.
- Explore free and paid online resources like practice tests, video tutorials, and study guides.
Study abroad scholarship opportunities
Financing your international education with scholarships is the best way to study abroad. Winning a scholarship is a great financial win but also adds immense value to your resume. It speaks volumes about your credulity, academic spirit and can help you seek better opportunities through networking.
Here’s how Indian students can navigate the scholarship landscape:
Types of Scholarships:
- Government Scholarships: The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship and the Study in India (SII) Scholarship are prestigious options fully or partially funded by the Government of India.
- University Scholarships: Many universities abroad offer merit-based scholarships specifically for international students, including Indians. Explore individual university websites for details.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships exist for specific academic fields like engineering, medicine, or business. Research organizations and foundations often offer such scholarships. These can be third-party scholarships like Rhodes Scholarships, British Council Scholarship or can be found on the university pages for specific courses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic excellence is a primary criterion for most scholarships. Strong grades in relevant subjects and standardized test scores are crucial.
- Some scholarships may have specific course or program requirements.
- Extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and community service involvement can strengthen your application.
Finding Scholarships
- Utilize scholarship search engines designed for international students.
- Check the websites of universities you’re interested in for scholarship opportunities. Such as the EduFund Scholarships to help ease the financial stress!
- Explore government scholarship portals and educational consultancies for guidance.
Crafting a Winning Application
- Scholarship Essay: Research the scholarship and tailor your essay to its specific requirements. Highlight your academic achievements, career goals, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.
- Interview Preparation: Practice answering common scholarship interview questions. Showcase your passion for your field of study and demonstrate your suitability for the scholarship program.
Importance of Financial Preparedness
The importance of financial preparedness related to studying abroad cannot be emphasized more. Tuition fees are a major expense for a student and a parent. For Indian families, it can be tough, considering the currency exchange involved in the process. Other factors to consider is the growing inflation in education, the disparity between national and international fees abroad, and rising rent prices for students as well as the cost of living crisis.
Here’s a breakdown of some major costs for studying abroad and how scholarships can help:
- Living Expenses: Accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and daily necessities can add up quickly. Research average living costs in your chosen destination to create a realistic budget.
- Travel Costs: Factor in flight tickets, travel insurance, and potential visa application fees. Explore scholarships that cover travel stipends to ease the burden.
- Health Insurance: Many universities require international students to have health insurance. The cost can vary depending on the coverage. Scholarships that include health insurance benefits can be a lifesaver.
- Academic Materials: Textbooks, research materials, and course supplies can be expensive, especially compared to Indian prices. Factor these costs into your budget.
- Unexpected Expenses: Emergencies, social activities, and unforeseen situations arise. Set aside a contingency fund in your budget to navigate these bumps in the road.
Scholarships as a Lifeline:
Scholarships can significantly alleviate these financial pressures. They can cover a portion of tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. Many scholarships also offer health insurance benefits, further reducing your financial burden.
However, securing scholarships shouldn’t be your sole financial strategy. You can consider overseas education loans, saving for college via mutual funds or if you are in school or college, encourage parents to start a college fund for you.
Planning and Resources are Key:
- Budgeting: Create a detailed budget outlining all anticipated expenses. Research average costs for your chosen destination and program. You can check university websites to get the current fees and for future fees, you can try the College Cost Calculator!
- Exploring Additional Resources: Consider part-time work options allowed by your student visa (restrictions apply). Look into student loans designed for studying abroad. Explore family support options if feasible.
Investing in Mutual Funds through EduFund
The best way to start saving for college is to invest via mutual funds. EduFund helps you achieve that seamlessly. It guides parents and children through education planning by providing financial solutions like investing via mutual funds, scholarships and overseas education loans.
Why do we encourage parents to choose mutual funds at EduFund?
Because mutual funds have historically given higher returns than the growing college costs. Mutual funds have the potential to beat college costs. They are also managed by professionals who understand markets and help you navigate them easily.
Starting an investment plan for your child through mutual funds with the help of EduFund is incredibly lucrative and easy. Step to investing:
- Download the EduFund App & set up an investment account
- Try our College Cost Calculator to determine the future costs
- Generate an investment plan based on your child’s college goal
- Speak to a savings experts or DIY the investment plan
- That’s it, you will have a college fund to help your child study anywhere in the world!
EduFund can also help you get scholarships and low interest education loans. Education loans are one of the best ways to sponsor foreign education. The loans are designed to help meritorious students get financial help and pursue their dreams of studying abroad.
Success Story
“Last year, I got my CAS from the university, and the final step was sorting out my finances. I was intimidated by the loan process, but EduFund experts came through. They guided me throughout the process! I loved the absolute transparency over fees and charges. Kudos to EduFund for everything!”
Harsh Lakhanpal
Headed to Queen Mary University, London, UK
