When applying for admission abroad, an applicant can get overwhelmed with the application process, most importantly with the test scores. Usually, there is a standardised test score required of either SAT or ACT for UG or GRE or GMAT for PG admissions, along with English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. So, some universities may require both standardised exam scores and English proficiency test scores. Understand how, from this article.
In this article, we will inform you about the major graduate admissions tests and which exam is best suitable for your needs. This will help you in selecting the best-standardized exam which will further help you in getting admission to your selected university. Apart from this, we will also inform the MBA applicants whether they also need to take English language proficiency tests to get into their choice of business schools.
What are GRE or GMAT Exams for Admissions Abroad?
GMAT or GRE are standardised test scores that are required by universities abroad for admission to graduate programs. Check out everything about the exam below:
GMAT Exam
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
The GMAT exam is given to those applicants who want to go to business schools. The aspirants are assessed on their mathematical, data analytical and verbal skills. The main purpose of this exam is to evaluate the aspirants' ability to study at a business school. International applicants prepare for the GMAT to submit scores for an MBA abroad or other business courses offered at the PG level. Top business schools across the world like Harvard, INSEAD and Stanford accept a GMAT score of above 645. Some key points for the latest GMAT exam are as follows:
- Administered By: GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
- Purpose: Assesses aptitude for business school admission.
- Fee: The GMAT Exam fee in India is USD 275 for test centre and USD 300 for home testing
- Sections Tested: Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Data Insights (DI)
- Latest Version: GMAT Focus Edition or GMAT (11th Edition)
- Accepted By: Over 2,400 business schools worldwide.
- Accepted For: Over 7,700 programs globally.
- Testing Formats:
- Online at the exam centre
- Online home testing
- Scoring Range: 205-805
Check out:
GMAT Exam Dates 2024-25 | How to register for GMAT? |
GMAT Exam Pattern | GMAT Exam Syllabus |
GRE Exam
The GRE or GRE General Test is the world’s largest standardized test given by students to secure graduate admissions. This exam is given by students who want to secure admission to graduate programs across all major disciplines. Some courses where the GRE is preferred are MS abroad, MBA, MEng abroad, etc. So those applying for these courses have to prepare for the GRE. The GRE test assesses the candidates' ability to pursue graduate-level studies in areas of Science and Business majorly. Apart from this, those who want to study particular subjects also take the GRE Subject tests. It evaluates candidates' ability in analytical, quantitative and verbal reasoning. The GRE General Test is accepted by thousands of graduate schools across the world. In addition to this, various business and law schools also accept The GRE General Test. Some more details are as follows:
- Purpose: Assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning skills, as well as analytical writing.
- Administered By: Educational Testing Service (ETS)
- Fee: GRE Exam fee for Indians is INR 22,550 for General Tests and INR 14,500 for Subject Tests
- Sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: Measures reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Measures mathematical problem-solving skills, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Analytical Writing: Assesses the ability to analyze an issue and develop an argument.
- Accepted By: Over 3,300 graduate schools worldwide
- Accepted For: A wide range of graduate programs, including business, education, law, and the sciences.
- Testing Formats:
- Computer-based test (CBT) at a test centre
- At-home test (AHT)
- Scoring Range: The GRE is scored in the following manner based on sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: 130-170
- Quantitative Reasoning: 130-170
- Analytical Writing: 0-6
Check out:
GRE Exam Dates 2024-25 | GRE Exam Registration |
GRE Exam Pattern | GRE Exam Syllabus |
What are TOEFL or IELTS for Admissions Abroad?
Both TOEFL and IELTS are popular English language proficiency exams. Check out which one should you take if you have an option between the two:
TOEFL Exam
The TOEFL Exam is given by those who want to go to a country where English is the primary language for communication. This test analyzes aspirants' proficiency in English. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 11,000 educational institutes that include, colleges, universities, and other institutions globally. If planning to prepare for TOEFL, check out some of the following key pointers:
- Purpose: Measures English language proficiency for academic purposes.
- Administered By: ETS (Educational Testing Service)
- Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing
- Accepted By: Over 11,000 universities and institutions worldwide.
- Accepted For: Undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as for professional licensing exams.
- Testing Formats: Online only
- Scoring Range: 0-30 for each section, 0-120 overall
Don’t wait until the last minute—register for the TOEFL exam and stay ahead of the competition.
Check out:
TOEFL Exam Dates | TOEFL Exam Registration |
TOEFL Exam Pattern | TOEFL Exam Syllabus |
Many English-speaking countries accept TOEFL Scores to give a visa, so, it is an important test for those who want to go abroad. This test is preferred by a majority of the institutes in countries like the US, Canada, and Germany.
IELTS Exam
The IELTS test is given by those who want to study or settle in an English-speaking country. IELTS is a popular English proficiency exam and is widely accepted also. Accepted across 140+ countries, IELTS is conducted in under two types - there is IELTS Academic which is basically to study abroad and IELTS General Training for majorly for work visa purposes. So those preparing for IELTS exam for admissions abroad, have to prepare for the IELTS Academic version. Check out more details below:
- Purpose: Assesses English language proficiency for academic and immigration purposes.
- Administered By: IDP in India
- Sections:
- Types: Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS (Check IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training)
- Scoring: IELTS scoring is based on:
- 0-9 bands for each section
- Overall band score (average of individual section scores)
- Accepted By: Over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, colleges, employers, and immigration authorities.
- Test Centers: IELTS test centres are located in over 1,400 test centres in 140+ countries
Check out:
IELTS Exam Dates | IELTS Exam Registration |
IELTS Exam Pattern | IELTS Exam Syllabus |
Countries, where the English language is the main language for communication, require either TOEFL or IELTS Scores for issuing a visa. The IELTS test is preferred by most of the universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Also those applying to European countries must note that IELTS is popular as English test in Europe.
Check out
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Irrespective of the educational background, completion of high school or not, applicants are eligible to appear for the GMAT exam. However, those applicants will be eligible for GMAT, those who:
- Are 18 years or above
- Or, those who are 13 - 17 years old, can appear for GMAT after parent/guardian's consent at a test centre.
- Have not exceeded five attempts in a year or exhausted eight overall attempts.
- Also had scored 805 on GMAT and have completed five years of taking the exam.
If these criteria are fulfilled, applicants are eligible to take the GMAT exam.
A graduation score of less than 50% might post minor challenges. However, you may be able to offset it with a strong GMAT score and quality of your application documents. A minimal percentage or grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate studies is typically required for admission to most MBA programmes, both in India and overseas. The majority of the time, admissions committees take into account a variety of characteristics, such as academic achievement, professional experience, leadership potential, and other credentials.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that each MBA programme has its own unique entrance requirements, and some may be more flexible than others. Research the MBA programmes you are interested in and get in touch with them personally to learn about their exact qualifying requirements and whether they accept students with lower GPAs.
You could also want to take into account other elements that can improve your application, like relevant work experience, professional accomplishments, leadership roles, and excellent letters of recommendation. These components might show your potential and make up for a lower graduation grade.
There is no maximum age limit to appear for the GMAT exam as anybody 18 years and above can appear for the GMAT. However, there is definitely a lower ceiling. In the case of students who are between 13 years and 17 years of age, they are required to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their parents or legal guardians to appear for the GMAT exam 2023. Students, who are more than 18 years of age, need not provide any such NOC and can directly register and appear for the GMAT 2023 exam. However, it is advised that the candidates check the eligibility requirements of the MBA Colleges before applying since the GMAT eligibility criteria can be significantly different for the MBA admissions criteria.
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Yes, a candidate can appear for the GMAT exam after completing the 12th class. However, the GMAT exam is accepted for postgraduate (graduate) degrees and not for undergraduate degrees. In addition to this, students must note that in order to appear for the GMAT exam, they need to be at least 18 years of age. Students, who are in the age group of 13 years to 17 years, are also eligible to appear for the GMAT exam if they are able to provide a written approval or consent (No Object Certificate or NOC) by their parents or legal guardians.
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam should you take?
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic vs Duolingo: Which test you should take?
- GRE vs IELTS: Know the Difference
Is it necessary to give TOEFL or IELTS along with GMAT & GRE?
TOEFL and IELTS Exam are English language proficiency tests, that are given by those who want to go to a country where English is the preferred language of communication. On the other hand, the GRE or GMAT exam assesses the analytical ability of the aspirants. Requirements for standardized graduate admissions tests like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS are decided by the colleges, universities, and institutions themselves. It also varies from course to course and from university to university. Also, those who belong to an English-speaking country may not be required to take these English language proficiency tests.
After analyzing the entire process whether the aspirants who are appearing for who have already cleared the GRE or GMAT exam also require TOEFL and IELTS exams. Yes, those who are appearing for the GRE and GMAT also need to take TOEFL and IELTS tests to prove their English language proficiency.

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.