Studying abroad offers students opportunities to access international qualifications, experience different cultures and pursue academic or professional goals. However, before applying to a foreign university, students must understand which examinations they need to take.
From IELTS and TOEFL to SAT, ACT, GRE and GMAT, the range of international examinations can be confusing, particularly for students applying from Nigeria and other African countries.
Choosing the wrong examination can lead to unnecessary expenses, wasted preparation time and delays in the admission process. The right choice depends on the destination country, the institution, the course of study, the student’s academic background and the specific admission requirements.
Here are 10 practical steps to help students choose the right examination for studying abroad.
1. Decide on your preferred study destination
The first step is to identify the country where you intend to study.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and Germany have different admission systems and language requirements. Even within the same country, requirements vary between universities and courses.
For example, an undergraduate applicant to a US university may need to consider the SAT or ACT, depending on the institution’s admission policy. An applicant to a UK university may instead need to focus on academic qualifications and English language proficiency.
Do not register for an examination simply because someone you know took it. First, establish the requirements of your intended destination and institution.
2. Understand the purpose of each examination
International examinations serve different purposes. Students should understand these differences before paying registration fees.
– IELTS: Assesses English language proficiency and is accepted by many universities and other organisations.
– TOEFL iBT: Assesses English language proficiency, particularly in academic contexts, and is accepted by many institutions.
– PTE Academic: An English proficiency test accepted by many universities and some immigration authorities.
– SAT: Assesses skills used in undergraduate university admissions, particularly in the United States and at some institutions elsewhere.
– ACT: Another standardised examination used by some universities for undergraduate admissions.
– GRE: Commonly required or accepted for certain postgraduate programmes, depending on the institution and course.
– GMAT: Used by many business schools for selected postgraduate business and management programmes.
These examinations are not interchangeable. An English proficiency test does not replace an academic admissions test where the latter is required.
3. Check the specific requirements of your university
Before registering for any examination, visit the official website of your preferred university.
Look for the international admissions page and the requirements for your intended course. Confirm which examinations are compulsory, optional or not accepted.
For example, a university may accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic as evidence of English proficiency. Another may accept only certain tests or impose additional requirements for particular courses.
Students should also confirm whether their existing qualifications, previous education in English or other evidence can qualify them for an exemption.
Never assume that a test is compulsory simply because it is commonly used by international applicants.
4. Identify the level of study you want to pursue
The examination requirements for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes can differ significantly.
Undergraduate applicants may need to provide secondary school qualifications, evidence of English proficiency and, where applicable, SAT or ACT results.
Postgraduate applicants may need an English proficiency test and, for some programmes, GRE or GMAT scores.
Doctoral applicants may face additional departmental requirements, research proposals, interviews or other assessments.
Students should therefore identify their intended level of study before choosing an examination.
5. Consider your English language proficiency
Students applying to English-taught programmes may need to demonstrate their ability to read, write, speak and understand academic English.
IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic are among the examinations commonly used for this purpose.
The right option depends on which tests the institution accepts, the required scores, available test dates, cost and the student’s preferred testing format.
Students should also check whether the university requires minimum scores in individual sections rather than an overall score alone.
Choosing a test that suits your strengths is useful, but acceptance by your intended institution must come first.
6. Check whether you need an academic admissions test
Some universities and courses require standardised tests in addition to school or university qualifications.
For example, an undergraduate applicant may need to submit SAT or ACT scores if required by the institution. Applicants to selected postgraduate business programmes may need the GMAT, while some other graduate programmes may require or accept the GRE.
However, requirements differ across institutions, departments and admission cycles. Some universities make these tests optional or do not require them at all.
Before registering, determine whether the test is mandatory, optional or unnecessary for your application.
7. Compare examination costs and available test dates
International examinations can involve registration fees, preparation materials, transport and other expenses.
Students should compare the current fees, available test centres, examination dates and result timelines before making a decision.
They should also account for possible rescheduling costs and the time required to prepare adequately.
A cheaper test is not a suitable choice if the university does not accept it. Likewise, an examination scheduled too close to an application deadline may leave insufficient time to receive results or arrange a permitted retake.
Always verify fees and availability through the official examination provider.
8. Understand score requirements and validity periods
Different universities set different minimum scores for international applicants.
For example, a university may specify an IELTS overall score alongside minimum scores for speaking, listening, reading and writing. Other institutions may use different scoring systems for TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic.
Students should also check how recently the result must have been obtained.
IELTS results are generally recommended as valid for two years, although organisations set their own acceptance policies. TOEFL scores are valid for two years, while PTE Academic scores are generally valid for two years, subject to the relevant provider’s and institution’s rules.
Students should verify the applicable requirements before using an older result for a new application.
9. Choose an examination based on your preparation needs
Once you have identified the accepted tests, consider which format best suits your preparation style.
Some examinations include speaking assessments, while others place greater emphasis on multiple-choice questions, written responses or subject-specific skills.
Students should review official sample questions, practise under timed conditions and identify areas where they need improvement.
Where necessary, they can use a qualified tutor or structured preparation course.
Preparation should begin early enough to allow time for practice, feedback and a possible retake before the application deadline.
10. Confirm the requirements before making payment
Before paying for an examination, review your application checklist one final time.
Confirm the exact test name, accepted test format, minimum score, registration deadline, result submission process and any additional requirements.
Students should also verify that the examination provider offers an approved testing option for their intended institution.
Admission requirements can change between application cycles, so information from friends, social media posts or older application guides should not replace current official guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid when choosing an international examination
Students applying to study abroad should avoid these common mistakes:
– Taking IELTS or TOEFL without confirming whether an English test is required.
– Registering for the SAT, ACT, GRE or GMAT without checking the university’s policy.
– Assuming that every university in a country has identical admission requirements.
– Choosing an examination based solely on cost or popularity.
– Ignoring minimum scores for individual sections.
– Taking a test too close to the application deadline.
– Relying on unofficial agents or outdated online information without verification.
Avoiding these mistakes can save students time and money while making their application process more organised.
Finally,choosing the right examination for studying abroad begins with understanding your academic goals and the admission requirements of your intended university.
There is no single international examination that every student must take. The appropriate test depends on the country, institution, programme, level of study and the applicant’s existing qualifications.
Students should research their options carefully, compare accepted examinations and prepare well before registering.
For Nigerian and other African students, careful planning is particularly important because examination fees, travel to test centres and application costs can represent significant expenses.
The best approach is simple: choose your destination, shortlist your universities, confirm their requirements and only then register for the examinations you need.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.