No products in the cart.
All international students are required to take a standardized English test as part of the admissions process for universities and colleges in the United States of America and Canada. However, an applicant should bear in mind that the required score varies from institution to institution. When taking the exam/test, you will be assessed on general English proficiency, which entails your ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English.
To study in the United States, here are the exams that universities and colleges often accept:
IELTS
The IELTS exam is created and administered by the British Council, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, with the British Council acting as the exam administrator. The academic version of the test is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The duration of this entrance test is usually 2 hours, 45 minutes. Each section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 9, with 0 representing non-users or those not taking the test and 9 representing outstanding performers. Total scores are summed across all categories, averaged, and rounded to obtain a final total score that includes all sections.
TOEFL
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is responsible for developing and administering the TOEFL (Test of English As a Foreign Language). There are different versions of TOEFL, but most students take the computer or Internet-based version (also known as iBT) on a computer (about 97%). If you take the TOEFL iBT test multiple times, you can use the best score you obtained in each part of the test.
TOEFL, in comparison to IELTS, is a longer test with four parts: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It takes three hours to complete all four sections. This language proficiency exam has its scoring system, with each section scored on a scale of 0 to 30, and the maximum score for the entire exam is 120.
Pearson
Only recently have higher institutions started granting admission based on the Pearson Test of English, PTE, a United States language proficiency test. It is recognized by about 785 universities and colleges in the USA. The minimum PTE score that an international student must get is 54. However, the curriculum may differ depending on the university you are applying to.
SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test, popularly called SAT, is one of the most important exams for students in the United States. SAT scores are recognized by almost all universities in America and neighboring English-speaking countries. The minimum SAT score to gain admission into a US university is 1000, but this varies widely from course to course and institution to institution. Top US universities may require candidates to forward both the SAT exam and subject test results.
ACT
The American College Testing, ACT, is a standardized test that evaluates a student’s skills in five core areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Essay Writing (optional). The exam assesses an applicant’s aptitude and critical thinking abilities, and it is important to sit for it while applying to college programs in the United States of America.
The minimum ACT score required for an applicant is 25, which might vary depending on the courses and university one chooses. Like the SATs, many elite colleges in the USA require students to take the ACT in writing to be considered for admission.
Study in Canada Exams
Before an international student can be considered for a student visa in Canada, they must have IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores. In addition, depending on the course and university chosen, scores from several other exams, such as the GRE, GMAT, and SAT, may be required.
Canadian universities and colleges most commonly accept the following tests:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Knowledge of English is among the most important factors when studying in Canada. International students who are not native speakers of English must take the following English language exam: International English Language Testing System. IELTS is a widely recognized English test that assesses the test taker’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The test is used for academics (IELTS Academic) and work and residency (IELTS General Training). Individual requirements vary, but Canadian universities often require a minimum score of 6.5.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)—This is one of the popular English tests administered by ETS (Educational Testing Services). It is designed to measure the test-takers’ four academic skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Aim for a minimum score of 90-100, depending on the university’s requirements. TOEFL is offered in both paper and online formats, with the use of a computer.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a recently introduced English proficiency test in Canada. It is computer-administered and assesses similar skills to IELTS and TOEFL. Scores vary depending on individual university requirements.
Duolingo—Duolingo is also an English test taken by applicants who wish to study in Canada. It measures the candidate’s English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Compared to other language tests, Duolingo is cost-effective and convenient, and the results are presented to the applicant immediately.
French Language Entrance Exam Requirements
French is one of the top languages of instruction adopted by many Canadian universities. Quebec and Toronto are two major cities where this language is used in teaching. In fact, most courses offered at universities in the institutions mentioned cities use French as the main language of instruction. Similar to English exams, non-native French speakers must take a series of French language exams.
The Test International de François is the French language test most commonly used in Quebec. In contrast, most educational institutions in France administer one of the three exams issued by the French Ministry of Education (DILF/DELF/DALF).
The TFI is divided into two sections: listening and reading comprehension. You will be asked to complete various activities, such as completing sentences and answering questions based on audio recordings.
