Are you an international student applying for a program taught in English? If yes, then you must provide proof of your English skills. This is common for all applications to an English-speaking university.
The university needs to check you have the necessary:
What English Language Tests are available?
Below is an overview of the most widely accepted English skill tests.
IELTS and TOEFL are both standardised tests to determine a student’s English language skills. They are also two of the most accepted English exams around the world. The tests are different in their structure, approach, and teaching criteria.
Have a look to see which one is best for you.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
This is available in two formats:
IELTS Academic, for those planning to study higher education abroad
IELTS General Training, for those who need to improve their social and workplace skills
The test itself uses British English and consists of four parts:
It’s accepted in thousands of institutions in over 140 countries. Each institution has its requirements for IELTS scores. You can find them at: www.ielts.org
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is an English skills test. It’s the main test for American English.
It measures an individual’s skills in:
TOEFL scores are needed for over 900 universities and other institutions. They cover more than 130 countries.
There are two methods of taking this test:
The latter is the more popular. American institutions will probably favour this exam over the IELTS test and it’s accepted in Australia and the UK. You can find it at: www.toefl.org
Other tests you can take include:
The C1 Advanced English exam (CAE), from Cambridge Assessment English.
6,000 colleges and universities around the world endorse the CAE. Although growing in popularity, it doesn’t compete with the two options outlined above.
It’s used to:
You can check them out here: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org
A Pearson Test of English (PTE)
This test shows where you need to improve your English language skills. It’s more of a self-assessment for their courses. The test is entirely computer-based and is marked by a machine. You can find them here: https://pearsonpte.com
Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Recognised by governments and institutions, it provides reliable evidence of English language proficiency.
They cover the four fundamental skills of:
You can find them here: https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/english-language/ISE
Duolingo
You take this at home over the internet. Some institutions will accept it as a substitute for the IELTS and TOEFL tests. It’s mainly used for international applicants to universities in the United States and Canada. You can find them here: https://www.duolingo.com
Conclusion
Every university’s approach is unique. They may choose to use one or more of the tests provided above. So make sure to check which one your chosen institution prefers.
More generally, different countries prefer specific tests.
For instance, in the United Kingdom, universities and colleges offer Pre-sessional English Programmes for international students. The focus of these is to help develop a student’s ability to use English for academic purposes and then test them accordingly.
