Exams for MBA abroad: A guide to common admission tests

MBA programs around the world are becoming increasingly competitive, and many universities require applicants to take entrance exams to demonstrate their proficiency and understanding of business concepts. The demand and competition are understandable, as it is one of the most pursued courses in the world.

By understanding the different tests and preparing accordingly, you can increase your chances of gaining acceptance into an international MBA program.

This guide will offer an overview of the admission tests you can take to pursue MBA programs abroad.

Planning to pursue an MBA in your preferred destination? Get started with us!

Common exams for MBA in abroad

MBA exams for studying abroad are typically standardised tests that measure a student’s aptitude for graduate business school. The exams are a major factor in determining admission to the world’s top business schools and are one of the most important elements of the application process.

The most common exams for MBA programs abroad are.

Standard tests

• GMAT
• GRE

English proficiency tests

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE
• Duolingo

Standard tests

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardised test used by many business schools and universities worldwide. The exam assesses the candidate’s academic aptitude and determines your readiness for the program.

The test is designed to measure essential aspects of business studies, like critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills.

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a nonprofit organisation that administers the GMAT test and maintains standards for graduate management education worldwide. The exam is offered year-round at more than 6,000 test centres in over 114 countries.

The GMAT test consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).

The AWA section assesses the test taker’s ability to think critically and write clearly, while the IR section measures the ability to interpret data and draw logical conclusions. The QR and VR sections measure the test taker’s ability to interpret data, analyse quantitative information, and use verbal reasoning skills.

The GMAT exam fee is $250, though there are discounts available for certain groups of test takers, such as military personnel and students from certain countries. The test is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats. The computer-based format is the most popular and is offered at most test centres.

Also read: How to prepare for Online GRE Exam?

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised test that is used as part of the admissions process for many graduate programs in the United States, Canada, and other countries. For those seeking to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at a business school abroad, the GRE is a required element of the admissions process.

The GRE is a multiple-choice, computer-adaptive test. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The test, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), has two types: GRE General and Subject tests.

The GRE General test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The GRE Subject tests measure your knowledge in specific subject areas and are available in the following disciplines: Biology, chemistry, literature in English, mathematics, physics, psychology, and United States history and government.

The GRE is offered in two formats: computer-based and paper-and-pencil. The computer-based version is offered year-round at testing centres worldwide, while the paper-and-pencil version is offered only three times a year in certain locations.

Also read: The GMAT vs GRE for MBA admissions

Language proficiency & other language tests for MBA

IELTS

The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is a test to analyse your English language skills. Candidates planning to study or work in a country where English is the predominant language must pass the IELTS before moving abroad.

The 2-hour 45-minute test determines the candidate’s English proficiency through reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills. The sections analyse your language fluency through a band score between 1-9. There are two types of IELTS exams: Academic and General Training.

IELTS Academic is for students planning to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries, whereas, the General Training version is for working professionals and people seeking immigration opportunities.

TOEFL

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an English proficiency test for students planning to pursue higher education at a university in an English-speaking country. TOEFL is a widely accepted test by several institutions around the globe.

TOEFL tests are approximately three hours long with a total of 120 marks and evaluate your ability to read, listen to, speak, and write in English. There are two modes through which you can take the test: Paper-based, and internet-based.

PTE

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language test accepted by many universities and business schools worldwide. It evaluates your skills in speaking, listening, writing and reading.

The exam lasts for around 2 hours and 15 minutes and evaluates your English skills with a score between 10 and 90.

The PTE exam is of three types: Academic, General, and Home. The Academic version is for students seeking to study abroad, as well as for immigration procedures to Australia and New Zealand.

PTE General, also known as the International Certificate, is designed for vocational benefit, rewarding positive achievement in the English language for candidates.

PTE Home is a UK Home Office-approved speaking and listening test. People applying for family or settlement visas in the UK mainly take this assessment to prove their English proficiency.

Also read: Duolingo vs PTE: Which one is better for you?

Duolingo

The Duolingo English test is a standard online assessment for international students planning to pursue an MBA or any program abroad. The test measures your English fluency with the four skills: Listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Many students prefer Duolingo as it is affordable and convenient. The test has three sections with a total of 160 marks. The sections include an Introduction, an Adaptive test (graded), and a Writing and speaking sample (ungraded). The test is designed based on computer-adaptive technology.

It means the difficulty of the test depends on the participant’s performance. With every correct answer, the difficulty level increases and vice versa.

Also read: How to prepare for the Duolingo English test?

Eligibility requirements for studying for an MBA

MBA is one of the top study programs international students prefer to pursue abroad. There are certain eligibility requirements they need to fulfil so that their applications can be sent for admission. While these criteria differ with universities and study destinations, here are the common eligibility requirements for studying for an MBA.

• Education qualification: An international student with an undergraduate degree in BBA, a business-related course, or other study programs.
• Work experience: At least two years in a relevant field.

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Other requirements for studying for an MBA abroad

Some of the other requirements include the students’ admission test scores. Here are the standard exam requirements for top study destinations.

GRE

• US: 320
• UK: Above 320
• Canada: 300-320
• Ireland: 310-320
• Australia: 300-310
• New Zealand: Above 320

GMAT

• US: 700
• UK: 650
• Canada: 500-600
• Ireland: 500-700
• Australia: Above 550
• New Zealand: Above 550

IELTS

• US: Above 6.5
• UK: 6.5-7.0
• Canada: Above 6.5
• Ireland: 6.5
• Australia: Above 6.0
• New Zealand: Above 6.0

TOEFL

• US: 100
• UK: 92-100
• Canada: 90
• Ireland: 90
• Australia: Above 96
• New Zealand: Above 90

PTE

• US: 50-70
• UK: 57-67
• Canada: Around 60
• Ireland: 63
• Australia: 58-79
• New Zealand: 50-60

Duolingo

• US: 100-120
• UK: 100-120
• Canada: Around 115
• Ireland: 95-120
• Australia: 120-130
• New Zealand: 90-110

Also read: Top 10 business schools in the world

Timeline for applying to MBA online

International students should start looking for a suitable MBA course in their preferred destination months before the planned intake due to the long admission process.

They have to get the documents ready, check eligibility, ensure their profile fulfils them, attend admission tests, send the application, and wait for the decision. So it is essential to apply early for a seamless admission process.

International students can start preparing for an MBA Online at least ten months to one year before the application deadline. Here’s how you can plan your application for an MBA.

• 6-12 months before the admission deadline - Prepare for the admission tests like the GRE, GMAT, and English proficiency tests.
• 3-6 months before the admission deadline - Choose the course and university that suit your needs.
• 3 months before the admission deadline - Prepare your documents, craft your SOP, get your LOR ready, and send the application.

Also read: Which MBA specialisation is the best in the world?

Don't miss these proven Statement of Purpose (SOP) templates. Download now for free!

How to prepare for exams for an MBA abroad

Exams for MBA abroad are quite different from the ones taken in India. It is important to understand the exam format, requirements, and application process. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an MBA exam abroad:

1. Research the exam

The first step to preparing for an MBA exam is to research the exam. Find out the exam structure, the topics covered, and the time limit. Also, check the application process and the requirements for the exam.

2. Start early

It is important to start preparing early for an MBA exam. It is best to start at least six months in advance. This will help you familiarise yourself with the exam format, requirements, and application process.

3. Develop a study plan

Once you have researched the exam, develop a study plan. Make sure to set aside enough time each day to study. Make sure to include breaks and regular revisions.

4. Take mock tests

Taking mock tests will help you to understand the exam format and assess your preparation. It will also help you to identify any areas that need improvement.

5. Practice writing

MBA exams require you to write essays. So, practice writing essays to get used to the format and enhance your time management.

5. Improve your language skills

To do well in the exams, you should have a good command of English. Therefore, make sure to practice reading and writing in English every day.

6. Get help

If you feel like you need help preparing for the exam, get in touch with a tutor. A tutor can help you to develop a study plan and guide you throughout the exam process.

These exams are critical to gaining entry into the most competitive and prestigious MBA programs. With a clear understanding of their requirements and the resources available to help you prepare, you can confidently approach these exams and make the most of your MBA abroad experience.

Prepared to pursue an MBA abroad? Get ready with Edvoy today!

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common exams for an MBA abroad?

The two most common exams for an MBA abroad are GMAT and GRE.

Who administers the GMAT?

The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a nonprofit organisation that sets and maintains standards for graduate management education worldwide. It is offered year-round at more than 6,000 test centres in over 114 countries. 

What are the different types of GRE?

GRE is of two types of tests: GRE general and subject tests. The GRE general test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.

The GRE subject tests are designed to measure knowledge in specific subject areas and are available in the following disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and United States History and Government.

Which are the best business schools abroad?

Here are some top business schools abroad.

• Harvard Business School
• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• London Business School
• Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
• Columbia Business School
• Sloan School of Management
• University of Cambridge Judge Business School
• Warwick Business School
• Yale School of Management
• Haas School of Business - University of California, Berkeley

What tests are required to study an MBA abroad?

Common admission tests like GRE or GMAT, and English exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo are some of the tests required to study an MBA abroad.

Is GMAT compulsory for an MBA abroad?

The GMAT measures your readiness to pursue an MBA at your desired university. So the exam is considered a mandatory requirement at educational institutions.

How can I join an MBA in a foreign country?

Studying MBA in a foreign country is a long process and involves various steps.

• Research and discover the study destination, university, and course that suit your academic requirements.
• Look through the criteria and ensure you are eligible to apply for the course.
• Get the documents ready.
• Attend and complete the admission tests.
• Send the application, and wait for the decision.

Which country abroad is best for an MBA?

The US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand are some top study destinations to pursue an MBA.

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