Admission tests
Before applying for the TALENTIA grant, we advice the applicants to inform about (language) admission tests that exist, since universities or institutions of higher education shall require a pass mark of an official test (among other requirements) in order to be qualified as a successful candidate.
Once identified the postgraduate course(s), grantees should verify which official tests are accepted and what the pass mark is.
Because universities want to make sure applicants have the English language skills necessary to study at their school, almost all institutes of higher learning require taking a test of English. TOEFL and IELTS are the two biggest standardized tests of the English language.
IELTS
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) through more than 500 locations in 120 countries.
IELTS has two versions - Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country.
IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.
IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. (band scale from one - non user - to nine - expert user)
The Test Report Form is received in the mail 13 days after the test date. Some test centres also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service.
There is no limit on sitting the test and the test results are valid for 2 years.
TOEFL
The TOEFL test, Test of English as a Foreign Language, measures the ability to communicate in English in colleges and universities. The TOEFL measures how well the test takers read, listen, speak and write in English and use these skills together in the university classroom.
TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a US-based non-profit organisation. Applicants can take the Internet-based Test (iBT) or the Paper-based Test (PBT), depending on which format is offered at each test center.
A score on each section and a total score for the entire test is received. Also feedback on the performance and a description of tasks that test takers can do within the score range for each level.
There is no passing or failing score; score requirements are established by individual institutions or agencies. TOEFL iBT scores are valid for 2 years after the test date.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam, delivered in English and used in admissions decisions by thousands of graduate business programs around the world. The GMAT exam has been shown to be a valid predictor of academic performance in MBA and other business programs. It provides a uniform gauge of academic skills for admissions professionals, who must choose students from a huge range of academic programs and undergraduate majors worldwide, as well as varying levels of professional experience.
Please review the information available on the GMAT website - http://www.mba.com/mba
GRE
Developed and administered by ETS, the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) tests assess academic knowledge and skills relevant to graduate study.
The GRE General test contains three sections that assess knowledge that has been acquired and developed over a long time: verbal reasoning, quantitive reasoning and analytical writing.
The GRE Subject tests deal with content emphasized in undergraduate programs as preparation for graduate study in the field. Tests are offered in eight fields of study.
To learn more about the GRE General and Subject test:
Please click here to email our support team for information on other admission tests (DELF, CILS, DAF, etc.)
