Know about the Admission Journey of Indian Students to Universities Abroad during COVID-19
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The pandemic, COVID-19 has been tough on all of us, leave alone the study abroad industry. However, study abroad surveys conducted by reliable sources show that while a large number of students have planned to defer their admissions for reasons best known to them, a significant number of students are hopeful of the future and are looking forward to studying abroad and are sticking with their plans of studying abroad. Candidates can read about the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns globally on the study abroad plans of Indian students on our website.
We at Shiksha with the help of our Study Abroad Counsellors are monitoring important data such as opening/closing of borders for international students, vaccination requests of universities for incoming students, remote learning accessibility and so on for the benefit of students planning to study abroad.
Covid-19 Tracker
- Countries consider re-opening to international students amid COVID 19 crisis
- Renewed hope spurs among Indian Students wanting to Study Abroad with the availability of COVID-19 Vaccine
This article is dedicated to all those students who despite the hurdles of the COVID-19 was able to continue with their dream of studying abroad and was able to conquer one hurdle after another to reach their dream destination. This article has been created to serve as an inspiration for those students who are looking to study abroad but are discouraged due to the noise created by COVID-19.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
In this article, we have brought together admission stories of students who despite the COVID-19 has stuck on to their dream of applying for studying abroad and with the help of Shiksha Counselling Services and have successfully been able to apply to their preferred university and reach their destination. Through our admission journeys, new students can familiarize themselves with some of the difficulties that they could face during the application process and more importantly learn ways to overcome those hurdles.
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COVID-19 effects on Study Abroad Exams
Due to the pandemic, a lot of universities were temporarily relaxing their application requirements due to the various constraints such as local lockdowns and unavailability of test centres that prevented students from taking their exams on schedule. While universities relaxed English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL, PTE and IELTS given the candidate has pursued their academic work in the English language. Select universities also waived off GRE and GMAT scores provided the candidate showed a good employment record and good academic scores.
However, with time, testing organizations have brought out different versions of the tests that can be taken at a test centre (if permitted by local administration) or from the safety of the candidate’s home to make the test more accessible to the students and also make the study abroad process, a little easier.
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): Conducted by College Board, SAT Test Centers are not operating at their full capacity, following COVID-19 protocol and students safety in mind. Candidates are requested to register for their SATs in advance to be able to get their desired booking slot.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): ETS - the conducting body of the TOEFL exam has launched the TOEFL at Home, TOEFL Essentials Test and the TOEFL paper-delivered test in India in addition to the already existing TOEFL iBT test.
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): Pearson PLC Group, the conducting body of the PTE exam has launched the PTE at Home version of the PTE exam and also shortened the PTE test by one hour to a new PTE total duration of 2 hours without compromising on the effectiveness of the test in view of the COVID-19. The PTE test is also available at test centres that are open.
- International English Language Testing System (IETS): IDP- the conducting body of the IELTS exam has also launched the IELTS Indicator, an online English language test for students who are affected by the COVID-19 and are not able to attend the IELTS test centre. IELTS Indicator will assess the student's English language skills in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): ETS - the conducting body of the GRE exam has launched the GRE at Home for candidates who are looking to appear for the GRE from the safety of their Home. Candidates should note that this would be a proctored test and they would require the mandatory equipment and environment conditions as mentioned on the official website.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): GMAC – the conducting body of the GMAT exam has introduced the GMAT Online Exam for those who wish to take the GMAT entrance exam from the convenience of their home rather than going to the GMAT test center.
Admission Journey of Indian Students during COVID-19
As informed earlier, below are the admissions journeys of Indian students who have secured their spot in a university abroad during the COVID-19. Do live their journey through their stories.
Know how Siddhant got into Technological University Dublin, Ireland during COVID-19
Know how Smitha Balakrishnan got into Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Ireland during COVID-19
Know how Hari Prasad got into SKEMA Business School, France during COVID-19
Know how Divyesh got into University College Cork, Ireland during COVID-19
Know how Dev got into Dublin Business School, Ireland during COVID-19
Know how Priyanka got into GISMA Business School, Germany during COVID-19
Know how Ann Issac got into the University of Strathclyde Glasgow
Know how Prateek got into the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Know how Shreya Kohli got into Uppsala University Sweden
Know how Tarang got into Illinois Institute of Technology at Chicago?
We would love to hear from you. Do write to us in the comments below or get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.
Also, Read
Q: Â Which countries require IELTS score for admission?
Q: Â How many US universities are still test optional for accepting SAT scores?
While US universities have started accepting SAT scores for undergraduate admissions, after a long pause since COVID-19, there are still a few who choose to be test optional. Majority of the Ivy League schools and public universities are accepting SAT scores mandatorily. Some of the universities which are still test optional are as follows:
- Boston University
- Amherst College
- Brandeis University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Columbia University
Applicants must check the official website and check if the university is test-optional. Despite being test-optional, universities still recommend and encourage applicants to submit their standardised test scores. Thus, until and unless it is mentioned test-optional or not mandatory for admission, applicants need not submit their SAT or ACT scores.
Q: Â What is a good GRE score to get into a MS Computer Engineering program in a top 20 US university?
To get into MS in Computer Engineering program offered by any top 20 US university, students should have at least in the range of 320-340. score in Gradute Record Examination. However, this is just a general guideline. Getting a high score in GRE does not gurantee you for getting admission in your desired course/university. Specific requirements can vary depending on the university and the program.
Q: Â Is SAT exam conducted only for admission to American universities?
No, SAT exam is not only for Australia universities, in fact universities in Canada, Italy, UK, India and Singapore a few top locations where SAT scores are acceptable for UG admissions. Some universities in Australia and New Zealand also accept SAT scores from international students for admissions. Applicants applying for admissions abroad must check the requirements for SAT, aim for the SAT score accordingly and apply for admisisons.
Q: Â How many IELTS test centres are there in India?
Spread across 75+ Indian cities, there are approximately 78 IELTS test centres. Indian applicants planning to take IELTS exam, can choose from any 78 test centres and appear for the exam. Applicants should ideally choose the nearest IELTS exam centre for taking the exam.
Q: Â In which US Universities is IELTS accepted for admissions?
IELTS Band Scores are widely accepted across universities in USA, Canada and other English speaking countries. Check: IELTS Scores at the Best Universities in US IELTS scores across popular universities in the US:
| S.no. | Universities | Required IELTS score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | 6.0 |
| 2 | Washington University in State Louis | 6.5 |
| 3 | University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign | 6.5 |
| 4 | Colorado State University | 6.0 |
| 5 | Saint Louis University | 6.5 |
| 6 | The University of Texas at Arlington | 6.5 |
| 7 | Pace University | 7.0 |
| 8 | University of New Haven | 7.5 |
| 9 | Iowa State University | 6.0 |
| 10 | Northeastern University | 7.0 |
Q: Â Which are the good countries I may get admission with 5.5 IELTS score?
An IELTS band score between 5.0 and 5.5 is considered a modest score. And will not make you eligible to apply to Tier I universities abroad. Students should note that English language scores are university specific. So while your English language scores would be required as part of your student visa application, however, they are an integral part of your university admission requirements. An IELTS band score of 5.0 – 5.5 will not make you eligible for top-ranking universities. However, with an IELTS 5.5 band score, you will be eligible to select a few universities in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Germany, Ireland, Denmark, France, Norway, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Singapore among others. Candidates can check out universities accepting a 5.5 band scale using our score filter here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/ms-in-computer-science-engineering-from-abroad-ds11509277
Q: Â Which countries prefer a GMAT score for MBA admission?
When it comes to the GMAT entrance exam, different countries and MBA colleges have different preferences. However, the GMAT entrance exam is a popular standardized exam that is accepted for MBA admission by more than 2,400 institutions. Some of the popular countries where GMAT is widely accepted for MBA and MIM admissions include the US, Canada, Australia, India, the UK, Singapore, Germany, Finland, Norway, etc. It is crucial to examine the unique prerequisites of each MBA programme you are considering to find out which admissions examinations are recognised and what score range is competitive. Additionally, candidates may decide to take practice exams or enrol in a GMAT prep course to increase their chances of passing the exam and getting accepted into the MBA programme of their choice.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
In order to be eligible to study abroad, IELTS ecam scores will be required in majority of the English speaking countries. In total there are 140 countries which accept IELTS scores for admissions from international students. Some of these top countries are as follows: