IELTS Alternative Exams For Scholarships or Admission ApplicationsOctober 26, 2023 by Digital Vaults Editorial Team
It’s not always possible to take the test everyone knows about, especially when you want to apply for scholarships or study abroad. Luckily, several alternative tests can help you achieve the same results – and in some cases, even better results! Are you looking for exams link IELTS? Find out what they are and how they work in this guide to IELTS alternatives.
It is a common misconception that only IELTS is used for studying abroad.
IELTS is indeed used as a benchmarking tool to study abroad, but it isn’t the only English proficiency test in town. So if you’re looking to pursue an international scholarship or admission, it may be worth taking some time to look into other English proficiency tests.
Here are four major alternatives (listed from most common to least):
- TOEFL
- CPE
- CAE
- PTE.
What can these tests do for you? First, they all have slightly different scoring systems. So if you need a certain score on one of these tests to get in somewhere, it’s good to know that you can go back and take another one later with confidence. Second, there are multiple versions of each test; if you want to study abroad with your friend but she lives on another continent, chances are she will take a different version of whichever test she takes, then you will.
What is English language proficiency tests?
Choosing which test to take can initially seem intimidating, but knowing more about your options will help you decide. In general, there are two categories of English language proficiency tests. The first is standardized tests like TOEFL and IELTS, which measure how well you use English in an academic setting. The second type is employer-specific assessments that focus on your ability to use English in a professional context (i.e., in an office setting). If you’re applying for a study abroad program or seeking scholarships, chances are you’ll be taking one of these standardized tests. But if you’re looking for work in an English-speaking country, it might be better to seek out specific testing requirements from potential employers rather than relying solely on one exam.
IELTS alternatives accepted for scholarships and admissions
IELTS isn’t necessarily a difficult test—it’s not a must for many companies and schools. Although you may use IELTS to get into University, some Universities will also accept other English proficiency exams. Additionally, countries such as Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia have country-specific tests that you can take instead of IELTS if you plan to study there. Here’s a breakdown of some of these alternatives:
1. TOFEL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a more common option in countries outside England. It is an acceptable qualification in many places like Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, unlike the IELTS. There are also a few select schools in Germany and Denmark that also don’t accept IELTS as a qualification.
2. PTE: The Pearson Test of English is another popular option, accepted by many universities in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as by some schools in Germany and Denmark that do not accept IELTS. Moreover, it is used for university admissions in Singapore.
3. CAE/CPE: Cambridge Assessment English offers two exams – the CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) and the CAE (Certificate of Advanced English) – both accepted by many Universities in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia as well as a few schools in Germany and Denmark that don’t accept the IELTS. The CAE is also a test to enter the University of Singapore.
4. Duolingo English Test [DET]: The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a free, online test that is accepted by many Universities in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia as well as some schools in Germany and Denmark that don’t accept IELTS. Additionally, it’s used as a test to get into University in Singapore.
5. American College Testing [ACT]: Some of the popular international testing in many countries include the ACT, taken by universities in Canada, Ireland, and Australia, and some schools in Germany and Denmark that don’t accept IELTS. Singapore additionally takes the ACT for university admission.
6. CAT: The Computer-based Assessment Test (CAT) is a popular test accepted by many Universities in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia as well as some schools in Germany and Denmark that don’t accept IELTS. Additionally, it’s used as a test to get into University in Singapore.
7. English Language and Composition Exam [AP]: There are many universities in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia that accept Advanced Placement (AP), as well as some schools in Germany and Denmark that do not accept IELTS. In addition, it is used to apply to Singaporean universities.
Fees of each English language proficiency tests
1. TOEFL cost: $250-$350 for each section.
2. PTE Academic (Academic Module) cost: $325.
3. CAE (Cambridge English Advanced) cost: £235.
4. CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) costs: $200-$300.
5. IELTS cost: $230.
6. ACT/SAT Subject Test cost: Varies by test and test date; the average is about $40 per subject, or about $170 total for all four exams.
7. GRE Subject Test cost: Varies by test and test date; the average is about $50 per subject, or about $200 total for all three exams.
8. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) costs $150-$250.
9. PTE General (General Module) cost: £225 ($325).
10. Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) costs £235 ($350).
Can I study abroad for free without IELTS?
You can apply to foreign universities and scholarship programs without IELTS, but you will need alternative proof of English proficiency. The type of exam you need depends on where you want to study and whether or not you want a partial fee waiver. You may be eligible for one of several widely-accepted tests without IELTS. Some of these include TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic), and CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam). The most popular option is TOEFL, which over 10,000 institutions accept in more than 130 countries.
Final thoughts
If you are looking to study abroad or attend college in an English-speaking country, getting your language level up will be a must. Of course, you might already know which test is right for you, but if not, these costs may give you some insight. On the other hand, if money is not an issue and you want to get it done with as little trouble as possible, then go with TOEFL and forget all about the cost.
