Exams that are required to Study in the UK

Universities do not want to admit untested students. They want to enroll the students who can perform well in their studies as well. And for that purpose universities refer to the standardized tests. You may have understood by now that in order to be eligible for a course of your choice in the UK, you need to attend certain standardized tests as an international student.

English Language proficiency

Universities in the UK look for proficiency of English language in the international students. Since English is the language of use in the UK, English skills will be an important part of your daily part if you are going to live in the UK as a student. Normally, the university you’re applying at is interested to know if you can speak and understand English well, so you can attend lectures and take part in discussions.

There are a number of tests that have been designed to test the English language proficiency of students. The following are English standard examinations universities in UK require from prospective applicants:

• TOEFL – Test Of English as a Foreign Language
• IELTS – International English Language Testing System
• UCLES – University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
• PTE – Pearson Test English

These are the most common language test accepted by the British universities as the proof of English language proficiency. However, the band of English language proficiency tests has expanded and universities now identify specific groups of students aiming to evaluate their English level in different forms.

In this context, universities have established a number of language examination tests on their own or they accept different kinds of English proficiency documents. Let’s say you’ve submitted all other required admission documents except English proficiency the admission board may decide to give you a chance to show your language knowledge in another way.

For example, if your English grades throughout your earlier education have been exceptional the board will convert them into the official grading system in UK and will assess your English knowledge as satisfactory. With this in mind, we suggest you contact personally the university if they apply such form of English examinations of their admission process.

Other Tests

Other various tests relating to different subjects may be taken by different universities in order to choose among the students. Some of them are:

Law

Cambridge Law Test – Is a paper-based test, where you read an essay and then you’ll have to respond to some questions based on what you read. The test doesn’t require you to have a prior knowledge of the law but rather aims to measure your critical thinking abilities.

LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) – The LNAT test aims to know if the candidate who’s applying for a seat at the university has the necessary skills, including here verbal reasoning, interpretation of the information, analyzing and coming up with conclusions relating to an issue. Similar to the CLT, this test doesn’t require you to have prior knowledge of the law.

Mathematics

Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) – The MAT is a standardized mathematics test administered jointly by two of the most reputed British universities, that of Oxford and Cambridge. It is a paper-based test that aims to grade the applicant’s skills in a particular mathematical subject. Everyone willing to enter an undergraduate degree course in Mathematics or Computer Science must undertake this test.

Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) – The STEP test is currently designed and used at the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick. A STEP test-taker will have to show a solid knowledge of typical undergraduate mathematics topics.

Test of Mathematics for University Admissions – This test aims to measure your mathematical reasoning abilities. If you want to enter the University of Durham, Lancaster University, University of Warwick, University of Sheffield or the University of Southampton then you’ll have to take this test.

Medical courses

BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) – The BMAT is required to be taken by any applicant applying for a course in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Dentistry.

Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) – The GAMSAT test is required for students who want to enter a Medical graduate program in Australia, UK or Ireland. It was developed by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) and the Consortium of Graduate Medical Schools to select the best candidates.

Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT Ulster) – The HPAT is designed to be taken by those students who want to study for a Health Profession.

UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) – Universities in UK require the UKCAT test for students willing to enroll a medical or a dental degree programmes.

Thinking Skills Assessment

• Thinking Skills Assessment Cambridge (TSA Cambridge)
• Thinking Skills Assessment Oxford (TSA Oxford)
• Thinking Skills Assessment University College London (TSA UCL)