Info about English Language Requirement for international applicants :)

So yesterday I have received the news on  my PTE (Pearson Test of English).  Alhamdulillah.. I passed with flying colors! (I think. haha).  After several nights of severe studying+energy drink gulping+frowning+a few clashes between self-meditating and hyperventilating episodes.. I think I could pass the level 9000 of night owl!!! Why PTE? *drumroll* because I am applying to study in the UK for my postgraduate studies and one of the requirements is to present my English language qualification! *badum tsss*

What is English Language Requirement?

Most universities in the UK/USA/Australia/New Zealand (and some other English speaking countries) do require international students to show a valid English qualification by the applicants.  So, applicants whose first language is not English usually need to sit for an English language examination or test which are recognized worldwide (or at least at the universities that they apply to).

Here are some examples of international English language assessment that applicants can choose from for their university application:

a) IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

• This is the most usual English language assessment for UK universities application.  
• This examination tests the four skills of English which are listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• The score for IELTS is through band score. The highest band score is 9.0 and the lowest band score is 0.  For more information on the band score, click on this link http://www.ielts.org/institutions/test_format_and_results/ielts_band_scores.aspx
• Applicants who is currently in Malaysia can try to apply for IELTS at British Council or IDP and applicants who is not residing in Malaysia can try logging on to this IELTS website.
• The fee for IELTS in Malaysia as of June 2014 is RM640.
• The result is usually out after 13 days of the examination. 

I have sat for IELTS and this is the example on how IELTS results look like:



b) PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

• This test is a computer-based academic English language test for international study.
• It tests all four skills of English which are speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
• Here is the website for PTE http://pearsonpte.com/Testme/Pages/testme.aspx
• There are a few centers to sit for PTE in Malaysia but I suggest MABECS or AUG (I chose MABECS. I rate them 5 out of 5 for their service in assisting me for PTE *wink*.)
• According to MABECS and PTE website, the test result should be out within five working days.. but guess what? I sat for the test from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. yesterday.. and the result was already in my e-mail inbox around 4.30 p.m.  Less than a day!!! How awesome is that??! :P
• The fee for PTE (at MABECS) is RM625. 

This is the example on how the PTE results look like:





c) TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• TOEFL is a test administered via the Internet.
• It is also an English language test that is accepted at most UK/USA universities.  Here is the link on who accepts TOEFL scores http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/about/who_accepts_scores/
• I have never sat for this examination, so I have not much experience on it.. I have only heard about this test from my friends who has sat for it.  Here is the link on TOEFL iBT website.

Apart from these three English language assessments, there is also CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English) and CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English). These two examinations are under Cambridge. Try this link for more information http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/advanced/ .

I hope my information helps! :)

Till Then!