For Indian students aspiring to study abroad, understanding the admission requirements of different countries is crucial. Each nation has its unique "grammar of admission," encompassing language proficiency tests, subject-specific exams, and other criteria.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the admission landscape in key Asian countries, designed to help students secure their offer letters.
Japan
Main Exam: Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), covering Japanese language, mathematics, science, or "Japan and the World" (depending on the program).
English Proficiency Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or Eiken are commonly accepted for English-taught programs.
Additional Notes: EJU scores are valid for two years, with exams held in June and November. Some universities accept SAT, ACT, or IB scores as alternatives.
China
Main Exam: GRE or GMAT is typically required for postgraduate programs in science, engineering, business, or management.
English Proficiency Tests: IELTS or TOEFL are mandatory for English-taught programs.
Additional Notes: HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) certification is generally required for Mandarin-taught programs to demonstrate Chinese language proficiency.
South Korea
Main Exam: Universities set their own admission criteria, often including institution-specific assessments.
English Proficiency Tests: Minimum scores of TOEFL iBT 71+ or IELTS 5.5+ are commonly required for English-taught programs.
Additional Notes: TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) Level 3+ is typically needed for Korean-medium courses and often for graduation.
Singapore
Main Exam: SAT is required for some undergraduate programs, while GRE or GMAT is often needed for postgraduate studies.
English Proficiency Tests: IELTS (around 6.5), TOEFL, or PTE (Pearson Test of English) scores are required, varying by program.
Additional Notes: Admission criteria depend on the program and Singapore’s immigration policies.
Malaysia
Main Exam: Most programs do not require a centralized exam, though selective MBAs may require GMAT.
English Proficiency Tests: Undergraduate programs typically require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 88; postgraduate programs or MBAs may require IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 97.
Additional Notes: MUET (Malaysian University English Test) Band 3+ is typical, with Band 4+ required for medicine and engineering programs.
Vietnam
Main Exam: Admission requirements vary by university and are often waived for international students.
English Proficiency Tests: IELTS or TOEFL are commonly required for English-taught programs.
Additional Notes: Vietnamese language proficiency is required for programs taught in Vietnamese.
Key abbreviations
EJU: Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (Japan)
HSK: Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (Chinese proficiency test, China)
TOPIK: Test of Proficiency in Korean (South Korea)
MUET: Malaysian University English Test (Malaysia)
PTE: Pearson Test of English
