Is there a Europe equivalent to the Physics GRE?

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SUMMARY

There is currently no direct equivalent to the Physics GRE in Europe for undergraduate engineers to demonstrate their aptitude in physics and mathematics. While the Physics GRE is recognized for graduate school applications, European universities typically rely on high school performance or national tests for admissions. Some countries, like Sweden, have specific math and physics tests arranged by universities for certain programs. Participation in physics and math competitions, such as the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), is viewed favorably on resumes but does not replace formal qualifications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate engineering and physics programs
  • Familiarity with the Physics GRE and its purpose
  • Knowledge of international academic admission standards
  • Awareness of math and physics competitions like the IPhO
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specific admission requirements for physics and engineering programs in various European countries
  • Investigate the structure and recognition of national tests in countries like Sweden
  • Explore the benefits of participating in international competitions such as the IPhO
  • Look into potential business opportunities for establishing a standardized physics qualification in Europe
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate engineering students, academic advisors, and anyone interested in understanding the qualifications needed for physics and engineering programs in Europe.

messlesskess
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Is there a qualification undergrad engineers can take during university to show their aptitude for physics and maths? Like a recognised test, aptitude test that they can put in their academic record as well? Anything along these lines at all? Is there one that is recognised in UK, Europe and other countries? Thanks very much!
 
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The Physics GRE comes to mind, but I don’t know why you’d take it unless you apply to physics grad school.
 
Really there is nothing else is this whole wide world? Apart from GRE?
 
It's not really clear what you're looking for here. No one is going to bestow a "physics qualification" on you for taking a single exam. The way you demonstrate this aptitude is by completing a degree in physics.

Why do you want this? If you're interested in grad school you could try contacting the departments you're interested in applying to and find out what they would specifically require from an applicant in your position.
 
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messlesskess said:
Really there is nothing else is this whole wide world? Apart from GRE?
Why did you not address my question about competitions? I would look very favorably on a resume that I was reviewing that mentioned participating in such competitions (especially if you could link to how well you did)...
 
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Engineers get a better break than physicists. Engineers are allowed to take the Physics GRE. Physicists are not allowed to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam unless they graduate with an engineering exam from a ABET accredited school. Don't complain
 
Or something even slightly similar?
 
  • #10
I just simply want to know if there is a similar exam in Europe.
 
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  • #11
I think this depends on the country. In my country (Sweden), students are admitted to university programs based on high-school performance (grades) or performance on a general national test. There are also some natural science and engineering programs admitting students based on a special math and physics test arranged by the universities.
 
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  • #12
messlesskess said:
I just simply want to know if there is a similar exam in Europe.

If none of the universities require the GRE and none other is mentioned in the admissions then I'd say there isn't an equivalent one. It could be a great business op for GRE though if they could convince the European community to adopt one. :-)
 
  • #13
Here we have an exam which must be passed at the end of school. Then you're allowed to study anything, but if you failed, then you're not permitted. This makes it a bit difficult for foreign students, because they don't have this grade, which means that there are special requirements in place for them, which heavily depends on where you're from. E.g. an ordinary US-HS certificate will be useless, but I assume a French exam would do as it is comparable.
 

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