The minimum score that is needed to be the part of top 50 Global universities actually depend on the kind of university and your interest of program you are applying to. So, as such there is not any minimum score set for any standardised test.Universities seek multiple factors, which includes specific program’s competitiveness and also the profile of the applicant matters the most.

However, some generalised score and ranges that are considered competitive to be the part of top ranked universities across the world are:

GRE (Graduate Record Examination):

• Though it varies according to the program which the applicant targets, but to be the part of top 50 global universities, and particularly for programs like STEM, economics, business, a score above 320 is considered a good score.
• In verbal reasoning, a score of 160 or above it, out of 170, is a safe score. So, aim higher than 160.
• In quantitative reasoning, score ranging from 165 or higher is quite competitive, and a safe one.
• In analytical writing, range above 4.5 or higher to it is considered good.

Some examples in the list:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) : {Verbal portion 157+, Quantitative aptitude 158+, Writing section 4.3+}

Stanford University: {Verbal portion160+, Quantitative aptitude 159+, Writing section 4.8+}

University of California, Berkeley: {Verbal 153-156+, Quantitative 167+, Writing 4.5+}

University of Oxford: {160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative}

University of Cambridge: {160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections}

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

• Looking for MBA programs: in case you wish to target top 50 schools globally, an average GMAT score that falls within the range of 700 to 740 is a safe option.
• Scores that are above 700 will help you build a strong percentile.

Key Examples (program specific):

• • Stanford University (Graduate School of Business): an average of 730
  • Harvard Business School: 730+
  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton): 730+
  • London Business School: 700+

With respect to IELTS, to seek admission in top 50 global universities, an overall score of 6.5 to 7.5 is required. A minimum score ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 is required in each of 4 sections (L, S, R, W).

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test)

• The minimum TOEFL IBT score has a particular range from 90-110. So, to seek admission in top 50 global universities, maintain minimum section score requirements.
• Examples:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):  Overall 90, but 100 is recommended.

Stanford University: near 100.

Harvard University: A score of 104 is considered good.

California Institute of Technology (Caltech): approximately 100.

University of Cambridge: overall 100, with 25 minimum in each section.

University of Oxford: overall 110.

Some key points to keep in mind:

• • • Always read the requirements as per the program you are applying to, as the variations can be there within the same university.
    • These days the top-tier universities employ the holistic admission review process. The standardized scores are one of the components, along with others. Other factors, such as academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, interviews, and co-curricular activities, also play an important role.
    • It’s good to beat the eligibility criteria, but a higher score would definitely increase the chances of admission for highly competitive programs.
    • Validity of scores, both for GMAT and GRE is usually for five years, and those of TOEFL and IELTS is for 2 years. Make sure your scores are valid at the time you apply in a particular university.

Thus in order to conclude, we can state that- as per the general guidelines, competitive scores to seek admission in top 50 global universities would be GRE that is above 320, GMAT score with range above 700 particularly for business programs, an IELTS score that is 7.0 or higher to it and a TOEFL iBT that is ranging 100 or higher, but the best is to seek admission requirements as per the program and university you are targeting in, as the admission procedure keeps on evolving to promote holistic nature of the selection of the applicant.