How to prepare for a master’s degree in English? Preparation for EVI

14 August 2025

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Oleksandra Kulish

Book expert

By the time they enter a master's program, most students already have many years of experience in learning English — first at school, then as part of their bachelor's program, and some also independently. Therefore, passing the EIT (Unified Entrance Test in a Foreign Language) should not be too difficult. However, some applicants have gaps in their knowledge that seem insignificant at first glance but become very apparent in the EIT, which tests all of the student's skills. Not to mention applicants who want to achieve the highest possible result and increase their chances of admission.

To pass the EIT, you must confirm your knowledge of English at the B1–B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Even if your level corresponds to B2, teachers advise not to ignore additional preparation. How to successfully pass the EIT-2025 in English — let's talk about it today

What is the EIT in English and why do master's students need it?

The EVI is a comprehensive test that assesses foreign language proficiency for admission to master's programs. The exam consists of two parts: a foreign language section and a general academic aptitude test (TZNK).

Passing the foreign language exam is a mandatory requirement for admission. Applicants can choose which language to take the exam in: French, German, Spanish, or English. However, most applicants traditionally choose English.

The foreign language section contains 30 tasks, each of which is scored out of 1 point, so the maximum possible score is 30 points. The same format is used for the EIT for postgraduate studies.

Applications are submitted via the applicant's electronic account on the UCEQA website.

How to pass the English test for master's programs: step-by-step EIT structure

As we have already mentioned, the foreign language section of the EIT contains 30 tasks of three types and lasts 45 minutes.

Task 1

Read the texts below. Match choices (A–H) to (1–6). There are two choices you do not need to use.

Confirm your choices.

Read the texts below. Match choices (A–H) to texts (1–6). Two choices are unnecessary. Confirm your choices.

This task presents six short texts united by a common theme, and the applicant must match each text with the corresponding heading or description. The texts are numbered (1–6), and the answer options are marked with letters (A–H).

Task 2:

Read the text below. For questions (7–11), choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D). Confirm your choice.

Read the text below. Choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) for questions (7–11). Confirm your choice.

This task involves working with one text. Applicants must read it carefully and choose the correct answers to five questions about its content. Be especially careful — the questions can be tricky and misleading, and the slightest inattention can lead to mistakes.

Both tasks are designed to test your reading comprehension skills, your ability to quickly navigate English texts, and your ability to make accurate decisions.

Success in this section depends directly on vocabulary, grammar knowledge, and the ability to read thoughtfully.

This part of the test also checks how well the applicant can use English vocabulary and grammar in a specific context.

Task 3:

Read the text below. Fill in the blanks in questions (12–30). Confirm your choice.

In tasks (12–30), fill in the blanks. Confirm your choice.

This is a text with missing words or grammatical structures. For each gap, there are four options, from which you must choose the word that best fits the context. This task tests lexical knowledge and contextual understanding. The applicant must choose the correct form of the word (verb, adjective, adverb, etc.) from the options provided.

This task tests knowledge of grammatical structures and the ability to apply them in context.

Assessment system

EIT results in English are assessed on two scales: test scores (maximum 30) and ratings (on a scale from 100 to 200). Below is an example of the correspondence:

Test score	Rating score (100–200)
3 (minimum)	100
5	114
10	137
15	148
20	155
25	171
30 (maximum)	200

Thus, the more correct answers you give, the higher your result will be — and the more chances you will have to get into your dream master's program.

Where to start preparing for the EIT

You should start preparing for the EIT in English by assessing your overall level of language proficiency. After all, a student with an Advanced level and a student with an Elementary level are two completely different approaches to learning, and each requires its own strategy.

If the applicant's English level is below average (i.e., Pre-Intermediate or lower), they should first focus on improving their overall language skills to Intermediate or higher. It is from this level that language intuition is formed — the ability to intuitively choose vocabulary and grammar according to the context, even without knowing all the words 100%.

If the applicant already has an intermediate or higher level, the preparation can be more targeted. In any case, you should start by taking a test to determine your level of English. This will help you identify your weaknesses and develop an effective self-study plan with a focus on filling in the gaps in your knowledge. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine what level of English is required for a master's degree.

Is it possible to prepare for the EIT on your own

Since the EIT test focuses on reading skills and the ability to use the language in practice, these are the areas you should concentrate on during your preparation. It is important to be consistent: there is no need (and sometimes it can even be harmful) to spend all day studying English. It is much more effective to set aside 30–60 minutes every day for focused study without distractions — this will yield better results in the long run.

When preparing for the EIT in English, you should pay attention to the following key areas:

Reading.
The more you read in English, the better. This not only improves your understanding of texts but also significantly enriches your vocabulary. Start with simple texts and gradually move on to more complex ones. Reread your favorite books in English, discover new articles or works that you have wanted to read for a long time. This kind of reading will be both useful and interesting.
Learning synonyms.
Working with synonyms helps you sound more literate and understand texts more deeply. This not only expands your vocabulary but also improves your contextual thinking, which is extremely useful on exams.
Repeating grammatical structures.
The EIT tests often include tasks where you have to choose the correct grammatical structure. Therefore, it is important not only to know the rules but also to understand their structure: verb forms, auxiliary words, endings, use of articles, etc. Often, the correct answer is the grammatically correct structure. Once you recognize it, you will easily earn extra points.

Don't forget to work with examples of previous EIT tasks. They have a similar structure every year, although the content changes. If you complete at least 15–20 tests from previous years, you will gain a good understanding of the logic behind the tasks, which will significantly increase your chances of success in the actual exam.

Common mistakes on the EIT and how to avoid them

Every student is unique, so the typical mistakes made when preparing for the EIT in English may vary. However, there are a number of common mistakes that are best avoided when preparing for the exam in order to increase your chances of passing.

Starting preparation a few days or weeks before the exam.
Even with a good level of English, it is difficult to review all the material learned over several years in just a few days. It is better to start preparing in advance so that you have time not only to consolidate your knowledge but also to fill in any gaps.
Irregular study.
Even if you started on time but study without a system or give up after a few attempts, it is unlikely that you will achieve a high result. Only regular, well-planned preparation, with a variety of topics and short breaks, will ensure real progress.
Ignoring EIT practice tests.
Practice tests help you assess your actual level, identify weaknesses, familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam, and practice time management. This is one of the most effective ways to prepare.
Refusal to analyze and comment on previous years' tests and practice tests.
Previous years' tasks and comments on them help you better understand the logic behind the questions, the most common topics, and the requirements for correct answers. You can find them on official resources or in specialized guides that mimic the structure of the real EIT.

By avoiding these mistakes, you will significantly increase your chances of passing the exam with confidence.

Don't forget to praise yourself for your achievements and share your successes with your teachers and family. Confidence in your abilities, competent preparation, and calmness during the exam are the keys to high results. We wish you good luck and excellent scores!