Exams for Studying Abroad 2026: Complete Guide to PTE, TOEFL, GRE, And More

Dreaming of studying at world-renowned universities? Understanding which exams are required to study abroad is your first crucial step. This comprehensive guide covers everything from exams for study abroad with scholarship to entrance exams for studying abroad after 12th, helping you navigate the journey to international education with confidence.

Exams Required to Study Abroad: Overview

What Exams Are Required to Study Abroad?

The examination requirements for international education fall into three primary categories, each serving a distinct purpose in your application portfolio:

1. Language Proficiency Tests

Language proficiency exams are non-negotiable for most international students. These tests demonstrate your ability to comprehend lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments in the medium of instruction. The most recognised tests include:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Accepted by over 11,000 institutions globally, IELTS evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities. Most universities require a minimum band score of 6.0 to 7.5, depending on the program's competitiveness. The IELTS exam for study abroad typically costs between $215 and $250, and results are valid for 2 years.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Particularly popular in North American universities, TOEFL iBT assesses English proficiency through internet-based testing. Scores range from 0-120, with competitive programs requiring 90-100+. The test takes approximately four hours and costs around $190 to $300, depending on your location.
   
3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): This computer-based exam is gaining popularity due to its quick results (usually within 48 hours) and year-round availability. Scores range from 10-90, with most universities accepting 58-65+ for undergraduate and graduate admissions.
   
4. Duolingo English Test: An emerging, affordable option accepted by over 4,000 institutions. The test costs just $59, takes one hour, and provides results within 48 hours. Scores range from 10-160, with most programs requiring 100-120+.

Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.

2. Academic Aptitude Tests

These standardised assessments measure your analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning skills, helping universities evaluate your readiness for rigorous academic programs:

1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): Essential for undergraduate admissions in the United States, the SAT comprises Evidence-Based Reading and Writing plus Mathematics sections. Scores range from 400-1600, with top universities expecting 1400-1550+. Many institutions now practice test-optional policies, but strong scores significantly strengthen your application and scholarship prospects.
2. ACT (American College Testing): An alternative to the SAT for U.S. undergraduate admissions, the ACT includes English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science sections, plus an optional Writing test. Composite scores range from 1-36, with competitive schools seeking 28-34+. Some students perform better on the ACT than on the SAT due to its straightforward question formats.
3. GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Required for most master's and doctoral programs worldwide, the GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The test takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes, costs $220, and scores remain valid for five years. Competitive programs typically require a combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 320+.
4. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Specifically designed for business school applications, GMAT evaluates analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills. Total scores range from 200 to 800, with top MBA programs expecting 700+. The test costs $275 and takes approximately 3.5 hours.

3. Subject-Specific Tests

This is the list of entrance exams for abroad studies. Here are certain programs that require specialised knowledge demonstrations:

1. GRE Subject Tests: Available in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, these tests demonstrate mastery in your intended field of study. Scores range from 200 to 990, and most competitive programs expect a score of 700+ for STEM subjects.
2. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Essential for medical school applications in the U.S., Canada, and increasingly in other countries. This comprehensive exam covers biological sciences, physical sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing. The test takes 7.5 hours, costs $320, and requires extensive preparation.
3. LSAT (Law School Admission Test): Required for law school admissions in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. The test assesses reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning through 5-6 sections over 3.5 hours.

Exams to Study Abroad After 12th: Your Undergraduate Admission Roadmap

For students planning to pursue an undergraduate education abroad, the entrance exam typically involves a strategic combination of language proficiency and academic aptitude tests. Here's your detailed checklist based on destination countries:

1. For the United States

Required: SAT or ACT (for most universities, though test-optional policies are expanding)

Required: TOEFL or IELTS (if English isn't your first language)

Optional but Advantageous: SAT Subject Tests (being phased out but still valuable for engineering/science programs), AP (Advanced Placement) exams for college credit and scholarship consideration

2. For the United Kingdom

Required: IELTS or TOEFL (minimum 6.0-6.5 IELTS or 80-90 TOEFL for most programs)

Program-Specific: BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) or UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for medicine, LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law) for law programs, admissions tests for Oxbridge colleges

3. For Canada

Required: TOEFL or IELTS (typically 80+ TOEFL or 6.5+ IELTS)

Beneficial: SAT or ACT scores (strengthen applications and scholarship eligibility)

4. For Australia

Required: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic (minimum 6.0-6.5 IELTS or equivalent)

No SAT/ACT: Most Australian universities accept 12th-grade marks directly

5. For European Countries (Non-English Programs)

Language Specific: TestDaF or DSH for Germany, DELF/DALF for France, DELE for Spain, CILS for Italy

Academic: 12th-grade certificates, some programs accept SAT/ACT scores

Exams for Postgraduate Studies Abroad

Pursuing a Master’s or PhD abroad requires a combination of language proficiency exams and academic aptitude tests, depending on your program, field of study, and destination country. These exams help universities assess both your academic preparedness and your ability to study in an English-taught environment.

Required Exams for Master’s & PhD Programs

1. IELTS / TOEFL
   Required by almost all universities to prove English proficiency. Competitive programs usually expect IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+, especially for research-based degrees and scholarships.
2. GRE
   Commonly required for non-business Master’s and PhD programs, especially in STEM and research-oriented fields. A 320+ score significantly improves admission and funding prospects.
3. GMAT
   Specifically designed for MBA and business-related programs. Top schools and scholarships typically require 700+.
4. GRE Subject Tests
   Needed for some STEM PhD and specialised research programs to demonstrate strong subject mastery (e.g., Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry).

Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.

Country-wise Exam Requirements

Why Exams Matter for Your Global Education Journey?

Every year, over 6 million students cross borders to pursue higher education. But before you pack your bags and book your flights, there's one critical checkpoint: standardised exams. These tests aren't just bureaucratic hurdles; they're your golden tickets to proving academic readiness, unlocking scholarship opportunities, and demonstrating language proficiency to universities worldwide.

Whether you're a high school student wondering what exams are required to study abroad or a graduate planning your master's degree, this guide demystifies the entire examination landscape. We'll explore language proficiency tests, academic aptitude assessments, and specialised subject exams that can make or break your application.

Unlocking Financial Aid: Scholarship Exams for Study in Abroad

International education is a significant investment, but the right exams for study abroad with a scholarship can dramatically reduce your financial burden. Understanding which tests open scholarship doors is crucial for budget-conscious students:

Merit-Based Scholarship Tests

1. SAT/ACT: High scores automatically qualify you for merit scholarships at many U.S. universities. For example, scoring 1400+ on the SAT or 30+ on the ACT can unlock scholarships of $10,000 to $30,000 annually at several institutions. Some universities offer full-tuition scholarships for perfect or near-perfect scores.
2. GRE: Graduate programs frequently award assistantships and scholarships based on exceptional GRE scores. A 320+ score significantly increases your chances of funded research or teaching assistantships covering full tuition plus stipends.
3. GMAT: Top business schools reserve substantial scholarships for GMAT high performers. Scoring 700+ can qualify you for scholarships of $20,000 to $80,000 at competitive MBA programs. This is one of the exams for studying abroad with a scholarship.

Country-Specific Scholarship Examinations

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK): Requires IELTS exam for study abroad with a minimum overall score of 6.5, but competitive candidates typically score 7.0+. This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
2. Fulbright Scholarship (USA): Mandates TOEFL or IELTS scores along with GRE/GMAT, depending on your program. This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition, health insurance, a living stipend, and travel costs.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Requires TestDaF or DSH for German-taught programs, or IELTS/TOEFL for English programs. DAAD offers monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances.
4. Australia Awards: Requires IELTS (minimum 6.5, preferably 7.0+). Covers full tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, and living expenses.
5. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe): Requires IELTS or TOEFL for English programs. Provides full tuition, a monthly allowance (€1,000-€1,400), and travel/installation costs.

Language Proficiency Excellence

Exceptional IELTS (8.0+) or TOEFL (110+) scores demonstrate English mastery and often waive language course requirements, saving $3,000-$8,000 in pre-sessional English fees. Additionally, some universities offer language proficiency scholarships to students who achieve these elite scores.

Pro Tip: Many universities offer automatic scholarship consideration based on admission test scores. Submit your strongest possible scores to maximise funding opportunities without completing separate scholarship applications.

Which Exam Should I Write to Study Abroad? A Strategic Decision Framework

Choosing the right combination of exams requires careful consideration of your target destinations, academic goals, timeline, and budget. Here's a comprehensive decision-making framework:

Step 1: Identify Your Target Countries and Universities

Research specific requirements for your shortlisted institutions. Create a spreadsheet listing each university's mandatory and recommended tests. This prevents over-testing while ensuring you don't miss critical requirements. Most university websites clearly state admission test requirements under their international student sections.

Step 2: Assess Your Timeline

Different exams require varying preparation times:

• IELTS/TOEFL: 2-3 months for most non-native English speakers
• SAT/ACT: 3-6 months for optimal preparation
• GRE/GMAT: 3-6 months, depending on your quantitative background
• Subject-specific tests: 4-6 months of focused study

Application deadlines work backwards from program start dates. For fall intake (September), most universities have deadlines between December and March. Plan to complete exams at least 2-3 months before application deadlines.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Take diagnostic tests to understand where you currently stand. Many testing organisations offer free practice tests that simulate actual exam conditions. Analyse your performance to identify:

• Sections requiring intensive preparation
• Natural strengths you can leverage for higher scores
• Whether you perform better on time-pressure tests (SAT) vs paced assessments (ACT)

Step 4: Consider Financial Implications

Test fees accumulate quickly:

• IELTS: $215-$250
• TOEFL: $190-$300
• SAT: $60 (international: $103)
• GRE: $220
• GMAT: $275

Additionally, factor in preparation materials ($100-$500), coaching classes if needed ($500-$2,000), and potential retake costs.

Step 5: Understand Test Validity Periods

Score validity varies by exam:

• TOEFL/IELTS: 2 years
• SAT/ACT: No official expiration (universities typically accept scores from high school years)
• GRE: 5 years
• GMAT: 5 years

Plan exam schedules considering application timelines and score validity. If you're applying two years after 12th, ensure language test scores remain valid.

Recommended Exam Combinations by Study Level

Undergraduate (After 12th): IELTS/TOEFL + SAT/ACT (if targeting U.S.) or just IELTS/TOEFL (for UK, Canada, Australia)

Master's Programs: IELTS/TOEFL + GRE (general programs) or GMAT (business schools)

Doctoral Programs: IELTS/TOEFL + GRE + GRE Subject Test (for STEM fields)

Proven Preparation Strategies for Maximum Scores

Success in exams for studying abroad isn't about innate ability; it's about strategic preparation and consistent effort. Here are evidence-based strategies that have helped thousands of students achieve their target scores:

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Exam Journey

Learning from others' mistakes saves time, money, and stress. Here are critical pitfalls to avoid:

• Starting too late: Begin exam preparation at least 4–6 months in advance to avoid rushed studying, low scores, costly retakes, and delayed applications.

• Taking too many exams: Focus on the required tests only. Excelling in fewer exams is more valuable than taking many unnecessarily.

• Ignoring university-specific rules: Exam requirements vary by university and program. Always check individual admission criteria.

• Missing score deadlines: Official score reports take time. Plan ahead to ensure scores reach universities before deadlines.

• Overlooking scholarships: High test scores can unlock major scholarships. Research score-based funding opportunities early.

When to Take Which Exam?

Strategic timing prevents last-minute stress and allows score improvements if needed. Here's a month-by-month roadmap for students planning fall intake (September/October start):

What Universities Really Look for in a Strong Application?

While strong exam scores are crucial, they're only one component of a competitive application. Universities evaluate:

• Academic transcripts: Consistent strong grades and an upward academic trend show long-term academic commitment.

• Extracurricular activities: Leadership, research, internships, and community work help you stand out in depth and impact, not quantity.

• Statement of Purpose & essays: Clear, authentic goals and a strong program fit can strengthen your application beyond test scores.

• Recommendation letters: Detailed recommendations from mentors who know you well validate your skills, character, and potential.

Remember: Test scores open doors; holistic applications walk you through them. Invest time in all application components, not just exam preparation.

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to International Education Success

Understanding and excelling in exams for studying abroad transforms your international education dreams into achievable goals. Whether you're researching entrance exams or exploring scholarships for studying abroad opportunities, strategic preparation positions you for success. So if you are confused about what are the exams for abroad studies, just go through the guide, and you're all sorted.