Best Exams for Study Abroad - IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE 2026

Exams Required to Study Abroad: Comprehensive Overview

What Exams Are Required to Study Abroad? A Categorical Breakdown

1. Language Proficiency Tests

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Perhaps the most versatile exam, offering both paper-based and computer-delivered formats. It is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. A unique feature of the IELTS is the face-to-face speaking interview with a human examiner, which some students find more natural than speaking into a microphone during a computer-timed session. Most competitive universities look for an overall band of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Historically the go-to for US admissions, the TOEFL iBT is now entirely internet-based. It integrates tasks, such as reading a passage and listening to a lecture, then speaking or writing in response. This "integrated" approach mimics the real classroom experience. Recent changes have significantly shortened the test, making it less exhausting for test-takers while maintaining its rigorous standards.
3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): The PTE is fully automated, using AI to score everything from your pronunciation to your grammar. It is highly popular among students who need results quickly, as scores are often available within 48 hours. Many students prefer the PTE because the speaking section is computer-based, and the test uses a variety of accents in its listening tasks, reflecting the international nature of modern English.
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

1. SAT and ACT: These are the standard gatekeepers for undergraduate study in the United States. The Digital SAT is now adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions changes based on your performance in previous sections. The ACT includes a unique Science section that tests your data interpretation skills rather than raw scientific knowledge. While similar, students who struggle with fast pacing often prefer the SAT, while those who are strong in broad scientific reasoning might lean toward the ACT.
2. GRE (Graduate Record Examination): The GRE is the most common requirement for non-business graduate school. It is accepted for thousands of Master’s and PhD programs across STEM, humanities, and social sciences. A high quantitative score is particularly crucial for engineering applicants, while those in the humanities must demonstrate exceptional verbal reasoning. The test is valid for five years, allowing for significant flexibility in application timing.
3. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): If you are eyeing a top-tier business school, the GMAT is your primary tool. The new GMAT Focus Edition has eliminated the essay section and added a Data Insights section, reflecting the modern business world’s reliance on data. Business schools use these scores not only for admissions but also to rank candidates for prestigious fellowships and merit-based grants.
   

3. Subject-Specific and Professional Exams

1. GRE Subject Tests: These are less common but often required for PhD programs in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology to ensure the applicant has reached a specific undergraduate mastery level.
   
2. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Mandatory for medical schools in the US and Canada. It covers biology, physics, and psychology, alongside critical analysis.
   
3. LSAT (Law School Admission Test): Focuses heavily on logical reasoning and reading comprehension. It is a critical component for JD programs in North America.
   
4. LNAT/UCAT: These are specific to the UK. The UCAT is used for medical and dental school selections, while the LNAT is the standard for top-tier law programs.
   

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

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

Navigating the Logistics: Registration, Waivers, and Online Testing

Demystifying Exam Fee Waivers and Exemptions

The Rise of At-Home Testing Logistics

A Step-by-Step Registration Roadmap

• Obtain a Valid Passport: This is non-negotiable. You cannot register or enter the test centre for any international exam without an original, valid passport. Ensure it doesn't expire within six months of your test date.
• Create an Official Account: Visit the official sites (ETS.org, CollegeBoard.org, or IELTS.idp.com). Use your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
• Select Your Test Centre and Date: Popular centres in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore fill up months in advance, especially during the "peak" season (August to November).
• Pay the Fee: Most platforms require a credit card that supports international transactions. If your card is declined, check if "international usage" is enabled in your banking app.

Note: Your Free Score Recipients: Most exams (GRE, TOEFL, SAT) allow you to send your scores to 4 universities for free, but only if you select them *before* or on the day of the test. After that, each report can cost $20-$30.

Unlocking Financial Aid: Scholarship Exams for Study Abroad

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 the exams are for abroad studies, just go through the guide, and you're all sorted.