Exams to Study Abroad

 

Why are Exams Required to Study Abroad

Study Abroad Exams are an important part of the process because they enable universities to assess the academic preparedness of international students and their ability to succeed in a foreign educational system. These standardized tests provide a common benchmark for evaluating applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Entrance Exams for Academic Assessment

Exams like the  SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT are used by universities to evaluate an applicant’s academic strengths, problem-solving ability, and readiness for further enrollment. These tests help institutions compare students from different education systems by providing standardized metrics.

Universities use these scores, along with academic transcripts and recommendation letters, to evaluate a student's ability to handle the demands of their academic programs.

Language Proficiency Tests

For studying abroad, demonstrating English proficiency is essential in many cases. Tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE  Academic, and Duolingo English Test assess a student’s ability to read, write, speak, and understand English in academic contexts.

• IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and more.
• PTE Academic is recognized by many universities, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.
• Duolingo English Test is a newer, more flexible option that’s gaining popularity.

These scores assure universities that students can actively participate in lectures, write assignments, and communicate effectively on campus.

Country-Specific Exam Requirements

Different countries have their own set of academic, language, and visa-related requirements for international students. Some countries require students to take specific tests to enroll in their universities.

The USA accepts tests like the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT, whereas the UK accepts tests like LNAT and UCAT for specific courses. Most countries accept the IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE for English language proficiency tests.

Understanding these requirements is essential for a smooth application process and successful admission. 

Entrance Exams for Undergraduate Courses

If you want to go abroad for studies after 12th grade, there are several exams available for you to take. These exams test your basic knowledge, problem-solving skills, and assess your overall preparedness for further studies abroad.

The following are the details of the Exams to study abroad after 12th.

SAT

• SAT Scholastic Assessment Test
  • Tests the math, critical reading, and writing skills of the candidate.
  • Scored out of 1600.
  • Many U.S. universities have gone test-optional, but a strong SAT score can still enhance your profile.

ACT

•  American College Testing
  • Includes English, math, reading, science, and an optional essay.
  • Scored out of 36.
  • Accepted widely in the U.S. and increasingly in Canada and elsewhere.

Other UG Exams by Country

The following is a list of some other exams for UG courses in foreign countries.

• UCAS Tariff (UK)
  Not an exam, but UK universities use UCAS points calculated from A-levels, IB scores, or equivalent qualifications. Some specific programs require additional tests, like:
  • LNAT – for law courses.
  • UCAT/BMAT – for medicine.
• EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students)
  Required by many Japanese universities for undergraduate admission. Assesses Japanese language skills, science, and math.
• TestAS (Germany)
  A standardized test for international students applying for undergraduate studies at German universities.

Entrance Exams for Postgraduate Courses

Most students plan to move abroad for higher studies, which is after they complete their graduation. The following are several entrance tests available for PG courses.

GRE 

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
  • Required for most MS programs in the U.S.
  • Verbal (170), Quant (170), AWA (6.0).
  • Used across engineering, sciences, and social sciences.

GMAT

• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
  • Required for MBA and business-related programs.
  • Quantitative, Verbal, IR, and Analytical Writing.
  • Scored out of 800.

LSAT, MCAT & Other Program-Specific Exams

• LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
  • For admission into law schools (mostly in the U.S. and Canada).
  • Tests logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical thinking.
• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
  • Required for medical schools in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Covers biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and critical analysis.

Other Program-Specific Exams:

• GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) – For graduate-entry medical programs in the UK, Ireland, and Australia.
• BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) – Required for some medical, biomedical, and dental programs, mainly in the UK.

English Language Proficiency Tests

The English language tests are meant to assess the candidate’s communication skills. The following are the details about the most recognized English language proficiency tests.

Exam	Description	Score Range
IELTS  (International English Language Testing System)	Widely accepted, especially in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe	0–9 bands
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	An Internet-based test measuring academic English	0–120
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	AI-evaluated English test	10–90

These tests typically assess four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and are a requirement for anyone who wants to study abroad, and also for people who want to move abroad for other reasons. 

Alternative English Tests Accepted in Some Countries

While IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are the most commonly accepted English proficiency tests worldwide, several countries and institutions also recognize alternative exams. 

These alternative English tests offer greater flexibility, affordability, and accessibility for international students.

Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a new, fully online alternative to traditional tests. It is gaining popularity for its convenience, affordability, and fast results.

• Test Format: Adaptive online test covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Duration: Around 1 hour
• Results: Available within 48 hours
• Cost: Around USD 59 (4,920 INR)
• Accepted In:
  • Over 4,000 universities, especially in the USA, Canada, and the UK.
  • Some universities in Australia and Europe also accept it.

Cambridge English Qualifications (CAE, CPE)

Cambridge English  Exams are internationally recognized and respected for their high standards and long-term validity.

• CAE (C1 Advanced): Suitable for academic and professional purposes
• CPE (C2 Proficiency): Demonstrates near-native English proficiency
• Accepted In:
  • UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many universities in Europe
  • Some institutions in the USA and Canada

Advantages:

• No expiration date (though some universities may require recent scores)
• Strong reputation in academic and professional settings

Country-specific alternatives

Some countries accept or promote local or less common English tests for either admission or visa purposes:

Canada

• Some institutions accept the CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) Test
• Accepted by many Canadian colleges and universities

Australia & New Zealand

• Accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and Cambridge English
• Must be taken at officially approved centers for visa purposes

United Kingdom

• For visa purposes, IELTS UKVI, Trinity College London (Secure English Language Tests), and PTE Academic UKVI are recognized by the UK Home Office

Country-Specific Exam Requirements to Study Abroad

Each country has its own set of standardized exams and academic expectations for international students. These requirements help ensure that applicants meet the academic and language proficiency levels necessary to succeed in that country’s education system.

USA

Academic Exams:

• Undergraduate: SAT or ACT
• Postgraduate: GRE or GMAT (depending on the program)

English Proficiency:

• TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test , or PTE Academic

Other:

• Subject-specific tests like LSAT (Law), MCAT (Medicine)

UK

• Academic Exams:
  • A-levels, IB, or equivalent qualifications
  • Program-specific tests:
    • UCAT/BMAT for medicine
    • LNAT for law
    • MAT/TSA for specific Oxbridge courses
• English Proficiency:
  • IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, TOEFL, or Cambridge English

Germany

Academic Exams:

• Undergraduate: TestAS (sometimes required), proof of equivalent secondary education
• Postgraduate: May require GRE/GATE or equivalent

Language Proficiency:

• German-taught programs: TestDaF or DSH
• English-taught programs: IELTS, TOEFL

Canada

Academic Exams:

• SAT/ACT (optional for undergrad)
• GRE/GMAT (for some postgraduate programs)

English Proficiency:

• IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo, or CAEL

French Proficiency (if applicable):

• TEF or TCF (for French-speaking universities)

Australia

Academic Exams:

• No national test required for most universities
• Some postgraduate programs may require the GRE/GMAT

English Proficiency:

• IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English

Exam Fee Comparison Table

Examination fees can be a factor to be considered while choosing your preferred exams for studying abroad. 

Refer to the table given below for the fee details of the exams to study abroad. 

Exam Name	Approx. Fee	Approx. Fee (INR)*
IELTS Academic	$245 – $255	₹20,000 – ₹21,000
TOEFL iBT	$195	₹16,250
Duolingo English Test	$59	₹4,920
PTE Academic	$200 – $220	₹17,000 – ₹18,500
SAT	$60	₹5,000
ACT	$68 – $93	₹5,700 – ₹7,800
GRE General Test	$220	₹18,300
GMAT	$275	₹22,900
LSAT (India)	₹3,999 – ₹7,999	₹3,999 – ₹7,999
MCAT	$330	₹27,500
TestAS	€80	₹7,200
EJU	¥11,000 – ¥18,000	₹6,300 – ₹10,500

Note: The fees mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the currency exchange rates.

How to Choose the Right Exam?

Choosing the right exam is a very important step in your study abroad journey. The best test for you depends on several factors, including your academic level, the type of course you're applying for, and your destination country’s specific requirements.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best study abroad exam options for you.

Based on Program Level (UG vs PG)

Your academic level determines which type of entrance exam you need to take:

• Exams available at the UG level are:
  • Academic Exams: SAT, ACT, or country-specific entrance tests like EJU (Japan) or TestAS (Germany)
  • English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE Academic
• Exams available at the PG level are:
  • General Exams: GRE (for MS, sciences, etc.), GMAT (for MBA), or course-specific tests like LSAT and MCAT
  • English Proficiency: Same as UG, but minimum score requirements may be higher

You should also check if your target university has test-optional policies, as many universities offer that, especially at the undergraduate level.

Based on Course Type (MBA, MS, Law, Medicine)

Different courses have unique exam requirements:

• MBA/Business:
  • Main Exam: GMAT (preferred), or GRE (increasingly accepted)
  • English Test: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE
• MS/Science/Engineering:
  • Main Exam: GRE (widely accepted)
  • English Test: IELTS or TOEFL
• Law:
  • Main Exam: LSAT (U.S., Canada); LNAT (UK)
  • English Test: Required by all law programs if you are a non-native speaker
• Medicine:
  • Main Exam: MCAT (USA/Canada), UCAT/BMAT (UK), GAMSAT (Australia/UK)
  • English Test: IELTS or TOEFL

Based on Destination Country

Different countries have different sets of exams that they prefer for university admissions purposes. It is advised to go through the requirements country-wise before deciding on the exams you want to take to study abroad.

Specific requirements of countries have already been mentioned in this blog. Refer to that part for detailed information.

How to Prepare for Study Abroad Exams

Preparing for study abroad exams requires a smart strategy, consistent practice, and the right resources. As a candidate has to generally take at least two exams, one for English proficiency and the other for the course they want to pursue, their preparation strategy becomes a deciding factor in their study abroad journey.

Self-study vs Coaching

Self-study is ideal for disciplined learners.

• Pros:
• It is largely cost-effective, with a flexible schedule.
• In the current digital era, you have access to countless online resources to supplement your understanding of the subject.
• Cons
  • Requires strong self-motivation
  • No personalized feedback or guidance

Coaching is best for students who need structured support or are targeting top-tier scores.

• Pros
  • Guided instruction and expert tips
  • Doubt-solving and personalized feedback
  • Simulated mock tests and progress tracking
• Cons
  • Can be expensive
  • Less flexible with time

You can consider hybrid preparation, begin with self-study, and switch to coaching if you're not seeing results or need structure.

Recommended Prep Timeline

Your preparation timeline should align with your exam date and application deadlines. Here's a general guideline:

Time Before Exam	What to Do
6–9 Months	Understand exam format, start building basic skills (vocabulary, math, grammar)
4–6 Months	Start focused study, complete a diagnostic test, and set a study schedule
2–3 Months	Take full-length mock tests weekly, and identify weak areas
1 Month	Review core concepts, practice timing, and simulate exam conditions
Final 1–2 Weeks	Light revision, rest, and stay mentally prepared

The preparation timeline will differ for each person, as every person learns at their own pace. This is just to give you a general idea. You can tailor it to your specific needs.

Best Free & Paid Resources

There are multiple resources available for the preparation of these study abroad exams. The following is a list of such resources. You can select from these resources according to your convenience and need.

Free Resources:

• Magoosh Blog: Great tips and study plans (GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL)
• Khan Academy: Ideal for SAT, ACT, and general math concepts
• ETS Official Prep:  Free practice questions for GRE, TOEFL
• Duolingo Practice: Free tools for English and general test practice
• YouTube Channels:
  • GregMat (GRE)
  • IELTS Liz / E2 IELTS (IELTS)
  • GMAT Ninja (GMAT)

Paid Resources:

• Magoosh: Affordable video lessons and test simulations
• Kaplan / Princeton Review: Premium courses with personalized coaching
• Manhattan Prep: Excellent for GMAT and GRE
• Cambridge Official Guides: IELTS and TOEFL preparation books
• PTE Tutorials & Pearson Practice App: For PTE-specific practice

Check out: How to apply to foreign universities. 

Also, check out: How to study abroad. 

Conclusion

In 2025, the range of exams to study abroad offers students more flexibility than ever, with digital formats, at-home testing, and multiple options accepted by universities worldwide. Whether it’s IELTS for language proficiency, GRE for postgraduate programs, or SAT for undergraduate admissions, the right exam choice depends on your target country, course, and eligibility criteria.

By staying informed about updated formats, score requirements, and university preferences, you can plan effectively, prepare strategically, and improve your chances of securing admission to your dream destination abroad.