Top 10 Exams to Study Abroad: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and More! 

The trend of studying abroad and getting an international degree has been escalating for the last few years; mostly due to the availability of diverse choices, along with the ease of getting admission to international colleges.

With the process of getting admissions to reputed universities abroad getting simpler, students now have multiple opportunities for pursuing their graduation and post-graduation in international colleges and universities. This article has been compiled to help students explore the gateways to Top Global Universities.

From English language tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE to standardised entrance exams, there are numerous tests you need to appear in before securing admission to a foreign university. However, not all countries and institutions require the same. 

Let us delve deeper, and understand more about the exams to study abroad for Indian students. 

Language Exams to Study Abroad

Since the common study-abroad trend is from Asian, non-English speaking countries, to Western English-speaking countries, the language shift is something significant in the process. Considering that the medium of communication in these countries is English, you will have to clear a language proficiency test prior, to justify your language abilities. 

IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are the three main English language tests taken by students desiring to study abroad after graduation, 12th, and 10th. Scores from these three exams also contribute to the professional aspects of non-native speakers who desire to immigrate to native English-speaking countries for job purposes.

Let us look at each of them in detail. 

IELTS

IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is an English language assessment test that is mainly attempted by individuals who wish to study abroad. IELTS examinations are conducted in India in partnership with the British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, and IDP: IELTS Australia. 

There are two modules of IELTS: 

• IELTS Academic Module: It is focused on higher education levels abroad. You need to clear an IELTS Academic when applying for foreign universities, research positions, or other work related to academics. 
• IELTS General Training Module: the General Module concerns social skills and workplace practices. You need to clear a General test while applying for work, or immigration purposes. 

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
2 Years	INR 16,250	2 Hours 45 Minutes	5.5-6.0

It is to be noted every educational institution has its minimum score eligibility criterion for this test. Students need to score at least above 6 to be eligible to pursue a degree in top universities. Check the IELTS score requirements for your referred institution beforehand. 

The frequency of the test is 48 times a year, for the Paper-based IELTS. The computer-delivered IELTS is conducted 7 days a week, and 3 times a day. 

TOEFL

TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is conducted to measure the English language knowledge and proficiency of non-native English speakers. Colleges and universities from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and many other countries seek TOEFL scores to enrol with them. There are two methods of attempting this exam- the Paper-Based Test and the Internet-Based Test; however, the internet-based test is comparatively more popular than the paper-based test.

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
2 Years	INR 16,900	3 Hours	90-100

There is no passing score for TOEFL. However, a minimum score of 90-100 is preferred by most universities. This test is accepted as much as IELTS in Australia and the United Kingdom, whereas American education institutions tend to favour TOEFL over the IELTS test. 

The test is conducted 50 times a year, with 4-5 times a month. 

IELS v/s TOEFL

Let us do a comparative study to understand the tests more.

Feature	IELTS	TOEFL
Format	Academic and General Training	IBT and PBT
Time	2 Hours 45 Minutes	3 Hours (Approx.)
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Scoring	Band 1-9	Score 0-120
Tasks	Multiple choice, Sentence Completion, Short answer, Essay, and Speaking	Multiple choice, Sentence Completion, Short answer, Essay, and Speaking
Acceptability	Over 11,500 organisations worldwide	Over 130 countries

The duration, minimum score, and frequency of the test vary according to your test type, and other requirements. 

PTE

PTE, or the Pearson Test of English is very different from the preceding two due to some distinguishing aspects. Firstly, the scoring patterns of this test are very different owing to the complete dependency on computerized technologies. Secondly, the results of this test also come quicker than similar tests. Generally, the declaration of the results comes within five days of the test. So, a PTE is recommended when you are short on time due to limited availability and/or delayed results declaration.

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
2 Years	INR 15,900	2 hours 15 minutes	51-60

PTE majorly focuses on the daily use of the English language, rather than the university level.

PTE is conducted around the year. The availability of the test date depends upon your test centre and test type. Check the official website for more information. 

IELTS V/S PTE

Let us do a comparative study to understand the tests more.

Feature	IELTS	PTE
Format	Academic and General	Academic
Time	2 Hours 45 Minutes	2 Hours 15 Minutes
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Comprehension
Scoring	Band 1-9	Score 10-90
Tasks	Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-blank, Short Answer, Essay, and Speaking	Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-blank, Short Answer, Essay, and Speaking

The duration, minimum score, and frequency of the test vary according to your test type, and other requirements. 

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the latest language proficiency tests used by international students. Accepted by over 4,500 institutions across the world, the test assesses your ability to use English in real-world situations. 

Consisting of four modules; Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, the test is available in both online, and offline modes. it is more popular in the USA and Canada.

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
2 Years	INR 4852	45 minutes	10

Duolingo is recommended when you need to take a test urgently and need to get the results faster. Once you take the Duolingo test, you can get your results within 2 days.  

IELTS v/s Duolingo

Let us do a comparative study to understand the tests more.

Feature	IELTS	PTE
Format	Academic and General	Online
Time	2 Hours 45 Minutes	45 Minutes
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening Comprehension
Scoring	Band 1-9	Score 1-5
Tasks	Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-blank, Short Answer, Essay, and Speaking	Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-blank, Short Answer, and Speaking
Acceptability	Over 11,500 organisations worldwide	Over 4,500 organisations worldwide

Since Duolingo is a comparatively new language proficiency test, it is recommended to ensure that the test is accepted by your preferred university.

Standardised Entrance Exams to Study Abroad

Although the language proficiency tests are the first requirement for your study-abroad plan, you also need to clear an entrance test required for your course. The entrance exam you need to clear, to join an undergraduate program is SAT, MCAT, and ACT. 

In order to join a postgraduate program, you need to crack an LSAT, GRE, or GMAT. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing skills of the aspirants, along with the knowledge about principles and concepts of science directly related to the study of a specific niche, are evaluated in these examinations. 

The standardised entrance test you need to clear depends upon your course. 

SAT

SAT, or the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a globally recognized college admission test conducted for the evaluation of written, verbal, and analytical skills of aspiring candidates. It is one of the exams to study abroad that students need to take after the 12th to enrol in undergraduate courses in Canada, and the United States of America. The SAT score is also accepted as a valid criterion for admission to a few universities in the United Kingdom as well. However, it is highly suggested that the applicants should conduct thorough research about the criteria of selection of the desired universities and courses before opting for the SAT exam to study abroad.

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
5 Years	INR 8,055- 9,062	3 Hours	400

Apart from the general SAT, there are subject-specific SATs. The cost for an SAT Subject Test is INR 7435 (Approx). However, nowadays, most universities do not refer to a subject-specific test. 

ACT

ACT, or the American College Testing is a standardized test to secure admission to the universities of the United States of America for various undergraduate courses. It is also accepted by several colleges outside the USA.

The ACT tends to evaluate the level of academic readiness of international, as well as native students, for specific undergraduate courses. This test evaluates the written, mathematical, verbal, and scientific skills of aspiring students.

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
5 Years	₹16,703 (approx)	2 Hours 55 Minutes	16-17

Although there is no passing score in the ACT, the majority of the colleges accept a score above 16. 

LSAT

LSAT, or the Law School Admission Test is mandatory for pursuing a Master’s degree in Law from universities in the USA. The test is conducted by the Law School Admission Council, and it is accepted by the USA, Canada, and Australia.

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
5 Years	INR 15,017 (approx)	3 Hours 15 Minutes	151

Although the LSAT is widely accepted by law institutes, it is the LNAT or National Admissions Test for Law that is valid in the law colleges of the UK. 

GRE

GRE or the Graduate Record Examinations is one of the most popular examinations taken by Indian students aspiring to study in the United States of America, Canada, and thousands of business schools across the globe. This test checks the aspirants’ verbal, mathematical, and general analytical skills. This test is necessary for students who desire to pursue a postgraduate degree in science (MS), or business administration (MBA) in the United States of America.

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
5 Years	INR 22,550 (approx)	3 Hours 45 Minutes	130

Apart from the general GRE, there are also GRE Subjects. The cost of GRE Subjects in India is INR 14,500. However, this is not required in most universities. 

GMAT

GMAT, or the Graduate Management Admission Test is specifically opted for by students who desire to get an MBA degree abroad. This test holds immense significance as an admission eligibility test for top business schools and management colleges globally. 

GMAT evaluates your problem-solving, critical, logical, reasoning, and analytical skills, and is a mandatory admission test for over 21,000 universities and colleges in over 114 countries. 

The structure of the test is given below:

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
5 Years	INR 24,600 (approx)	3 Hours 7 Minutes	200

Aspirants need to score over 570 to secure admission to top international universities. However, a few schools accept a minimum score of 700 as well. 

MCAT

MCAT, or the Medical College Admission Test is taken to get admission in the Medical Courses, in the United States of America, Canada, and 18 other countries. The Association of American Medical Colleges designs this test with multiple-choice examination patterns. The core purpose of this test is to assess the individuals’ knowledge related to science and medicine.

The structure of the test is given below: 

Validity	Cost	Duration	Minimum Score
3 Years	INR 30,750 (approx)	7 Hours 30 Minutes	118

The MCAT is valid in the US and most medical institutes in Canada, whereas in the UK it is substituted by UCAT or University Clinical Aptitude Test.

Preferred Exams to Study Abroad: Country-wise List

The preferred entrance exams for your study-abroad destinations vary depending upon several factors. The important factors that decide the exams you need to take are:

• Your course or program
• Your college, or university
• Your preferred country

 If you do not know what exams you are required to study abroad, you must adhere to your university’s distinguished eligibility criteria and take the necessary exams. 

Below is a list of the exams to be given to study abroad, arranged in a table with their respective course and country:

Name of the Country	Name of Program	Preferred English Proficiency Test	Standardised Entrance Test
USA	Undergraduate	TOEFL Duolingo	SAT, ACT
	Postgraduate	TOEFL Duolingo	GMAT, or GRE for MBA GRE for MS MCAT for Medical LSAT for Law
	Diploma	TOEFL Duolingo	–
UK	Undergraduate	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE, CPE	SAT
	Postgraduate	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE, CPE	GMAT, or GRE for MBA GRE for MS UCAT for Medical LNAT for Law
	Diploma	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CAE, CPE	–
Canada	Undergraduate	TOEFL CELPIP, Duolingo	SAT, ACT
	Postgraduate	TOEFL CELPIP  Duolingo	GMAT, or GRE for MBA GRE for MS MCAT for Medical LSAT for Law
	Diploma	TOEFL CELPIP, Duolingo	–

The table showcases the prominent tests in each country and for their respective programs. However, there are exceptions for certain colleges and courses. For example, the Law entrance test of LSAT is dominant in the USA, and Canada, whereas LNAT is recommended in the UK. However, there are universities in the UK that also accept an LSAT, instead of an LNAT.  

The entry requirements for other major study-abroad destinations, such as Australia, and New Zealand also remain similar to the above-mentioned countries. The language proficiency exams for foreign studies, preferred in both these countries, are IELTS and PTE. 

Exams to Study Abroad with Scholarships

If you find it difficult to fund your study-abroad plan, you can avail of various scholarships provided for international students. The scholarships vary depending on the country, university, and the program you are applying for. The eligibility requirements for these scholarships vary from each other. 

Some of the common entrance exams to study abroad and the popular scholarships under them are given below. 

Entrance Exam	Scholarships
IELTS	Hornby Scholarships 2023 The British Council IELTS Award Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Programme Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships Great Scholarship India
TOEFL	ETS scholarships Grants and awards by ETS and TOEFL BoardTOEFL Young Student Series (YSS) Research Grants TOEFL Awards (by application) TOEFL Awards (by nomination)
GMAT	GMAT Scholarship for Amsterdam MBA Manchester Merit Scholarships ESMT Diversity Scholarship Young Potential Leader (MBA)
GRE	INSEAD MBA Scholarships Chicago Booth MBA Scholarships Wharton MBA Scholarships Stanford MBA Scholarships Kellogg MBA Scholarships

Minimum score requirements and other eligibility criteria vary for each scholarship. Also, make sure that the program/university you are applying for accepts these scholarships. 

Exams to Study Abroad after 10th and 12th

Students often wonder if studying abroad after 10th, or 12th is possible. This is easily possible, provided that you plan early according to the entry requirements. For example, if you wish to study abroad after your 10th, you need to crack IELTS or other language tests before the application deadline. To crack your test on time, you need to plan ample preparation time accordingly. So, proper planning can make it possible for you to study abroad after your 12th. 

The common entrance exams for abroad studies after 12th are IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE. You have to choose according to your study-abroad destination. For example, IELTS is recommended for most countries like the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. However, if you are planning to study in the USA, some universities might need TOEFL. A PTE is the most recommended test for Australia. Choose your exams wisely. 

Final Thoughts

Choosing your appropriate test is the first step. Consider your preferred country, university, and program before choosing the entrance exams to study abroad. Once you decide on your test, take the appropriate amount of time for your entrance exam preparation. 

Attending regular practice tests is recommended. You can get enough resources for your entrance exam preparation online. However, it is suggested you rely on credible sources. You can collect materials from the official websites of the testing agencies. 

If you plan to take an IELTS, you can get free resources, such as Sample Papers, Mock Tests, Task-specified PDFs, and other resources from Leap IELTS Experts. In addition to proper preparation, make sure to book your exam slots on time. Test dates should be planned, considering your college application deadline.

Frequency Asked Questions