Do I need to prepare for any exams like IELTS now or only after applying to universities?
Prepare for and take IELTS before applying to universities - do not wait. Most UK, Irish, Canadian, and Australian universities require your IELTS score as part of the initial application. Applying without it delays your offer letter and risks missing your target intake. Start preparing at least 2-3 months before your planned exam date.
This is one of the most important questions to get right in your study abroad timeline. The short answer is: prepare for and take your English language test before applying to universities, not after. Here is why and how to plan your exam preparation.
Study Abroad Exam Timeline - What to Do and When
Exam | When to Take It | Validity | Required For |
|---|---|---|---|
IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI | 3-6 months before applying | 2 years | UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, NZ |
PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI | 3-6 months before applying | 2 years | UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, NZ |
TOEFL iBT | 3-6 months before applying | 2 years | USA, Canada, Germany, some UK/Ireland |
GMAT / GRE | 6-12 months before applying | 5 years | MBA programs; some Masters in Business |
Duolingo English Test | 1-2 months before applying | 2 years | Some universities in UK, Ireland, Canada |
Why Not to Delay the Exam
Risk of Delaying | Consequence |
|---|---|
Applying without IELTS score | Application placed on hold; offer letter delayed |
Scoring below requirement on first attempt | Need to retake; next available exam may be weeks away |
Missing application deadline due to late exam | Pushed to next intake (6-12 months later) |
Visa application delayed by expiring score | If you take IELTS too early, it may expire before visa application |
My Advice
Take IELTS or PTE as early as possible - this is the advice I give every student planning to study abroad. It is the one element entirely in your control, and delaying it is the most common reason students miss their target intake. Budget 2-3 months for solid preparation (at least 1.5-2 hours daily), then take the exam. If you score below requirement, most scores can be improved by 0.5 bands in a second attempt with targeted practice. Also consider whether to take IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI from the start - IELTS for UKVI is accepted for both UK visa and admissions, while IELTS Academic is only accepted for admissions. Taking IELTS for UKVI eliminates the need to take a separate test for visa purposes later.
More expert answers
Yes, preparing for IELTS is important for your UK master’s applications for January 2027, as most universities require it. With your background, starting preparation around June 2026 will give you enough time to reach your target score and allow for a possible retake. Aim for 2 - 3 hours of study daily, covering all four sections, and consider using official materials or a prep course for best results.
Yes, you need to prepare for the IELTS exam for your MBA applications to the UK, Canada, and Australia. These countries require proof of English language proficiency for MBA admissions.
- UK: Most MBA programs require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 - 7.5.
- Canada: Typical requirement is 6.5 - 7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.5.
- Australia: Most universities ask for 6.5 - 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.0.
Meeting these IELTS requirements is essential for your application. If you need help with IELTS preparation, your LeapScholar counsellor can guide you on next steps.
It depends on the specific requirements of the UAE universities you apply to. Many universities accept alternatives to IELTS, such as PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, or EmSAT Achieve. Some may also waive the IELTS requirement if you provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from an English-medium institution.
With your strong academic and professional background, you may qualify for an IELTS waiver at certain universities. Admission criteria vary, so university policies are subject to change.
If you need help finding universities that fit your profile and may offer IELTS waivers, please reach out to your LeapScholar counsellor.
Still have doubts?
Speak to a LeapScholar expert — free, no obligations.
More IELTS & English tests questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?