Do I need to prepare for any exams like IELTS now or only after applying to universities?

It is generally recommended to prepare for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo before applying to universities. While some universities may offer conditional admission without a test score initially, not all universities provide this option. You would still need to submit the required score later for final admission or visa processing. Preparing early also helps avoid delays in applications and gives you access to a wider range of universities.