Study Abroad Exams Explained: Everything Indian Students Need to Know

Students who begin their study abroad experience face two main types of entrance exams. You need to know how these exams work to prepare well and submit a successful application.

Types of Exams to Study Abroad

Language proficiency vs subject-specific exams

Study abroad exams fit into two distinct categories. Each plays a vital part in the admissions process:

Language Proficiency Tests measure your skills to understand, speak, write, and read in your chosen university's teaching language. These tests review your communication skills instead of academic knowledge. Non-native English speakers must take at least one of these tests when applying to universities that teach in English:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): This test is accessible to more people in the UK, Australia, Canada, and many European countries. The exam runs for 2 hours and 45 minutes, costs about ₹18,000, and scores stay valid for two years.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): US and Canadian universities prefer this 116-minute exam. It costs around ₹16,900 with a two-year validity.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): More than 3,500 institutions worldwide recognise this single-sitting exam. It costs about ₹15,900 and remains valid for two years.
• Duolingo English Test: This one-hour exam costs ₹6,000. Universities in the USA, Canada, and the UK increasingly accept it.

Standardised Subject-Based Entrance Exams test your aptitude, reasoning abilities, and subject knowledge in your chosen field. These exams change based on your academic level and specialisation:

1. For Undergraduate Admissions:

• SAT and ACT: US universities use these to test college readiness.
• LNAT (UK) and LSAT (USA, Canada): These are specific to law programmes.
• UCAT (UK), USMLE (USA): Medical programmes require these tests.

2. For Postgraduate Admissions:

• GRE: This applies to MS and other graduate programmes in sciences, engineering, and humanities.
• GMAT: Business schools use this test for MBA and related courses.
• LSAT: Law schools require this exam.
• MCAT: Medical schools need this test.

Why both types may be required

Universities and visa authorities ask for both language and subject-specific exams with good reason:

Full Assessment: Language skills alone can't guarantee academic success. Subject knowledge without communication creates barriers. Both tests give a complete picture of your readiness for international education.

Course-Specific Requirements: Each field needs different skills. To name just one example, engineering programmes might need strong math skills with simple English, while humanities programmes require advanced language skills and critical thinking.

Academic Readiness Check: Universities must ensure students can handle their educational system. Siddharth Anand, Founder and CEO of Tertiary Education Advisors, says "Standardised tests may not always apply at all stages as most major university entrance tests begin after Class 12".

Teaching Assistantship Eligibility: Many universities, especially in PhD programmes, offer funding through teaching assistantships that need strong language skills.

Visa Requirements: Beyond university admission, countries need proof of language skills for student visas. Subject exams show academic readiness, while language tests prove you can live in the host country.

Different Study Levels: Requirements change by academic level. After Class 12, undergraduate programmes typically need SAT, ACT, or language tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Graduate programmes after bachelor's degree accept GRE for most STEM and master's programmes, while management studies prefer GMAT.

Country-Specific Needs: Each country has its own rules. German programmes might need TestDaF, Canada accepts IELTS-General or CELPIP, and some UK schools want UKVI versions of IELTS.

Early understanding of these requirements helps you plan better and avoid last-minute rush. Language tests ensure smooth communication in your new academic setting, while subject tests confirm your knowledge base for your chosen programme.

Language Proficiency Exams Explained

Language proficiency tests open doors to international education. Students must prove they can communicate well in their new academic environment. Success in university-level English courses depends on your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

IELTS: Format, cost, and where it's accepted

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) ranks among the most trusted English proficiency tests worldwide. Students take four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes). Students often prefer IELTS because it lets them speak face-to-face with a certified examiner instead of using a computer.

IELTS comes in two flavours: Academic for university admissions and General Training for migration or work. Both share similar Speaking and Listening sections but differ in Reading and Writing to match their purposes.

The scoring uses bands from 0 to 9 with half-point steps. You'll need scores between 6.5-7.0 for most competitive universities. Indian students pay around ₹18,000 for the test. Results show up within 13 days.

Every UK and Australian university accepts IELTS. More than 3,400 US institutions and most academic centres in Canada, Ireland, and Europe recognise it too. UK visa applications need a special version called IELTS for UKVI.

TOEFL: Key features and score requirements

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT focuses on academic English through an internet-based test. Four sections make up the exam: Reading (35 minutes, 20 questions), Listening (36 minutes, 28 questions), Speaking (16 minutes, 4 tasks), and Writing (29 minutes, 2 tasks).

The test runs for about 2 hours. You should set aside 2.5 hours with check-in time. TOEFL's speaking section uses a computer and microphone instead of human interviewers.

Scores range from 0 to 120, with each section worth 30 points. Most universities look for scores between 90-100. Top schools might ask for 100+. Indian students pay about ₹16,900. Results come in 4-8 days.

American schools love TOEFL. More than 11,000 universities and colleges worldwide accept it. Many scholarship programmes and immigration offices also recognise TOEFL scores.

PTE and Duolingo: Fast-growing alternatives

PTE Academic and Duolingo English Test (DET) bring fresh options to the table with unique benefits.

PTE Academic uses AI for fair assessment in a computer-based format. The test takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes with three main parts: Speaking & Writing (combined), Reading, and Listening. Scores go from 10 to 90. Universities usually want 60-65 or higher. Indian students pay around ₹18,000. Results arrive fast - usually within 48 hours.

UK, Australian, and New Zealand schools widely accept PTE. Its popularity grows in the USA and Canada. Australia's Department of Home Affairs fully accepts it for visa applications.

Duolingo English Test stands out as convenient and budget-friendly. This one-hour adaptive test lets you take it at home anytime. You just need a computer with a webcam and good internet. Scores range from 10 to 160. Universities usually ask for 110-120. The test costs less than others at about ₹5,000-6,000. Results come within 48 hours.

Over 5,500 institutions worldwide accept DET, including 95 of the top 100 US universities. In spite of that, most student visa applications don't recognise Duolingo yet.

Your target countries, institutions, budget, and test format priorities should guide your choice. Each exam fits different situations and study abroad goals.

Entrance Exams for Undergraduate Courses

Getting into undergraduate programmes abroad means you need to be skilled at taking standardised tests that show if you're ready for college. These tests are a vital way for universities to assess if you'll do well in their programmes.

SAT: Structure and scoring

The SAT has changed by a lot. It's now fully digital and adapts to your performance. The test has two main parts: Reading and Writing takes 64 minutes, and Mathematics runs for 70 minutes. You get a 10-minute break between them.

Reading and Writing has 54 questions split into two 32-minute parts. You'll read short passages and answer questions that test your understanding, word knowledge, and analysis skills. Math follows a similar pattern with 44 questions in two 35-minute sections. It covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.

The digital SAT's special feature is how it adapts to you. Your first section performance decides how hard your second section will be. This helps get a better picture of what you can do. The good news is that this setup doesn't limit your score - you can get any score no matter which second section you take.

The SAT gives scores from 400-1600. Each part (Reading/Writing and Math) ranges from 200-800, and these add up to your total. Students from the class of 2025 scored 1029 on average, with 521 in Reading and Writing and 508 in Math. You'll need above 1300 for good universities, and top schools want 1400 or higher.

ACT: How it compares to SAT

The ACT takes a different path to test college readiness than the SAT. The test has four main parts: English (35 minutes, 50 questions), Mathematics (50 minutes, 45 questions), Reading (40 minutes, 36 questions), and Science which you can skip (40 minutes, 40 questions). You can also choose to do a 40-minute Writing section that the SAT doesn't have.

The ACT is more flexible with its format. You can take it on paper or online, unlike the SAT which is only digital now. The ACT also lets you change your answers within sections more easily than the SAT.

Scoring works differently on the ACT. Each section gets 1-36 points, and your final Composite score is the average of all four parts. A 1400 on the SAT is about the same as a 31 on the ACT.

The tests focus on different things. The ACT tests what you learn in class, while the SAT checks how well you reason and analyse. Students who get good grades often do better on the ACT, while those who are good at problem-solving might like the SAT more.

Time works differently too. The ACT gives you about 49 seconds per question, but the SAT allows 70 seconds. Fast workers might prefer the ACT, while those who need more time to think should look at the SAT.

Other early-level exams like PSAT, IGCSE

The PSAT/NMSQT is a great way to get ready for the SAT and maybe win some scholarships. Taking this test helps boost your SAT score since the questions are similar. High scores could win you National Merit Scholarships.

International students looking at UK schools should know about the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Students usually take these tests between ages 14-16 and complete 5-7 subjects. You'll need to take math, sciences, and English, plus extra subjects that match what you want to study.

UK universities usually want five IGCSEs with grades A*-C (or 9-4 in the new system). Even schools that don't require IGCSEs see them as proof you're ready for college, especially for tough programmes.

Your test choice should match your strengths, how you learn best, and what your target schools want.

Entrance Exams for Postgraduate Courses

Students pursuing postgraduate education abroad need specialised examinations to assess their advanced academic abilities. These exams measure analytical skills, subject knowledge, and cognitive abilities that match their chosen field.

GRE: For MS and other graduate programmes

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) works as the main entrance exam for most Master of Science and other non-business graduate programmes worldwide. Students take this computer-based test which has three core sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The test takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to finish.

The GRE's scoring system works like this:

• Verbal and Quantitative sections: 130-170 points each (1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0-6 points (half-point increments)

The GRE General Test costs between ₹17,297 and ₹21,517 in India, and scores stay valid for five years. The exam went through major changes in September 2023. The duration dropped from four hours to just two hours, making it easier for students to take the test.

Competitive programmes usually want GRE scores above 155 in Verbal Reasoning and 160+ in Quantitative Reasoning, with an Analytical Writing score of at least 4.0. Universities like MIT accept GRE scores instead of other examinations for engineering and science programmes.

GMAT: For MBA and business schools

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) remains the preferred choice for business school admissions worldwide. The new GMAT Focus Edition has three 45-minute sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—a section that tests data interpretation and application.

GMAT scores range from 205-805, and top business schools usually ask for scores above 700. Test costs vary by country but usually range between ₹16,000 and ₹22,000. Results stay valid for five years.

The GMAT differs from the GRE by focusing more on business-oriented quantitative skills and logical reasoning. While 54% of applicants to top business schools like Harvard submit GMAT scores, many schools now accept either test. Programmes like MIT's Sloan School of Management and Centre for Real Estate let students submit GMAT instead of GRE.

Over 7,700 programmes worldwide now recognise the GMAT. Harvard Business School's class of 2026 shows an interesting trend - 63% submitted GMAT scores, while 41% chose GRE.

LSAT and MCAT: For law and medicine

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) serves as the required entrance exam for future lawyers in the United States, Canada, and Australia. This 175-minute test checks logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and writing skills. Students need to score on a 120-180 scale, with good law schools asking for minimum scores around 153.

The Law School Admissions Council gives the LSAT four times each year to assess candidates' verbal reasoning and analytical thinking—vital skills for legal education. Two logical reasoning sections help examine students' argument analysis abilities.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) helps determine if students are ready for medical education. This computer-based standardised test runs for about 7½ hours and covers four main areas:

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
• Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviour

MCAT scores range from 472 to 528, measuring problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific knowledge. The 2024 percentile rankings show that a 500 puts you in the 48th percentile, while a 510 reaches the 79th percentile.

These specialised tests work as vital philtres for highly competitive professional programmes. They measure specific career-related skills beyond basic academic abilities.

How to Choose the Right Exam for Your Goals?

Choosing the right exam for your study abroad trip needs careful thought about several factors. Students can pick from many exams for abroad studies. Your choice will shape your application success and study experience in another country.

Match exam to course and country

Your exam choice should fit both your target country and study programme. Each country has its own priorities:

• USA: Prefers TOEFL for language skills, SAT/ACT for undergraduate, and GRE/GMAT for graduate studies
• UK: Accepts IELTS for language testing and often needs a specific UKVI version for visa papers
• Canada: Accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo has joined the list for university admissions
• Australia: Likes IELTS and PTE Academic best

Your programme type sets specific exam needs. Engineering and science master's programmes need GRE scores. Business schools ask for GMAT, law schools want LSAT, and medical programmes need MCAT or USMLE based on the country. Some fields need country-specific tests - TestDaF works for German programmes while DELF/DALF suits French schools.

Check university and visa requirements

University admission and visa rules often differ. A newer study, published in 2023 by shows that while universities accept Duolingo, immigration offices in countries like the UK don't accept it for visas. The UK asks for tests from their Secure English Language Tests (SELT) list - mainly IELTS UKVI or PTE UKVI.

Here's what you need to check:

1. Institutional requirements: Look up each university's score requirements and accepted exams

2. Immigration policies: Find out which tests work for student visa papers

Students must show a valid passport and proper visa papers to study in countries like the USA. Some technical programmes need extra clearance. Physics and Materials students heading to the UK must get ATAS clearance months before applying for a visa.

Consider exam frequency and retake policies

Many students take these tests multiple times to get their target scores. That's why knowing retake rules matters. You can take IELTS any time you want with no waiting period. GRE needs a 21-day gap between attempts and allows only five tests in any 12-month period.

Test scores stay valid for different periods:

• IELTS, TOEFL, PTE: Good for 2 years
• GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT: Good for 5 years

GRE offers a ScoreSelect® option that lets you send only your best scores to universities. You can retake the exam without schools seeing your lower scores.

Plan your preparation timeline carefully. Factor in both application deadlines and time for possible retakes to achieve your target score.

Scholarships and Exam Scores

Your exam scores determine not just university admission but also open doors to financial aid opportunities. Study abroad costs keep rising, and scholarships are vital to turn your international education dreams into reality.

How exam scores affect scholarship eligibility

Scholarship committees worldwide use exam performance as their first screening tool. High scores make your application more attractive to financial aid officers who see you as a worthy investment. Many universities will give you automatic scholarships when you hit specific score targets, which means no extra paperwork.

Your scores can make a big difference in scholarship amounts. To name just one example, a 50-point increase in your SAT score could boost your scholarship by INR 252827.05 to 421378.42. Strong scores show your language skills and academic ability—qualities that scholarship providers value greatly.

Minimum scores for merit-based aid

Language proficiency exam requirements for scholarships are higher than admission requirements:

• IELTS: Usually 7.0 (no band below 6.5) for competitive scholarships
• TOEFL: Minimum 90 for basic eligibility, though 100+ improves opportunities
• PTE: Often 65+ for scholarship consideration

Merit-based scholarships typically need these standardised test scores:

• SAT: Scores above 1300 are exceptional for scholarship purposes
• GRE: Scores above 155 in Verbal and 160 in Quantitative are a big deal as it means that your chances improve
• GMAT: Scores above 630-700 may qualify for substantial funding

Examples of scholarships linked to exams

These notable scholarships link directly to exam performance:

• IELTS: British Council IELTS Award (₹312,000-₹1,230,000) and Great Scholarship India (£10,000)
• TOEFL: Samuel J. Messick Memorial Award (₹166,827) and Research Grants (up to ₹834,136)
• SAT: Gill Elliot Scholarship (₹166,827) and Actuarial Diversity Scholarship (₹333,654)
• GRE: Inlaks Scholarship (up to ₹8,341,365) and Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowship
• GMAT: Amsterdam MBA Scholarship (€10,000 for scores above 630) and ESMT Diversity Scholarship (€4,000 for scores above 700)

You need to maintain academic excellence throughout your programme to keep your merit scholarship. Most programmes need a GPA between 3.0-3.75.

* Want to study abroad? Know the eligibility and abroad scholarship programs.