Exams to Study Abroad in 2026: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE & More

Types of Exams to Study Abroad 

University exams are usually divided into three main categories, and choosing the correct exam for studying abroad depends on your destination, course level and requirements. Take a look below: 

English Language Proficiency Exams

For non-native English speakers, command of the English language is a must-have criterion. Below are the primary language exams required to study abroad: 

1. IELTS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the crucial exams to study abroad, comprising two modules, like Academic for higher education and General Training for job or immigration purposes. Ideally, IELTS scores typically range from 5.5 to 6.0 and are valid for a maximum of two years.
2. TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is accepted by many universities worldwide. It assesses listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. The test lasts about three hours, and a score of 90 to 100 is preferred by most colleges.
3. PTE: The PTE exam is another exams to study abroad accepted at over 3500 colleges and universities worldwide. It is the simplest English language test that can be taken in just a single sitting. Further, PTE academic scores are valid for up to two years from the date of the exam.
4. Duolingo: Accepted by more than 4500 institutions and can be taken online, and lasts for one hour. This is the shortest English test so far and is accepted by most colleges in countries like the USA and Canada.

Aptitude Entrance Exams

To study abroad, especially for postgraduate courses, students often need to take the following entrance exams for studying abroad in brief:  

1. SAT:  Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a standard exam for UG admissions in the USA and Canada, which tests mathematical and analytical capabilities.
2. ACT: American College Testing is another entrance exam for UG studies in the USA, which evaluates academic readiness in fields like math and science.
3. LSAT: Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is for those pursuing law, especially in the USA, Canada and Australia.
4. GRE: Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is essential for postgraduate degrees, especially for business administration and science. It basically involves verbal, mathematical and analytical skills.
5. GMAT: Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is specifically required for MBA programs, testing and problem-solving and analytical skills.
6. MCAT: Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for medical school admission in the USA and Canada. 

Also Read- Toughest Exams in the World

Country Specific Entrance Exams

Different nations need additional entrance exams, depending on the course, university and level of study. Below is the detailed explanation for exams needed to study abroad, as per the country:

1. Germany: Most of the public universities do not require entrance exams, but students may need TestAS or language proficiency tests, like IELTS, TOEFL or German tests, like TestDaF or DSH.
2. Japan: Demands Examination for Japanese University Admission (EJU) along with English proficiency tests and sometimes Japanese language exams like JLPT.
3. France: French universities may require TCF or DELF/ DALF for French-taught programs, whereas English-taught courses usually accept IELTS or TOEFL.
4. USA: To study in USA, you are required to give SAT/ACT for undergraduate courses and the GRE/GMAT for postgraduate courses, along with IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency.
5. UK: Universities accept IELTS globally, and some programs may require UCAT, LNAT, or GMAT for study in UK, depending on the field of study.
6. Canada: IELTS or TOEFL is commonly required, and some universities may also ask for GRE or GMAT for postgraduate programs.
7. Australia: To study in Australia, IELTS, TOEFL or PTE are accepted for English language proficiency, and certain professional courses may require additional aptitude or skill-based tests.

Also Read- Top Countries To Study Abroad

Cost of Exams for Abroad Studies

Planning to study abroad requires having a thorough idea about costs, thus the table below offers a clear overview of the cost of important English proficiency and standardized exams for abroad studies in brief. 

Why Entrance Exams are Vital to Study Abroad?

Entrance exams for abroad education are vital as they offer universities a standardised way to assess students from diverse educational backgrounds, ensuring fairness, academic readiness and language proficiency for international courses.  

1. Standardised Assessment: Entrance exams offer a common assessment scale for students worldwide, helping universities compare applicants objectively.
2. Language Proficiency: Exams including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo confirm a student’s ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking academic setting.
3. Academic Preparedness: Entrance tests, including SAT, GRE, and GMAT, evaluate analytical, quantitative and reasoning skills essential for higher education.
4. Admission to Top Universities: Strong exam scores improve chances of securing seats at prestigious and highly competitive institutions.
5. Scholarship Options: Many universities and funding bodies use entrance exam scores to award merit-based scholarships.
6. Visa Approval Support: Exam results help visa authorities assess your intent and scholarly capabilities.
7. Global Career Preparation: These exams prepare students for the academic rigour and professional standards of international education systems. 

How to Prepare for the Entrance Test ? 

After having gone through the idea with different types of entrance tests, now it's time to understand how to prepare for them effectively.

Below are the top strategies for effective management:

1. Know the Requirement: Research well about the specific exam required for your nation, college and programs to focus on your preparation effectively.
2. Study Plan: Develop a realistic study schedule that covers all sections and allows sufficient time for revision and practice tests.
3. Use Authentic Sources: Prepare from authentic study materials, assistance from study abroad consultants, official guides and valid online websites for accurate practice.
4. Practice Regularly: Take as many mock tests as you can for the exam for study abroad to improve speed, accuracy and confidence under timed conditions.
5. Focus on Weak Areas: Figure out the specific problem and dedicate extra time to improving it through targeted practice.
6. Improve Language Skills: For English tests, practice reading, listening, speaking and writing consistently.
7. Review & Revise: Analyse mock test results and learn from your mistakes, and revise key concepts frequently.

Conclusion    

To conclude, exams for abroad studies are the first step in turning your international education dreams into reality. Whether it is demonstrating English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo or proving scholarly readiness with exams including SAT, GRE, GMAT or country-specific tests, each exam serves a different purpose. Understanding requirements, costs and preparation strategies can give you a strong competitive edge. To support your preparation, platforms like Gradding.com offer targeted solutions, like IELTS Prep Boost, wherein you get expert video lessons, mock tests, practice questions and study material under the unlimited access to the premium packages. 

FAQs:

1. Is IELTS or TOEFL Compulsory for all Countries?

No, IELTS or TOEFL is not compulsory for all countries. Most of the Universities and visas waive it if prior education was in English or for non-English speaking countries.

2. Are GRE or GMAT Still Required in 2026?

The GRE or GMAT are still necessary for most of the graduate business and master’s programs in 2026; however, an increasing number of schools provide test-optional or alternative admissions pathways.

3. What is the Minimum Score Required in IELTS/TOEFL for Top Universities?

Top universities ideally require 6.5- 7.5 for IELTS, and 90-110 for TOEFL. However, the requirements vary by program, competitive courses including law, medicine, and strong section-wise performance.

4. How Long are Study Abroad Exam Scores Valid?

Most of the study abroad exam scores have very limited validity. IELTS and TOEFL exams are valid for only 2 years, whereas GRE and GMAT scores remain valid for 5 years. Universities often require scores that are valid at the time of enrollment.

5. Are there Separate Exams for Scholarships and Admissions?

Yes, some of the scholarships require separate exams in addition to the admission tests. While universities use IELTS, TOEFL, GRE or GMAT for admission, scholarships may consider GRE, GMAT, SAT or specific aptitude tests, in addition to academic merit, essays and interviews.