Abhyank Srinet 
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 📊 What Are the Key Study Abroad Exam Facts?
- What Are the Main Study Abroad Exams in 2026–27?
- Which English Proficiency Exams Can You Take to Study Abroad?
- Which Study Abroad Exams Are Needed After Class 12?
- Which Exams Are Required for Master's, MBA and MiM Programmes?
- Which Study Abroad Exam Should You Take for Your Course?
- Which Study Abroad Exams Are Required by Country?
- How Much Do Study Abroad Exams Cost in India?
- What Should Indian Applicants Check Before Choosing a Study Abroad Exam?
- When Should You Take Study Abroad Exams?
- Can You Study Abroad Without Standardised Entrance Exams?
- How Should You Prepare for Study Abroad Exams?
Study abroad exams depend on your course, university and destination. International applicants may need an English proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, while undergraduate or postgraduate programmes may also ask for tests such as SAT, GMAT or GRE. However, there is no universal rule that every student must take both an English test and a standardised admission test. Always check the official requirements of each university before booking an exam.
Introduction
Study abroad exams are used by universities to assess English proficiency, academic readiness or programme-specific skills. The exact exam you need depends on whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree, master's programme, MBA, MiM or another specialised course.
Exam requirements have also changed significantly in recent years. The GMAT now uses a 205–805 scale, the GRE is shorter than the older version, TOEFL introduced a new scoring system in 2026, and many universities have test-optional or flexible admission policies. This guide explains the major study abroad exams and helps Indian students decide which ones they actually need.
📊 What Are the Key Study Abroad Exam Facts?
| Exam | Main Purpose | Current Format | Score Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | English proficiency | Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking | Band 0–9 |
| TOEFL iBT | Academic English proficiency | Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking | 1–6 from January 2026, with comparable 0–120 overall score during transition |
| PTE Academic | English proficiency | Approximately 2-hour computer-based test | 10–90 |
| GMAT | MBA, MiM and other graduate business programmes | Quantitative, Verbal and Data Insights | 205–805 |
| GRE General Test | Master's, doctoral and some business programmes | Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing | 260–340 plus 0–6 Analytical Writing |
| SAT | Undergraduate admissions | Digital Reading & Writing and Math | 400–1600 |
What Are the Main Study Abroad Exams in 2026–27?
The main study abroad exams fall into two broad categories: English-language proficiency tests and academic or admission tests. You may need one category, both categories or neither, depending on the university and programme.
| Exam Category | Common Exams | Usually Used For |
|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test | Proving academic English ability |
| Undergraduate Admission | SAT, ACT | Selected undergraduate programmes, especially in the USA |
| Graduate Admission | GRE | Master's, PhD and selected business programmes |
| Business School Admission | GMAT, GRE | MBA, MiM, MFin and other graduate management programmes |
| Professional Programmes | LSAT, MCAT and other specialist tests | Law, medicine and other profession-specific degrees |
Which English Proficiency Exams Can You Take to Study Abroad?
IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are among the most widely used English proficiency exams for international university admissions. Some universities also accept the Duolingo English Test. Acceptance and minimum scores differ by university and programme.
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic tests Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and uses a Band 0–9 scoring system. It is widely used for university admission across major study destinations.
The standard IELTS test fee in India is currently ₹19,000. There is no single IELTS score required by every university, so applicants should check both the overall and section-wise requirement of each programme.
For the complete test structure, fees and preparation process, read our IELTS Exam guide.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT is an academic English test that assesses Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. The test underwent a major update on 21 January 2026, including new task types and an updated scoring system.
TOEFL now reports overall and section scores on a 1–6 scale in half-point increments. During the transition period, score reports also include a comparable 0–120 overall score.
The current TOEFL iBT registration fee in India is ₹16,900.
Students should review the current structure directly on the official ETS TOEFL website before preparing, because older guides may still describe the pre-2026 format.
PTE Academic
PTE Academic is a computer-based English proficiency exam covering Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. Pearson states that the test takes approximately two hours and uses a score scale from 10 to 90.
PTE may suit students who prefer a fully computer-based exam and fast score reporting. Universities still set their own PTE score requirements, so applicants should verify acceptance before booking.
You can also read our PTE Academic guide for more details.
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is another English-language option accepted by a growing number of universities. It is taken online from home and can be useful when your shortlisted institutions specifically accept it.
However, DET acceptance is not universal. Check every university and visa requirement separately before choosing it instead of IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.
Which Study Abroad Exams Are Needed After Class 12?
Students applying for undergraduate study may need an English proficiency exam and, depending on the university, an undergraduate admission test such as the SAT or ACT. Neither exam should be assumed to be compulsory for every university.
SAT
The SAT is a digital undergraduate admission test administered by the College Board. It assesses Reading and Writing together with Mathematics and reports a total score between 400 and 1600.
For students testing internationally, the current standard fee is approximately ₹10,700 ($111), consisting of a $68 registration fee and a $43 international fee.
College Board confirms that these international fees apply through June 2027. Applicants can check the latest fee and testing information on the official SAT website.
ACT
ACT is another undergraduate admission test used primarily by universities in the United States. Universities that consider standardised testing may accept the ACT, SAT or both.
Before preparing for either exam, check whether your target university currently requires, recommends or does not require standardised test scores.
Which Exams Are Required for Master's, MBA and MiM Programmes?
GRE and GMAT are the most common academic admission tests for postgraduate study, but neither is compulsory for every master's, MBA or MiM programme. Test requirements vary significantly between schools.
GMAT
The GMAT is designed specifically for graduate management education and is commonly used for MBA, MiM, MFin and other business programmes.
The current GMAT lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes and contains three 45-minute sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights
The current GMAT total score ranges from 205 to 805. The older Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning structure should no longer be used when preparing for the current exam.
GMAC uses location-specific pricing and taxes, so Indian candidates should check the live amount on the official GMAT website before booking.
GRE General Test
The GRE General Test is used for many master's, doctoral and professional programmes and is also accepted by many business schools.
The current GRE lasts approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes and includes:
- 27 Verbal Reasoning questions
- 27 Quantitative Reasoning questions
- One 30-minute Analytical Writing task
Verbal and Quantitative scores each range from 130 to 170, giving a combined score of 260–340. Analytical Writing is reported separately from 0 to 6.
The current GRE General Test fee in India is ₹25,522 ($249).
If you are choosing between these two exams, read our GMAT vs GRE comparison.
Which Study Abroad Exam Should You Take for Your Course?
The right study abroad exam depends mainly on your academic level and programme. Use the table below as a planning guide, but always verify the exact requirements on the university's official admissions page.
| Programme | Possible Admission Test | Possible English Test |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | SAT or ACT where required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or another accepted test |
| Master's / MS | GRE where required | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or another accepted test |
| MBA | GMAT or GRE where required | English test if required |
| MiM / MFin | GMAT or GRE at many competitive programmes | English test if required |
| Law | LSAT, GRE or another test depending on the school | English test if required |
| Medicine | MCAT or other country-specific requirements | Depends on programme and country |
Which Study Abroad Exams Are Required by Country?
There is no single exam required by an entire country. Universities and individual programmes set their own admission policies, although certain tests are more commonly used in particular destinations.
| Study Destination | Common English Tests | Academic Tests to Check |
|---|---|---|
| USA | TOEFL, IELTS, PTE or other accepted tests | SAT/ACT for undergraduate study; GRE/GMAT for selected graduate programmes |
| UK | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or other university-approved tests | GMAT/GRE mainly for selected management or quantitative programmes |
| Canada | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or other accepted tests | Programme-specific |
| Australia | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or other accepted tests | Programme-specific |
| Europe | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or institution-approved alternatives | GMAT/GRE common in some competitive business programmes |
Do not choose an exam only because it is considered popular in one country. Check your exact university shortlist first.
How Much Do Study Abroad Exams Cost in India?
Study abroad exam fees can range from around ₹10,000 to more than ₹25,000 per attempt, depending on the exam. Retakes, rescheduling and additional score reports can increase the total cost.
| Exam | Current / Published Fee | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | ₹19,000 | Standard IELTS in India |
| TOEFL iBT | ₹16,900 | India registration fee |
| GRE General Test | ₹25,522 ($249) | Current ETS India fee |
| SAT | Approx. ₹10,700 ($111) | $68 registration + $43 international fee |
| GMAT | Check current India pricing at booking | Price varies by delivery mode, location and applicable taxes |
| PTE Academic | Check live Pearson India price | Fee is displayed by testing location during booking |
INR conversions for USD-denominated fees are approximate and may change with exchange rates. Official test-provider prices should always be treated as the final amount.
What Should Indian Applicants Check Before Choosing a Study Abroad Exam?
Indian students should choose study abroad exams based on their actual university shortlist rather than taking every popular test.
- Check your programme requirements first: Create a shortlist of universities and note which tests are required, optional or waived.
- Check English-language waivers: Some universities may waive an English test depending on previous education or other conditions.
- Compare accepted tests: If every shortlisted university accepts IELTS, TOEFL and PTE, choose the format that suits you best.
- Check section-wise minimums: A university may require both an overall score and minimum Reading, Writing, Speaking or Listening scores.
- Plan for retakes: Take your first attempt early enough to retake the exam before application deadlines if necessary.
- Check score validity: Make sure your result will still be valid when you submit your applications.
- Budget for more than registration: Include rescheduling, additional score reports and possible retake costs.
When Should You Take Study Abroad Exams?
Aim to complete your required study abroad exams several months before your first university deadline. This gives you time to receive scores, retake an exam and focus on essays, recommendations and applications later.
| Stage | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| 9–12 months before applications | Shortlist countries, programmes and required exams |
| 6–9 months before applications | Begin preparation and take diagnostic tests |
| 4–6 months before applications | Take your first major exam attempt |
| 2–4 months before applications | Retake if needed and send official scores |
| Before deadline | Confirm that every university has received valid scores |
This timeline is a planning framework rather than a fixed rule. Test dates, score delivery times and application deadlines vary.
Can You Study Abroad Without Standardised Entrance Exams?
Yes, some universities and programmes allow students to study abroad without GMAT, GRE, SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional and test-waiver policies have become common in parts of international admissions, although policies vary significantly between institutions.
An English proficiency requirement is also not automatically the same for every applicant. Some universities accept multiple English exams, while others may offer waivers to candidates who meet specific academic or language-of-instruction conditions.
The safest approach is to verify three separate requirements:
- academic admission test
- English proficiency test
- visa-related language requirement
Do not assume that a university admission waiver automatically satisfies immigration requirements.
How Should You Prepare for Study Abroad Exams?
Preparation should begin with the current official exam format because older books and websites may still contain discontinued sections or timings.
- Start with the official test website: Check the latest structure, score system and registration rules.
- Take a diagnostic test: Identify your strongest and weakest areas before creating a study plan.
- Use current preparation material: Avoid old GMAT, GRE or TOEFL resources built around discontinued formats.
- Practise under timed conditions: Learn how to manage both accuracy and speed.
- Review mistakes: Track why answers were wrong rather than simply completing more questions.
- Leave time for a retake: Do not schedule your first test immediately before an application deadline.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right study abroad exams should begin with your university shortlist, course requirements and target country rather than a generic list of popular tests. Different universities may ask for different English proficiency exams, academic admission tests or no standardised test at all, so checking the official requirements of each programme can prevent unnecessary preparation. Compare which exams are accepted across all your shortlisted universities, check minimum overall and section-wise scores, and plan your test dates several months before the application deadline. This gives you enough time to prepare properly, receive your scores and retake an exam if needed.A well-planned exam strategy can save significant time, money and effort. Instead of taking every popular test, focus only on the study abroad exams that directly support your applications and strengthen your chances of admission.
