Planning to study abroad involves more than just choosing the right university and course; it also means meeting admission requirements through standardised tests. These exams for abroad studies help universities assess your academic readiness, subject knowledge, and English language proficiency. From IELTS and TOEFL for language skills to GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and MCAT for programme-specific admissions, the right score can not only secure your place but also unlock valuable scholarship opportunities.
This guide gives you a detailed breakdown of the most popular exams accepted by universities worldwide, including formats, fees, validity, and top institutions that recognise them.
English Language Proficiency Tests
- IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most recognised exams for abroad studies for non-native speakers aiming to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. It measures four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, to ensure candidates can communicate effectively in academic or everyday settings.
IELTS offers two modules:
- Academic: For higher education or professional registration.
- General Training: For work, training, secondary education, or migration.
Accepted by 12,500 + institutions across 140+ countries, IELTS is trusted for its fairness, global reach, and comprehensive assessment.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Listening – 4 sections, 30 minutes Reading – 3 passages, 60 minutesWriting – 2 tasks, 60 minutesSpeaking – 11–14 minutes face-to-face interview |
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes (Speaking may be on a separate day) |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹18,000 in India (might vary by centre & format) |
| Accepted In | UKUSACanada Australia New Zealand Ireland and more |
| Test Score Validity | 2 years |
| Top Universities Accepting IELTS | University of Oxford (UK)University of Toronto (Canada)Harvard University (USA) University of Melbourne (Australia) University of Auckland (New Zealand) |
Also Read: Discover the Top IELTS Accepting Countries
- TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is one of the most recognised English proficiency exams for non-native speakers, designed to assess your readiness to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking environments. It measures four essential skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, with a strong focus on academic English.
The most popular version is the TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test), available at authorised test centres or in a secure home-testing format. TOEFL is widely accepted by 13,000+ institutions across 160+ countries, including many top universities in the USA, Canada, and beyond.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Reading – 20 questions, 35 minutes Listening – 28 questions, 36 minutes Speaking – 4 tasks, 16 minutes Writing – 2 tasks 2 tasks, 29 minutes |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹16,900 in India (varies by location & format) |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and more |
| Test score validity | 2 years |
| Top Universities Accepting TOEFL | Harvard University (USA)University of Toronto (Canada)University of Oxford (UK)University of Melbourne (Australia)ETH Zurich (Switzerland) |
Also Read: Master the TOEFL Exam: Your Ultimate Guide to Success!
- PTE Academic
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a fully computer-based English language proficiency test that evaluates Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening skills. Known for its speed, accuracy, and fairness, it uses AI-driven scoring to ensure unbiased results.
PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of universities, colleges, and government bodies worldwide, including for visa and migration purposes in countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and the USA.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Speaking & Writing – 54–67 minutes Reading – 29–30 minutesListening – 30–43 minutes |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹18,000 in India (varies by location & format) |
| Accepted In | Australia, UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand, and more |
| Test score validity | 2 years |
| Top Universities Accepting PTE Academic | University of Melbourne (Australia)University College London (UK)University of British Columbia (Canada)Harvard University (USA)Monash University (Australia) |
Also Read: Crack the PTE Exam 2025: Dates, Structure & Registration Tips
- Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online, adaptive English proficiency exam designed for convenience, speed, and affordability. It evaluates Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills in an engaging, tech-driven format.
Launched in 2016, DET is accepted by 5,500+ programmes worldwide and is popular among students seeking a flexible alternative to traditional tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Adaptive tasks like fill-in-the-blanks, reading aloud, describing images, summarising conversations, writing short essays, and speaking promptsIncludes a 10-minute ungraded video interview. |
| Duration | 1 Hours |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹6,000 (USD $70) |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and more |
| Test scores validity | 2 years |
| Top Universities Accepting Duolingo test | Yale University (USA)University of Toronto (Canada)Imperial College London (UK)University of Sydney (Australia)ETH Zurich (Switzerland) |
Also Read: Duolingo English Test 2025: Important Dates, Test Fees & More!
Graduate School Entrance Exams
- GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test widely used for admission into graduate, business, and some doctoral programmes worldwide. Known for its flexibility, the GRE assesses skills in Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
In 2025, the GRE format has been shortened to make it faster and more focused, with a total test time of just 1 hour 58 minutes. The test is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of later sections adjusts based on your earlier performance.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Analytical Writing – 30 minsQuantitative Reasoning – Section 1: 12 questions (18 mins), Section 2: 15 questions (26 mins)Verbal Reasoning – Section 1: 12 questions (21 mins), Section 2: 15 questions (23 mins) |
| Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹22,000 (USD $254) |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, and more |
| Test score validity | 5 years |
| Top Universities Accepting GRE | Harvard University (USA)University of Oxford (UK)University of Toronto (Canada)ETH Zurich (Switzerland)University of Melbourne (Australia) |
Also Read: What Is GRE? All About GRE Test
- GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Focus Edition is the updated, streamlined version designed to evaluate skills essential for modern business education and leadership success. It measures Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, making it a key requirement for MBA and other management-related graduate programmes worldwide.
The new format is shorter, more efficient, and fully computer-based, offering flexibility with section order selection and adaptive difficulty at the section level.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Quantitative Reasoning – 21 questions (45 mins)Verbal Reasoning – 23 questions (45 mins)Data Insights – 20 questions (45 mins) |
| Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes (+ optional 10-minute break) |
| Test Fee | Approx. Online: ₹25,880 (USD $300) and test centre: ₹23,724 (USD $275) |
| Accepted In | USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and more |
| Top Universities Accepting GMAT | Harvard Business School (USA)INSEAD (France/Singapore)London Business School (UK)University of Toronto – Rotman (Canada)Melbourne Business School (Australia) |
Also Read: Master the GMAT with the Official Guide: Your Key to Success!
Undergraduate Entrance Exams
- SAT
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is a globally recognised standardised exam for undergraduate admissions, now delivered in a fully digital and adaptive format via the College Board’s Bluebook app. It evaluates Reading & Writing and Math skills, with question difficulty adapting based on your performance in the first module of each section.
The modernised SAT is shorter, more efficient, and no longer includes the essay section or subject tests, focusing instead on core academic readiness for college.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Reading & Writing – 54 questions, 64 minutes Math – 44 questions, 70 minutes |
| Duration | 2 hours 14 minutes (+ 10-minute break between sections) |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹11,499 (USD $130) |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Singapore, Australia, and more |
| Test score validity | 5 years |
| Top Universities Accepting SAT | Harvard University (USA)University of Toronto (Canada)University of Oxford (UK)National University of Singapore (Singapore)University of Melbourne (Australia) |
Also Read: Everything You Need to Know About the SAT Syllabus!
- ACT
The American College Testing (ACT) exam is a widely accepted standardised test for undergraduate admissions in the USA and many universities worldwide. It measures English, Math, Reading, Science, and optional Writing skills to assess overall college readiness.
From September 2025, the ACT will feature key changes with a shorter format, fewer questions, an optional Science section, and 4 answer choices in Math instead of 5, making the test more time-efficient and flexible for students.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | English – 75 questions, 45 minutesMathematics – 60 questions, 60 minutesReading – 40 questions, 35 minutesScience – 40 questions, 35 minutes Writing (Optional) – 1 essay, 40 minutes |
| Duration | Without writing: 2 hrs 55 mins (2 hrs 45 mins from Sept 2025)With writing: 3 hrs 35 mins. |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹9,500–₹12,000 (USD $68 without writing, $93 with writing) |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore, and more |
| Top Universities Accepting ACT | Stanford University (USA)University of Toronto (Canada)University of Oxford (UK)University of Melbourne (Australia)National University of Singapore (Singapore) |
Also Read: What Is The ACT Exam? Everything International Students Should Know
Professional Programme Entrance Exams
- MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardised, computer-based exam used for admission to medical schools in the USA, Canada, Australia, and select other countries. It assesses both foundational scientific knowledge and critical reasoning skills essential for success in medical education.
With a comprehensive structure covering natural, behavioural, and social sciences, the MCAT measures not just what you know, but how effectively you can apply it in problem-solving and analysis.
| Aspect | Details |
| Test Format | Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems – 95 minutes, 59 questions Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS) – 90 minutes, 53 questions Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems – 95 minutes, 59 questions Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations of Behavior – 95 minutes, 53 questions |
| Duration | 7 hours and 30 minutes. |
| Test Fee | Approx. ₹29,835 (USD $345) |
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, Australia, and more |
| Top Universities Accepting MCAT | Harvard Medical School (USA)University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine (Canada)University of Melbourne Medical School (Australia)Stanford University School of Medicine (USA)McGill University Faculty of Medicine (Canada) |
Scholarship – Eligible Exams for Studying Abroad
Scoring high on certain competitive exams for abroad studies can significantly increase your chances of securing top scholarships abroad. Commonly accepted tests include:
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo English Test – English language proficiency.
- GRE / GMAT – Graduate and business school admissions.
- SAT / ACT – Undergraduate admissions.
- MCAT – Medical school admissions.
Exams Accepted By Popular Programmes Abroad
Each academic programme abroad has its own entrance test requirements, often paired with an English language proficiency exam. Knowing the right combination early helps you prepare effectively and meet scholarship or admission deadlines.
- MBA & Management Programmes:
Most business schools require the GMAT or GRE to assess analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. Alongside, you will need an English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for non-native speakers.
- Engineering & STEM Programmes:
Competitive STEM courses often ask for the GRE to evaluate quantitative and reasoning ability. English tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE are also mandatory for international applicants.
- Undergraduate Degrees:
Many universities require the SAT or ACT to assess readiness for college-level study. Non-native speakers will also need to clear IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Medical Programmes:
Admission to medical schools abroad usually involves the MCAT to test scientific knowledge and reasoning. For language eligibility, you may also need IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
Selecting the right exam early in your study abroad journey is key to staying on track, preparing effectively, and increasing your chances of admission and scholarships. Whether you are aiming for an MBA, a STEM programme, an undergraduate degree, or a medical course, understanding each test’s requirements will help you plan effectively and avoid last-minute stress.
At UniScholars, we don’t just guide you in selecting the right university, we help you prepare for and ace the exams that matter. From personalised counselling to application assistance and scholarship guidance, our experts are here to make your study abroad dream a reality.
FAQs
Q. Which exam is needed for going abroad?
Ans: The exam you need for going abroad depends on your course and destination. Most students take an English proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, and in some cases, programme-specific tests such as GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, or MCAT are also required.
Q. How to apply for abroad study after 12th?
Ans: To apply for abroad study after 12th, first shortlist your preferred countries, universities, and courses, then check their eligibility criteria and required entrance or English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or ACT. Next, prepare your documents (academic transcripts, SOP, LORs, passport), apply to universities within deadlines, secure your offer letter, arrange funding or scholarships, and finally apply for a student visa.
Q. What is the fee for the IELTS exam?
Ans: The fee for the IELTS exam in India is approximately ₹18,000, though it may vary slightly depending on the test centre and format (computer-delivered or paper-based).
Q. What is the purpose of the SAT exam?
Ans: The SAT exam is designed to assess a student’s readiness for undergraduate studies by testing their skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. Universities, especially in the USA and other countries, use SAT scores as part of their admissions process to evaluate academic potential.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further