Planning to study abroad? Don’t miss these 6 important exams

Studying abroad opens doors to world-class education, global exposure, and exciting career opportunities. But before packing your bags and applying to your dream university, there’s one key step you can't skip—standardized entrance exams.

These tests help universities assess whether you're academically and linguistically prepared for higher education in a new country. Depending on your destination and course level—undergraduate, postgraduate, or MBA—you may need to appear for different exams.From testing your English proficiency to evaluating your aptitude for math or business, these exams form the foundation of your application. Here's a breakdown of six important exams that can shape your study abroad journey, and help you take that first confident step toward international education.

International English Language Testing System - IELTS

The IELTS is an English language proficiency test accepted by many universities in countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It evaluates four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. Scores range from 0 to 9, with most academic programs requiring a minimum overall band of 6.0 or higher.

Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL

TOEFL is another widely accepted English proficiency test, particularly in the United States and parts of Canada.

It is usually taken online (TOEFL iBT) and includes sections on reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The total score is out of 120. Universities typically expect scores of 80 to 100 or more, depending on the program.

Scholastic Assessment Test - SAT

The SAT is commonly required for undergraduate admissions to U.S. universities. It tests skills in reading, writing, and math, and is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600. While some institutions have moved to test-optional policies, many still consider SAT scores as part of the application process, especially for international students.

Graduate Record Examination - GRE

The GRE is often required for admission to graduate programs, especially in fields such as engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences. It includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. The total score ranges from 260 to 340 for the main sections, with a separate writing score out of 6.

Graduate Management Admission Test - GMAT

The GMAT is used mainly for business school admissions, particularly for MBA and other management-related programs.

It assesses verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills, as well as integrated reasoning. Scores range from 200 to 800, and many competitive programs expect scores above 600.

Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic

PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test accepted by institutions in countries like Australia, the UK, and Canada. It tests speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, and uses automated scoring. Results are usually available quickly, and score requirements vary by institution, typically ranging from 50 to 70.