Need Exams to Study Abroad: Which Tests You Actually Take (India Guide 2026)
Plan a degree overseas from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and you will soon hear a long list of test names: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and Duolingo. It is easy to book and pay for a test you never needed.
The exams to study abroad fall into two distinct groups:
- English proficiency tests: Demonstrate that you can handle academic lectures, seminars, assignments, and coursework in English.
- Aptitude tests (GRE, GMAT, SAT): Show academic readiness, quantitative aptitude, and analytical reasoning for specific degree levels.
Which ones apply to you depends on your course, your chosen country, and, most of all, the specific university. This guide explains which test fits which goal, what each costs in India, and how to plan them without wasting attempts. Rules and fees change often, so treat the figures below as planning numbers. Confirm them on the official test website and your university's admissions page before you pay.
Quick Answer: Which Test Do You Need?
Use this table as a starting map, then check each shortlisted university's requirements page:
| If You Want to Study… | You Will Usually Need | You May Also Need |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree in the USA | English Proficiency Test (IELTS / TOEFL / DET) | Digital SAT (at universities that require or recommend it) |
| MS in the USA | English Proficiency Test (TOEFL / IELTS) | GRE (only where the program explicitly asks) |
| MBA Abroad (USA / Global) | English Proficiency Test | GMAT Focus (or GRE, depending on the business school) |
| Any Degree in the UK | English Proficiency Test (IELTS for UKVI / PTE Academic UKVI) or university self-assessment | GRE / GMAT only for highly specialized quantitative programs |
| Degree in Canada or Australia | English Proficiency Test (IELTS / PTE Academic) | Program-specific academic coursework or portfolio |
| English-Taught Master's in Germany | IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (80–95) | APS Certificate & dMAT (for selected Indian master's streams) |
Crucial Rule: Admission Rules and Visa Rules Are Different
Many students miss that your university's English requirement and your visa's English requirement are two separate rules, set by two separate government or academic bodies. A university might accept a Duolingo score for admission, while the visa authority may mandate a recognized, in-person test (such as IELTS or PTE). Even when both accept the same test, minimum band scores can differ. Keep these requirements separate from day one; otherwise, you may pass university admissions only to hit a roadblock during visa processing.
English Proficiency Tests for Study Abroad
Most Indian applicants sit for one of four standardized English tests. Here is how each operates in 2026:
1. IELTS Academic
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) results are measured on a band scale ranging from 1 to 9. Certified human examiners evaluate your performance, and the speaking section is a live conversation with a trained examiner. For foreign university admission, you must take IELTS Academic; the General Training module is intended for migration and work permits.
Fees & Delivery: IDP India lists a registration fee of ₹19,000 for both Academic and General Training. IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (IELTS for UKVI) costs ₹19,250. IDP administers IELTS testing across India with uniform national pricing. Note on delivery: IDP has progressively shifted testing in India toward computer delivery from September 2026. Always confirm the format when scheduling your test slot.
2. TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) updated its scoring framework this year. Since 21 January 2026, score reports provide a 1–6 scale in half-point increments, with the composite score calculated as the average of the four sub-sections. To facilitate institutional transitions over the next two years, score reports also display the traditional 0–120 score. Verify whether your shortlisted university lists criteria on the 1–6 or 0–120 scale.
Duration & Fees: The exam takes approximately 2 hours, and official scores arrive within 3 days. ETS lists a base fee of US$173 before taxes, amounting to approximately ₹18,000 inclusive of GST. Confirm current pricing on the official ETS booking portal.
3. PTE Academic
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is a 100% computer-based exam scored via automated artificial intelligence algorithms on a scale of 10–90. Scores are delivered rapidly within 24 to 48 hours and remain valid for two years. Effective 16 March 2026, the registration fee in India is ₹18,900 (inclusive of GST).
Important Caution: Always book PTE Academic for higher education. PTE Core is exclusively used for Canadian economic immigration; booking the wrong variant will invalidate your university application and forfeit the registration fee.
4. Duolingo English Test (DET)
Duolingo English Test (DET) is an adaptive, online home-based exam costing approximately US$70 (₹5,800–₹6,000). The exam takes around one hour, with scores ranging from 10 to 160 delivered within 48 hours. Its lower cost and convenience make it popular among test-takers.
When students search for "Duolingo English Test accepted countries," the vital distinction is that countries do not accept tests—universities and immigration departments do. While hundreds of universities across the USA and Canada accept DET scores (typically demanding 110 to 125), visa acceptance varies dramatically:
- United Kingdom: DET is not on the UK Home Office list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT). Unless a university conducts its own assessment and sponsors your CAS without external test requirements, you cannot use Duolingo for a UK Student Visa.
- Australia: The Department of Home Affairs recognizes nine approved tests, all conducted strictly at secure, in-person test centers. Duolingo cannot be used for Australian student visa grants; you must take IELTS or PTE Academic.
- Ireland: 15 of Ireland's 18 universities accept DET, and Irish immigration authorities recognize it for visa issuance. Always verify current institution-specific policies.
TOEFL vs. IELTS vs. PTE: How to Choose
Scores across these tests cannot be converted mathematically, so your starting benchmark should always be your university's official admissions page. Universities frequently mandate both overall scores and section-wise cut-offs (e.g., minimum 6.0 in each IELTS module). If an institution accepts all three tests, use this decision framework:
- Choose IELTS if you prefer face-to-face conversational speaking interviews with a human examiner and want the most widely accepted credential for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Choose PTE if you prefer speaking into a headset, type rapidly on a keyboard, need verified results within 48 hours, and are targeting Australia, New Zealand, or the UK.
- Choose TOEFL if your primary target is American or Canadian research universities and you are comfortable with academic, lecture-style listening and comprehension.
We recommend sitting for a timed official diagnostic test in each format before booking. Familiarity with the interface and format often impacts your score more than the brand name of the test.
Aptitude Exams: GRE, GMAT, and Digital SAT
Unlike language exams, aptitude tests assess quantitative reasoning, verbal critical thinking, and analytical problem-solving. Whether you must sit for one depends on your degree level and academic discipline.
GRE Exam for MS Abroad
The GRE General Test runs 1 hour 58 minutes. It features one Analytical Writing essay (scored 0–6), two Verbal Reasoning sections (130–170), and two Quantitative Reasoning sections (130–170). Scores are released within 8 to 10 days and remain valid for 5 years.
For Indian students targeting an MS abroad, check program prerequisites carefully. Many US universities made the GRE optional following recent admissions updates, while competitive STEM, Data Science, and Computer Science programs continue to recommend or require high Quant percentiles. In India, registration is approximately ₹22,550 (rising to US$249 from August 2026). Test slots fill quickly during peak application season (August to December), so register 2 to 3 months in advance. You can retake the GRE once every 21 days, up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period.
GMAT Exam for MBA Abroad
The GMAT Focus Edition is tailored specifically for graduate business and management programs. It is a 2-hour-15-minute adaptive exam with 64 questions distributed evenly across three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Scores range from 205 to 805 and stay valid for 5 years.
Registration fees are US$275 at an authorized test center and US$300 online. If you are preparing for an MBA abroad, remember that almost all top global business schools (including Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD, and LBS) now accept both the GMAT and the GRE equally.
Digital SAT for Undergraduate Studies Abroad
The Digital SAT is a computer-adaptive exam lasting 2 hours 14 minutes across two modules: Reading & Writing, and Math, scored out of a maximum of 1,600. The College Board charges a US$68 registration fee plus a US$43 international processing fee (approx. ₹9,200 total). Fee reductions are available for eligible applicants.
The SAT is primarily required for undergraduate study in the United States. While several Ivy League and prominent universities (such as MIT, Dartmouth, and Yale) have reinstated mandatory standardized testing, many others remain test-optional. Evaluate your target list before investing time in prep.
Destination-Specific Exam Guidelines
Exams to Study in the USA
The US has no centralized admissions or language testing requirement; each college establishes its own benchmarks. For Master's programs, expect an English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS/DET) plus a GRE where specified. For Bachelor's programs, plan on an English test and, at select institutions, the SAT. A high test score can strengthen your scholarship application even at test-optional universities.
Exams to Study in the UK
For degree-level study (RQF Level 6 and above), UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) mandates a minimum CEFR level of B2, equivalent to an IELTS band 5.5 across all components. However, most leading UK universities set higher academic standards (typically 6.5 or 7.0 overall with no band below 6.0). If your university does not internally assess your English language competency, you must book IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI rather than the standard tests.
Exams to Study in Canada
Following the closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS), all international students apply through regular study permit processing. While immigration authorities do not enforce a single mandatory test for permit issuance, Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) mandate test scores for admission—typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate programs.
Looking ahead, graduates applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements (typically CLB 7 for university degree graduates). Plan your language proficiency with both university admission and post-study career pathways in mind.
Exams to Study in Australia
Australia enforces rigorous visa-level language requirements overseen by the Department of Home Affairs. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Home Affairs recognizes nine authorized tests, all required to be taken at verified physical test centres. Direct degree entry typically requires an IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall (or equivalent PTE score). Test scores must be no more than two years old at the time of visa lodgment.
Germany & Europe: A Different Checklist
German universities have distinct admission requirements. Indian applicants require an APS Certificate to authenticate academic transcripts. English-taught Master's degrees require IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT (80–95), while German-medium courses demand TestDaF or DSH. Notably, the Digital Master Test (dMAT) applies to select Indian Master's candidates starting from the Summer Semester 2027 intake. Most public German universities do not require the GRE.
Eligibility, Fees, and Syllabus: What to Expect
Formal academic eligibility is rarely a barrier—standardized tests have no strict educational prerequisites, though TOEFL advises test-takers to be at least 16 years of age. Registration fees represent a significant investment. Most exams in India range between ₹18,000 and ₹23,000 per attempt, with the SAT and Duolingo being more affordable. Always budget for one potential retake.
Regarding syllabus: all English exams test four fundamental communicative proficiencies: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. What varies is the response interface and evaluation methodology. Aptitude tests assess quantitative reasoning, verbal comprehension, and analytical evaluation, with the GMAT incorporating dedicated Data Insights. Ensure you prepare using authentic question banks in the exact exam interface.
A Practical 6-Step Timeline for Indian Students
- Shortlist First: Compile your prospective universities and document their exact testing requirements, minimum band scores, sub-section cut-offs, and waiver policies.
- Take a Timed Diagnostic Mock Test: Determine your baseline score under authentic test conditions before investing in prep resources.
- Sequence Your Tests Logically: GRE and GMAT scores remain valid for 5 years; complete them well ahead of deadlines. English language scores expire after 2 years; schedule them within your active application window.
- Schedule with a Buffer: Book your exam slot 2 to 3 months early to ensure date availability and leave a 4-week window for an optional retake before application deadlines.
- Utilize Free Score Reports: TOEFL allows you to nominate 4 institutions for free before test day; IELTS and GRE offer similar electronic score transmissions. Designate your target universities early to avoid supplementary reporting fees.
- Finalize the Visa Test After Receiving Offers: If your admitted university does not provide an institutional language waiver, schedule an approved SELT test for your student visa application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking standard IELTS Academic when the UK student visa mandates IELTS for UKVI.
- Paying for expensive GRE or SAT testing when all shortlisted universities are strictly test-blind or test-optional.
- Assuming a Duolingo English Test score satisfies both university admission and visa authority criteria.
- Focusing exclusively on overall composite scores while overlooking mandatory sub-section score cut-offs.
- Letting a 2-year English test score expire right before university or visa submission.
- Registering for PTE Core instead of PTE Academic for study permit applications.
Preparing from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
Students across the Marathwada region often wonder whether comprehensive study abroad preparation can be accomplished locally without traveling to Pune or Mumbai. While authorized exam centers and testing dates vary by city, complete test preparation can be executed effectively in Aurangabad.
At Horizon Overseas Consultancy, located at Prozone Trade Centre in MIDC, Chilkalthana, we deliver classroom and hybrid coaching for IELTS, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and Digital SAT. Our programs include structured curriculum modules, official mock exam interfaces, and personalized scoring feedback.
Our experienced counselors assist students in mapping out exact exam requirements, eliminating unnecessary tests, and navigating university shortlisting, SOP and LOR editing, scholarships, foreign education loans, and visa interview preparation.
The Bottom Line
Do not start with an exam—start with your university shortlist. Verify each program's requirements, determine whether GRE/GMAT is necessary, and align your English test dates with admission and visa deadlines. Taking this structured approach saves months of effort and tens of thousands of rupees in unneeded testing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which exams are required to study abroad from India?
Almost every applicant needs an English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or sometimes Duolingo). Some also need an aptitude test: GRE for certain master's programs, GMAT for MBAs, and SAT for some US undergraduate programs. Requirements vary by university, so check each program.
Can I skip the English test if I studied in English medium?
Sometimes. Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate as a waiver (for example, some German universities accept it as a partial English waiver). However, it is not guaranteed and does not cover every visa route, so confirm with the university and visa authorities in writing.
Is Duolingo enough to study in the UK?
For admission, it may be accepted at universities that recognize it. But Duolingo is not an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) on the UK Home Office list. If the university assesses your English directly and issues a CAS, you may proceed; otherwise, the student visa requires an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI.
Is the GRE compulsory for an MS abroad?
Not always. Many top STEM and quantitative programs require it, others make it optional, and some European universities do not consider it at all. Check the specific program page before booking your test date.
How long are test scores valid?
PTE Academic, IELTS, and TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. A UK SELT result is valid for 2 years from the test date. GMAT and GRE scores remain valid for up to 5 years from your test date. Universities apply their own admission deadlines, so verify before relying on an older score.
Can I retake these tests?
Yes. IELTS and PTE have no restrictions on the total number of attempts. GMAC removed the old lifetime cap on GMAT attempts, and the GRE can be taken up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period (once every 21 days). Keep in mind that every attempt requires paying the full registration fee.
When should I start preparing?
Start 9 to 12 months before your intake. That leaves adequate time to shortlist programs, complete diagnostic mocks, undertake focused preparation, and still retain a comfortable window for a retake if needed.
Plan Your Study Abroad Strategy with Horizon Overseas
Not sure which exams your shortlisted universities actually ask for? Book a free counselling session with Horizon Overseas Consultancy at Prozone Trade Centre, MIDC, Chilkalthana, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Bring your marksheets and target countries, and we will help you build a test and application plan that fits your profile and budget.