Top Study Abroad Entrance Tests and IELTS Requirements Explained
Selecting the right exam is a pivotal decision for Indian students aspiring to study abroad in 2025. Each country, course, and university type demands specific entrance or English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT. Your choice will directly impact eligibility for scholarships, post-study work options, and admission success rates.
Which Exam to Give for Which Course to Study Abroad in 2025?
- Engineering: SAT (USA), IELTS/TOEFL (UK, Canada, Australia)
- MBA: GMAT or GRE; IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency
- Medical: MCAT (USA/Canada), NEET (for some countries), IELTS/TOEFL
- Undergraduate: SAT/ACT (USA), A-levels (UK), IELTS/TOEFL
- Scholarship: Check SAT/GRE and separate scholarship exams per destination
Exam Highlights – 2025
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| English Proficiency Exams | IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo |
| Undergraduate Entrance | SAT, ACT |
| Masters Entrance | GRE (science, engineering, general graduate) |
| MBA Entrance | GMAT, GRE |
| Law/Medical Entrance | LSAT (law), MCAT (medicine) |
Different destinations have unique exam requirements. For example, the USA prefers SAT or ACT for undergraduate and TOEFL for English, while the UK emphasises IELTS and A-levels. Always check individual course mandates on university websites or official portals.
Top Global Universities and Required Exams
| University | Country | Popular Exams Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | USA | SAT/ACT, TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT (PG) |
| University of Oxford | UK | A-levels, IELTS/TOEFL, GMAT/GRE |
| University of Toronto | Canada | IELTS/TOEFL, SAT (UG), GRE/GMAT (PG) |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | IELTS, TOEFL, GRE |
| National University of Singapore | Singapore | IELTS/TOEFL, SAT/GRE |
Admission test requirements can change. For 2025 intakes, always consult Top Universities in the World for updated information on the highest-ranked institutions and their latest entrance criteria.
Mapping Courses, Countries, and Required Exams
| Course Type | USA | UK | Canada | Europe | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering UG | SAT/ACT, IELTS/TOEFL | IELTS, A-levels | IELTS/TOEFL | IELTS | IELTS/TOEFL |
| MBA | GMAT/GRE, TOEFL/IELTS | GMAT/IELTS | GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL | GMAT, IELTS | GMAT/IELTS |
| Medicine | MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS | BMAT/UKCAT, IELTS | MCAT, IELTS/TOEFL | Varies, IELTS | IELTS, Special Tests |
| General Masters | GRE, TOEFL/IELTS | IELTS, GRE (some) | IELTS/TOEFL, GRE (some) | IELTS, GRE (some) | IELTS/TOEFL |
To align your academic goals, always check official university pages and consider reading: GRE Syllabus and Pattern for master's aspirants and SAT Exam Guide for undergraduate preparation.
Entrance Exams: Structure and Purpose
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo: English proficiency for all major destinations
- SAT/ACT: Required for undergraduate admissions in USA and some other countries
- GRE: Needed for most master's courses, especially STEM
- GMAT: Mandatory for MBA and selected management programs
- MCAT/LSAT: For Medicine and Law admissions respectively
Fees & Scholarships – Maximise Your Success
| Exam | Typical Fee (INR) | Scholarship Options | Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 16,250–17,000 | British Council, Chevening, A.S. Hornby | Vary (12–18 months before intake) |
| TOEFL | 16,900–18,000 | TOEFL Scholarship (some years), Fulbright | Rolling |
| SAT | 7,400–9,320 | College Board India, university-specific | At least 3–11 months prior |
| GRE | 22,500–24,200 | Inlaks, Tata Scholarships | Varies by program/universities |
| GMAT | 24,600–27,000 | Business school merit scholarships | Program-specific |
Many universities and governments also run fully funded scholarships for Indian students, making global education much more affordable.
Documents & Eligibility for Exam Registration
- Valid passport / government ID
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Completed exam registration form
- Exam fee payment proof
- Educational transcripts/certificates
- Special requests (if any disability)
- Institute-specific documents if required
Visa Process & Post-Study Work
- Apply for visa after obtaining admission letter
- Pay tuition/security deposit (universities abroad)
- Submit financial, medical, and academic documents
- Attend visa interview (for USA, Canada, UK, etc.)
- Check for post-study work visa durations (e.g., UK: 2 years, Australia: up to 4 years)
Career Prospects After Study Abroad
- Part-time work during studies (up to 20 hrs/week in many countries)
- Stay-back/work visas: Gain international job experience
- Top sectors: IT, business, healthcare, engineering, research
- Growing demand for STEM, data science, AI, finance graduates
As an Indian student, aligning your test selection to your desired destination, subject, and funding aspirations is crucial. For further exam specifics, explore these guides on the IELTS Exam and GMAT Essentials.
Understanding “which exam to give for which course to study abroad” ensures you take only the required tests, optimise your preparation time, and maximise admission and scholarship chances for the 2025 intake.
FAQs on Which Exam Should You Take for Studying Abroad in 2025?
1. Which exam is best for abroad study?
The best exam for abroad study depends on your destination country, university, and chosen course. Most popular exams include IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and PTE. Language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are required for most study-abroad destinations. Graduate courses may ask for GRE or GMAT scores, while undergraduate programs usually require SAT or ACT. Always check your specific university's requirements.
2. Which course is best for study abroad?
Popular courses for studying abroad include engineering, management, computer science, medicine, data science, law, humanities, and business studies. The best course for you depends on your interests, career goals, and the country's expertise (like technology in the USA or hospitality in Switzerland). Research the university rankings, faculty expertise, and placement opportunities before choosing your course.
3. Which test is done for abroad?
The main tests required for study abroad are IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and sometimes PTE Academic. These assess your English language proficiency and/or academic readiness. The specific test you need will depend on your target course, country, and university.
4. Which IELTS is required for study abroad?
IELTS Academic is usually required for study abroad. This test measures your ability to use English in an academic setting. IELTS General Training is generally for work or migration purposes and not for university admissions.
5. Which exam to give for which course to study abroad?
Exam requirements vary by course:
- For undergraduate courses: SAT or ACT, plus language tests (IELTS/TOEFL)
- For postgraduate science/engineering: GRE and language tests
- For business (MBA): GMAT and language tests
- For medicine/law: may need specialized tests like MCAT (medical) or LSAT (law), along with English proficiency
Always check your chosen university’s official website for exact requirements.
6. List of international exams for study abroad
Key international exams include:
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic (English proficiency)
- SAT, ACT (Undergraduate admission)
- GRE, GMAT (Postgraduate admission)
- MCAT, LSAT (Medical and Law)
- Duolingo English Test (Accepted by some universities)
7. What are the online scholarship exams to study abroad?
Popular online scholarship exams for studying abroad include the Inlaks Scholarship Test, Commonwealth Scholarship exam (for UK), and some university-specific entrance and merit tests. Many scholarships use overall academic records, exam scores, and essays.
8. Which exams should I take to study abroad with a scholarship?
To qualify for scholarships abroad, prepare for major entrance exams like SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, as high scores improve scholarship chances. Also, some scholarships may require their own aptitude or essay-based tests. Always check the specific scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
9. GRE exam – Who needs to take it?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required for most MS, MSc, and PhD courses in the USA, Canada, and some other countries, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Some business schools also accept GRE scores for MBA programs.
10. What is the use of the IELTS exam?
IELTS assesses your English language proficiency for academic and immigration purposes. Most universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many in the US require IELTS Academic scores for admission.
11. TOEFL exam – Where is it accepted?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is widely accepted by universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, and Europe for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. Check your university’s official requirements for more details.
12. Can I get a scholarship by giving international entrance exams?
Yes, high scores in exams like SAT, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL can make you eligible for merit-based scholarships at many international universities. Some scholarships are specifically designed for students with top entrance exam scores or outstanding overall profiles.
