Exams to Study Abroad- All You Need to Know

Every year, millions of students plan to study abroad. While as exciting as the idea is, the process is at the same level as exhausting and overwhelming. When you start planning for your study abroad journey, you come across some new things, some new requirements such as the exams to study abroad.

Indeed, you may have the knowledge that in terms of studying abroad in an English-speaking nation, you are required to take IELTS (the most popular study abroad exam). However, do you know, when it comes to exams to study abroad, the list is more than just IELTS. And today, in this blog, we are going to share what are all the Exams to Study Abroad that you are required to take, and what common questions you may have in mind.

So, without further ado, let’s introduce you to the potential exams that you can come across during your journey of Studying Abroad.

What are the Exams to Study Abroad?

Let’s begin with the basics. After researching or talking to peers, you have got the hint that you will be taking study abroad exams as well. But what are these exams, and which ones are the most appropriate for you, you will get the knowledge here, in this blog.

There are two types of study abroad exams. The first category includes the English Proficiency Exams; the ones you need to take when you are planning to study abroad. The sole purpose of these exams is to evaluate your English language skills to ensure you can survive in an English-native nation and can communicate effectively, especially understanding your professors and peers at university.

The second category of study abroad exams are the standardised exams that you need to take in order to get admission in your preferred University Abroad. The sole purpose of a standardised exam to study abroad is to access your college readiness.

Here’s a breakdown of both the exams:

Now that you have got a hint of the two different categories of exams to study abroad, now let’s breakdown them even further to understand which are the most appropriate exams for you.

Top Exams to Study Abroad

When you dive in the study abroad process head-first and without thinking, it is common for you to feel overwhelmed. However, today, in this blog, we are making one of the steps easier for you. Here we are providing you an account on the types of exams to study abroad. Now, we know you may also have questions regarding these exams and so, there are links attached to the respective exams’ most frequently asked questions by students and study abroad aspirants. So, let’s make things a lot easier and simpler for you. Here’s a quick highlight on the Top Exams to Study Abroad.

1. IELTS

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency exams for students planning to study abroad. The exam is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate in English across four key areas—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

IELTS plays a crucial role in the study abroad process, as it ensures that students can understand lectures, participate in academic discussions, and adapt to an English-speaking environment. It is accepted by universities, immigration authorities, considered for scholarships, and employers across major study destinations like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. IELTS Scores range from 0 to 9 band score, with most universities requiring a minimum band score between 6 and 7, depending on the course and institution.

For more questions related to IELTS- read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-ielts-exam/

2. TOEFL

TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a widely recognised English proficiency exam for students aiming to study abroad, especially in English-speaking countries. The exam evaluates a candidate’s ability to use and understand English in an academic setting across four sections—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

TOEFL is an important requirement in the study abroad process, as it ensure students can follow university lectures, engage in classroom discussions, and communication effectively on campus. It is accepted by universities, scholarships providers, and institutions across destinations such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe. TOEFL Scores range from 0 to 120, with most universities requiring a minimum score between 80 and 100, depending on the programme and institution.

For more questions related to TOEFL- read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-toefl-exam/

3. PTE

PTE, or the Pearson Test of English, is a globally recognised English proficiency exam for students planning to study abroad in English-speaking countries. The exam assesses a candidate’s ability to understand and use English in an academic context through four core sections—Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening—using a fully computer-based format.

PTE is an important part of the study abroad process, as it evaluates real-life academic English skills required to attend lectures, complete assignments, and communicate effectively at university. It is accepted by thousands of universities, visa authorities, and institutions across destinations such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe. PTE Scores range from 10 to 90, with most universities accepting scores between 55 and 70, depending on the course and institution.

For more questions related to PTE, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-pte-exam/

4. DET

Duolingo English Test, commonly known as DET, is a modern and convenient English proficiency exam designed for students planning to study abroad. The test evaluates a candidate’s English language ability in an academic context, covering core skills such as Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking through an adaptive, online format.

Duolingo plays an important role in the study abroad process by offering a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional language exams. It is accepted by thousands of universities and institutions across major study destinations including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Europe. Duolingo Scores range from 10 to 160, with most universities accepting scores between 100 and 120, depending on the programme and institution.

For more questions related to DET, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-duolingo-english-test/

5. SAT

SAT, or the Scholastic Assessment Test, is a widely accepted standardised exam for students planning to pursue undergraduate studies abroad, particularly in the USA and other global study destinations. The exam assesses a student’s college readiness through key sections—Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics—focusing on reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

The SAT plays an important role in the study abroad admission process, as it helps universities evaluate a student’s preparedness for undergraduate programmes. It is accepted by thousands of universities and institutions across destinations such as the UK, USA, Canada, and Europe. SAT Scores range from 400 to 1600, with competitive universities typically requiring scores between 1100 and 1400, depending on the course and institution.

For more questions related to SAT, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-sat-exam/

6. ACT

ACT, or the American College Testing exam, is a widely recognised standardised test for students planning to pursue undergraduate studies abroad, particularly in the USA and other international destinations. The exam measures college readiness across four core section—English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science—with an optional Writing section that some universities may require.

The ACT plays an important role in the study abroad admission process, as it helps universities assess a student’s academic skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability. It is accepted by thousands of universities and institutions across the USA, UK, Canada, and Europe. ACT Scores range from 1 to 36, with most competitive universities typically looking for scores between 24 and 32, depending on the course and institution.

For more questions related to ACT, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-act-exam/

7. GRE

GRE, or the Graduate Record Examination, is a globally accepted standardised test for students planning to pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies abroad. The exam assesses a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level education through three main sections—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and academic writing skills.

The GRE is an important requirement in the study abroad admission process, as it helps universities evaluate a student’s academic potential for advanced study. It is accepted by universities and institutions across major destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe. GRE Scores typically range from 260 to 340, with competitive programmes often requiring scores between 300 and 320, depending on the field and institution.

For more questions related to GRE, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-gre-exam/

8. GMAT

GMAT, or the Graduate Management Admission Test, is a globally recognised standardised exam for students planning to pursue management and business-related postgraduate programmes abroad. The exam evaluates a candidate’s suitability for business studies through key sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing—focusing on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.

The GMAT plays a crucial role in the study abroad admissions process, as it helps business schools’ admission committee to assess a student’s academic readiness for MBA and managements programmes. It is accepted by leading universities and business schools across the USA, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia. GMAT Scores range from 200 to 800, with top institutions typically expecting score between 550 and 700, depending on the programme and school.

For more questions related to GMAT, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-gmat-exam/

9. OET

OET, or Occupational English Test, is a specialised English proficiency exam designed for healthcare professionals aiming to work or study in English-speaking countries. The exam assesses communication skills in medical context across four sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—focusing on real-life healthcare scenarios.

OET is an important requirement in the study and work abroad process for medical practitioners, as it ensures they can communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and the wider healthcare community effectively. It is accepted by medical councils, hospitals, and universities in countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. OET Scores range from A to E, with most institutions requiring a minimum grade of B in each sub-test, depending on the profession and organisation.

For more questions related to OET, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-oet-exam-2026/

10. AP

AP, or the Advanced Placement program, is a globally recognised set of courses and exams designed for high school students who wish to earn college credit or demonstrate academic excellence for undergraduate studies abroad. AP exams assess knowledge and skills in specific subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Studies.

AP plays an important role in the study abroad process by showcasing a student’s academic preparedness and ability to handle college-level coursework. It is accepted by universities across the USA, K, Canada, and other international destinations, often allowing students to earn college credits or advanced placement. AP Exam Scores range from 1 to 5, with most universities requiring a minimum score of 3 or 4, depending on the subject and institution.

For more questions related to AP, read this: https://metaapply.io/blogs/what-is-ap-exam/

Plan, Prepare, and Ace Your Study Abroad Exams with MetaApply TestPrep

As the blog comes to an end, we hope you would have got the right information and a clear understanding of what are all the exams to study abroad and which ones are the right ones for you. However, the challenge here now is how you can prepare for the exams?

One mistake that students make is they think these assessments are no big deal, but when there are huge bucks at stake, you need to ensure you make every move count. This is why, to help you, we introduce you to the MetaApply TestPrep version.

At MetaApply TestPrep, our counsellors ensure every student gets the personalised assistance they need and have their weaker areas turned into their strengths. From Affordable Coaching to flexible timings and batches, we offer everything a student needs in order to clear their study abroad exams.

Furthermore, if you still have any questions regarding the exams to Study Abroad or how our experts will help you, then all you need to do is connect with our counsellors today!