Top 9 Exams You Need to Write to Study Abroad in 2026 (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE..)

If you are planning to study abroad in 2026 and you are wondering what to do, how to start, or how to boost your chances of getting admitted, one important step is knowing the right exams to take.

Universities or countries often require standardized exams to assess your academic ability, language skills, or readiness for your chosen course. Some exams are country-specific, others are course-specific, and a few are required by certain universities as part of their admission process.

Here are the top exams you need to take to study abroad:

 1. IELTS:

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a popular English proficiency exam. It is widely accepted in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and also by many universities in Canada and Europe.

IELTS scores are reported in bands ranging from 1.0 (lowest) to 9.0 (highest). If you are planning to study abroad, most universities require an average overall score of 6.5 or higher.

There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General. If you’re planning to study abroad, make sure to choose the Academic IELTS.

Structure:

• Listening – 30 minutes
• Reading – 60 minutes
• Writing – 60 minutes
• Speaking – 11–14 minutes

2. TOEFL:

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another major English proficiency exam similar to IELTS, and it is popular in the United States and Canada. It tests your ability to understand and use English in an academic setting.

A score of 75–80 is usually acceptable, though top universities may ask for 100 or more. TOEFL scores are valid for two years, and the test is available in the internet-based format (iBT).

Unlike IELTS, TOEFL is more commonly accepted in North America, but it is also recognized in many European and Asian universities. Test-takers can receive their scores within four days and retake the exam after 12 days.

Structure:

• Reading – 54–72 minutes
• Listening – 41–57 minutes
• Speaking – 17 minutes
• Writing – 50 minutes

3. SAT:

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) is one of the most recognized standardized exams for students applying for undergraduate programs, particularly in the United States. The exam is managed by the College Board, and the test is 3 hours long (plus 50 minutes if you take the optional essay).

A perfect SAT score is 1600, but a score of 1000 and above is usually considered good. The SAT evaluates your English and math skills, and some universities also consider your Essay section, though it is now optional.

Structure:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
• Mathematics (with and without a calculator)

4. ACT

The American College Testing (ACT) is another undergraduate admissions test used by colleges in the USA. Like the SAT, it is designed to assess your academic readiness through subjects like English, Math, Reading, and Science.

The ACT also has an optional writing section. The full ACT takes 3 hours and 35 minutes with the essay, or about 2 hours and 55 minutes without it. The minimum score is between 16–17, though higher scores increase your chances of admission.

Structure:

• English
• Mathematics
• Reading
• Science
• Optional Writing Essay

5. PTE

The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is a computer-based English test that has become increasingly popular, especially in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. It is known for its fast results, usually available within 48 hours, and ease of booking.

PTE is a great alternative to IELTS and TOEFL for students looking for flexibility. A score between 55–60 is typically accepted by many universities, while 65+ is considered competitive.

Structure:

• Speaking and Writing – 54–67 minutes
• Reading – 29–30 minutes
• Listening – 30–43 minutes

6. Duolingo:

Duolingo is a great option if you are looking for a budget-friendly and standardised English test. It is accepted by over 4,500 institutions worldwide, including top universities in the USA, Canada, and Europe.

The test is fully online, which means you can take it from the comfort of your home. It is also great if you are on a tight deadline, because the results are available within 48 hours. Most universities require a minimum score of 105 or higher.

Structure:

• Adaptive testing for reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• Includes a video interview and a writing sample

7. GRE:

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the most common entrance exams for students applying to graduate programs in countries like the USA, especially in fields such as engineering, social sciences, economics, and psychology.

It measures your ability in verbal reasoning, quantitative (math) skills, and analytical writing. Some top programs may require scores above 320 out of 340, though anything above 300 is generally considered competitive.

Structure:

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

8. GMAT:

The Graduate Management Admission Test is essential if you are looking to study an MBA, as business schools. It tests your quantitative, verbal, analytical, and reasoning skills—skills business schools value most.

The new GMAT format takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes and offers results within 3–5 days. It gives a breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses so you can plan better. You can retake it up to five times a year, with a 16-day gap between each attempt. The scoring is usually between 200–800
and competitive schools usually require 700+.

Structure:

• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Integrated Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning

9. MCAT:

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an important exam for students applying to medical schools in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean. It is a rigorous multiple-choice exam that tests your scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

A competitive score is around 510 or higher, which places you near the 65th percentile. MCAT scores are valid for up to three years at most medical schools.

Structure:

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations
• Chemical and Physical Foundations
• Psychological and Social Foundations
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

10. LCAT:

This Law College Admission Test is one you must write if you want to study law in countries like the USA or Canada. It is designed to test your logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and reading comprehension—core skills for legal studies.

You can take the test up to three times a year, and a maximum of seven times in your lifetime. The LSAT typically takes around 3.5 hours, and the scoring is between 120–180, though top law schools prefer scores of 160+.

Structure:

• Logical Reasoning (2 sections)
• Analytical Reasoning
• Reading Comprehension
• Unscored Writing Sample

How to Apply?

• Choose Your Course or Program: Firstly, decide what course you want to study, either engineering, business, health sciences, or arts. This will help you narrow down your exam options.
• Pick a University or Country: Once you know your course, search for universities in countries of interest. Then look out for schools known for your field of interest.
• Check the University’s Requirements(Language Proficiency mostly): Visit the official website of the university. Read the admission and eligibility criteria carefully, very thoroughly!

Take note of the required English proficiency exams (like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo) or other standardised tests (SAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or LSAT)

• Visit the Exam’s Official Website: Go to the official site of the required exam. For example, if you are writing the GRE, visit ets.org for IELTS, check ielts.org, and so on.
• Choose a Convenient Exam Date and Location: Check for test dates in your region or online versions of the test (if available). Try to book a date that gives you enough time to prepare.
• Know the Minimum Score You Need: Most universities list a minimum score to qualify. Aim higher than the cutoff to boost your admission and scholarship chances.
• Plan Your Budget: Some exams come with a high registration fee, so plan based on your pocket. Also factor in potential retake fees, prep courses, or study materials.
• Start Preparing Early: Register for prep classes, get study guides, or use free online resources. The earlier you begin, the more confident you will feel once your exam draws near.
• Register for the Exam Online: Complete your application on the exam’s official website. Get your documents, photo ID, and payment method ready.
• Check Results and Decide: Once the results are out, check if you met the required scores. If yes, go ahead with your university application. If not, do not give up; check if you can retake and register again.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is a big dream, and entrance exams are one of the most important steps. These exams can also help you land scholarships, secure your visa, and prove you are ready for academic life abroad.

Ensure you start early, understand the exam requirements for your desired schools, and prepare smartly. The better your score, the more chances you have of receiving scholarships or financial aid from the university, even before you apply for external funding