Study Abroad Exams Explained: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, SAT, GRE, GMAT and More
Planning to study abroad starts long before you shortlist a university — it starts with figuring out which entrance and language exams you actually need. For Kerala students, this can get confusing fast: different countries want different tests, and the same test can serve different purposes depending on whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
This guide breaks down every major study-abroad exam into three simple categories — English proficiency tests, undergraduate admission tests, and graduate admission tests — so you know exactly what to prepare for.
Why These Exams Matter
Universities abroad use these tests to answer two questions: can you communicate effectively in English, and are you academically ready for their program? Skipping the wrong exam, or preparing for one you don’t actually need, is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes students make when planning their applications.
English Proficiency Tests for Studying Abroad
These prove you can study, write, and communicate in English. Almost every country requires one of these, regardless of your course or degree level.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is ETS’s test and is especially preferred by US universities, though it’s accepted widely elsewhere too. ETS states that TOEFL is recognized by more than 12,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries. The TOEFL exam fee in India for 2026 is INR 18,000, whether you take it at a test centre or via TOEFL Home Edition.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
PTE is fully computer-based, machine-scored, and known for fast turnaround on results — often within 48 hours. It’s popular for Australia, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand. The PTE exam fee in India for 2026 is INR 18,900 for PTE Academic, Core, and UKVI, inclusive of 18% GST, effective from March 16, 2026.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
A newer, app-based, at-home test that’s gaining acceptance, particularly with US universities and a growing number of UK and Canadian institutions. It’s the cheapest and fastest option, though not yet as universally accepted as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
English Test Fee Comparison (India, 2026)
English Proficiency Exams: Fees and Purpose
| Exam | Approx. Fee (INR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | ₹19,000 | UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, NZ |
| TOEFL iBT | ₹18,000–22,000 | US-focused, also accepted globally |
| PTE Academic | ₹18,900 | Australia, UK, Canada, NZ; fast results |
| Duolingo English Test | ~₹4,500 | US mainly; budget/quick option |
Exam fees are indicative and subject to change. The final amount may vary depending on the test type, location, delivery format and additional services. Please confirm the latest fee on the official exam provider’s website before booking. Last verified: 21 October 2026.
Exams Required to Study Abroad After Class 12
If your student is applying straight after Class 12 for a bachelor’s degree, these tests may come into play — mainly for the US and some direct-entry programs elsewhere.
SAT
The SAT tests Reading & Writing and Math and is used mainly for US undergraduate admissions (some UK and other universities also accept it as an alternative to A-Levels/IB). The SAT exam fee for Indian students is approximately INR 11,800, which works out to USD 130.98 — this includes the base registration fee plus a mandatory international regional fee. The test now runs in a shorter, fully digital format.
ACT
Less common among Kerala applicants but still accepted by most US universities as an SAT alternative. It includes an optional Science reasoning section, which some students find plays to their strengths better than the SAT.
Not every US university requires the SAT/ACT anymore — many have gone “test-optional” — so this is worth checking on a case-by-case basis with target universities.
Exams Required for Master's and MBA Programs Abroad
For students pursuing a master’s or MBA abroad, these are the key tests.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Required by many Master’s programs, especially in the US, and increasingly accepted for programs in Canada and Europe. Since September 22, 2023, the GRE has run in a shorter format of about 1 hour 58 minutes, with three sections — Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning — scored on a 260–340 scale, valid for five years. The GRE exam fee in India for 2026 is INR 22,550 for the General Test.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The standard test for MBA and other business master’s programs. The current format is the GMAT Focus Edition, the only active version since late 2023, covering Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights across 64 questions in 2 hours 15 minutes. The GMAT exam fee in India is INR 23,200 for a test-centre attempt and INR 25,400 for the online version, with scores valid for five years.
Many US MBA and MS programs now accept either GRE or GMAT — worth checking each university’s requirement before committing to a prep track.
Which Exam Is Required to Study Abroad by Country?
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- UK – IELTS (or IELTS UKVI for visa purposes), PTE Academic, or TOEFL. GRE/GMAT only for select MBA/specialised master’s programs.
- Ireland – IELTS is the most commonly requested; PTE and TOEFL also accepted by many institutions.
- Canada – IELTS or PTE for most universities and for study permits; TOEFL also accepted.
- Australia & New Zealand – IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL all widely accepted.
- USA – TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo for English proficiency; SAT/ACT for undergraduate; GRE for most Master’s/PhD; GMAT for MBA.
How to Choose the Right Study Abroad Exam
- Start with the destination country and course level — this narrows the list immediately.
- Check the specific university’s requirements, not just the country’s general trend — individual institutions sometimes accept exams their country doesn’t typically require.
- Factor in test date availability and result turnaround — PTE and Duolingo tend to be faster than IELTS or TOEFL if you’re short on time.
- Budget for the full cost, including retake fees if needed — English tests in India now range roughly ₹4,500 to ₹22,000, and admission tests like GRE/GMAT/SAT add another ₹11,000–₹23,000 on top
Not sure which exam you need?
Get personalised guidance based on your preferred country, course and university.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both an English test and GRE/GMAT?
 Usually yes, if you’re applying for a Master’s in the US — you’ll need an English proficiency test plus GRE or GMAT depending on the program.
Is IELTS mandatory for the UK?
 Not always — many UK universities also accept PTE Academic or TOEFL. Always check the specific university and visa route.
Which English test is easiest to prepare for quickly?
 This depends on the student, but PTE and Duolingo generally have faster prep-to-result cycles since scoring is automated and test dates are more flexible.
Are SAT/GRE/GMAT scores valid for many years?
GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years. SAT scores are generally accepted for up to five years as well, though individual universities may set their own limits.
