Top Entrance Exams to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

Kasturika Samanta

8 min read

Updated On Jul 23, 2025

Top exams to study abroad for international students include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT, & SAT. Discover important details about each, including their purposes, requirements, validity, fees, and duration in this blog, & choose the right exam.

List of Top English Language Exams to Study Abroad 2025
Standarised Entrance Exam for Abroad Studies in 2025
Exams for Abroad Studies after 12th
Exams for Abroad Studies after Graduation
Top Exams for Scholarships to Study Abroad

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

Studying abroad is a dream for many Indian students, offering access to world-class education, global career opportunities, and life-changing experiences. However, before packing your bags, one crucial step is to qualify for the right exam to study abroad. These exams, like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT, & SAT, not only assess your academic readiness and English proficiency but also serve as key criteria for admission and scholarship consideration in foreign universities.

So, if you are planning to apply to international universities, understanding the top entrance exams to study abroad for Indian students in 2025 is essential regardless of the academic level you choose.

List of Top English Language Exams to Study Abroad 2025

The main purpose of the language tests accepted by most top global universities is to assess the level of your English competence. In other words, you have to prove that you are efficient communicators in academic settings and have a good hold on the four basic language skills - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Almost all courses, including undergraduate and graduate programs as well as certificates and diplomas, require these. However, make sure to check the eligibility criteria for specific universities before applying.

In the table below, you can find other important details about the above-mentioned exams to study abroad, such as the validity of the score, the examination fee, and the total length of the examination.

Exam	Administering Body	Validity	Exam Fees (INR)	Total Duration	Score Range
IELTS	IDP	2 years	17,000	2 hours 45 minutes	0-9
TOEFL	ETS	2 years	16,900	3 hours	0-120
PTE	Pearson PLC Group	2 years	17,000	2 hours 15 minutes	10-90
Duolingo English Test	Duolingo	2 years	5,428	1 hour	10-160
CAEL	Paragon Testing Enterprises	2 years	11,695	3 hours 30 minutes	10-90
CPE	Cambridge Assessment English	Lifetime	6,700	236 minutes	A, B, C (pass), Level C1 (fail)
ECCE	Michigan Language Assessment	Lifetime	USD 150 (approx. INR 12, 513)	2 hours 45 minutes	Pass, Fail

Details on Best Language Exams to Study Abroad

Certain language exams are given an advantage over others in certain countries. Some of the best English language exams to take for studying abroad are offered by well-known study abroad institutions. Let us learn more about each of these language exams.

Exam	Details
IELTS	For those who want to study abroad, the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a well-known English language assessment entrance exam for foreign universities. In the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, it is the preferred exam for getting into universities. There are two test kinds of the IELTS exam available: IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic is designed specifically for students looking to continue their study overseas. It is necessary for research positions, university admissions, and other academic-related activities. IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training is an assessment of social skills and working practices intended for those applying for jobs abroad. It is mostly required for immigration or employment purposes. The computer-based IELTS is available every day of the week with three sessions, whilst the paper-based version is provided 48 times a year. Learn more about the IELTS exam by getting in touch with IELTS experts from IELTSMaterial and get the best guidance you deserve!
TOEFL	The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, assesses non-native speakers' proficiency in the language. TOEFL results are used by universities all around the world, including those in Australia, Canada, the US, New Zealand, France, and Germany, for admissions. However, some colleges in the UK, like Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and University College London (UCL) prefer IELTS over TOEFL, so make sure to check the official mandates. Although there are two available exam formats—the Paper-Based Test and the Internet-Based Test (iBT)—TOEFL iBT is more commonly used in India. There are about 60 opportunities to take the TOEFL iBT each year. If you want to ace the TOEFL on your first try, you should get preparation advice from TOEFL Test Prep in order to achieve the highest results.
PTE	The PTE Academic is a computer-based English language test recognized by over 3,000 institutions globally, including universities in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. The test is known for its rapid result delivery, typically within 48 hours, making it a convenient option for students needing quick scores for application deadlines. In addition to academic purposes, the PTE exam is also accepted for visa applications by the governments of Australia and New Zealand. In order to achieve your targeted PTE Academic score in one go, talk to the experts in the field and choose the best guidance available.
Duolingo English Test	The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency exam that has gained popularity for its flexibility and affordability. It can be taken from home, requiring only a computer with a camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection. Just like the others, this test also assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through a series of engaging tasks and provides results within 48 hours. Many universities in the USA and increasingly around the world now accept Duolingo scores as part of their admissions process. The test also allows students to send their results to an unlimited number of institutions for free.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)	The CAEL test is designed specifically for students seeking admission to Canadian universities and colleges. It assesses academic English proficiency through integrated tasks that mimic real-life academic scenarios. The test includes sections on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, all based on a single topic, which helps to evaluate a student’s ability to use English in an academic context. CAEL is accepted by many Canadian institutions, including major universities like the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.
CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency)	The Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) is the highest-level qualification offered by Cambridge English, demonstrating an extremely advanced level of English proficiency. It is recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world as proof of exceptional English language skills. Achieving a CPE certificate is often seen as a significant accomplishment, suitable for high-level academic and professional environments.
ECCE (Examination for the Certificate of Competency in English)	The ECCE is a high-intermediate level English language proficiency test offered by Michigan Language Assessment. It assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills and is aimed at learners who need to demonstrate practical English skills for personal, public, educational, and occupational purposes. The ECCE is recognized by various institutions and employers as a valid measure of English language ability, particularly in regions where American English is prevalent.

Boost your IELTS score with expert guidance—join our online webinar now!

Standarised Entrance Exam for Abroad Studies in 2025

Among all the exams to study abroad, candidates are required to take only one standardized entrance, depending on the chosen course. Different educational institutions in different countries have their own set of language exams and standarised entrance tests that they accept for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Let’s explore each of these exams in more detail.

Courses/Programs	Standardized Tests Accepted
Undergraduate	SAT The SAT is widely used for college admissions in the United States. It measures literacy, numeracy, and writing skills needed for academic success in college. The test includes sections on Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with and without a calculator), and an optional Essay. It is accepted by most U.S. colleges and universities as part of the admissions process. ACT The ACT is used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The ACT includes four sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section. The test is accepted by all four-year U.S. colleges and universities.
MBA	GMAT The GMAT is a standardized test for admissions to graduate business programs (MBA) globally. It evaluates analytical writing, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills. The test is accepted by more than 7,000 programs at 2,300 graduate business schools worldwide.
MS & MBA	GRE The GRE is required for admission to many graduate schools in the United States and other countries. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The GRE is used by thousands of graduate and business schools globally.
Medical	MCAT The MCAT is a standardized test for prospective medical students in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles necessary for the study of medicine.
Law	LSAT The LSAT is required for admission to law schools in the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. It evaluates reading comprehension, logical, and verbal reasoning proficiency. The LSAT is a critical component of the law school admission process.

Standarised Entrance Exam for Abroad Studies: Essential Details

The summary table below provides the other essential details for the above mentioned exam, like validity of score, exam fee and total duration.

Exam	Administering Body	Validity	Exam Fees (in INR)	Total Duration	Score
SAT	College Board	5 years	10,102 approx.	3 hours (plus 50 minutes for optional essay)	400-1600 (Essay scored separately)
ACT	ACT, Inc.	5 years	4,835.25 (without Writing) 6,754 (with Writing)	2 hours 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes for optional Writing)	1-36 (Writing scored separately)
GMAT	Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)	5 years	23,000 approx.	3 hours 7 minutes	200-800
GRE	ETS (Educational Testing Service)	5 years	18,200 approx.	3 hours 45 minutes	260-340 (Analytical Writing scored separately)
MCAT	Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)	3 years	26,500 approx.	7 hours 30 minutes	472-528
LSAT	Law School Admission Council (LSAC)	5 years	17,800 approx.	3 hours 30 minutes	120-180

Exams for Abroad Studies after 12th

After completing their upper secondary education, students can sit for a variety of entrance tests in order to pursue higher education overseas.

Some of the significant standardized examinations that students might take in preparation for studying abroad are the SAT, ACT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS. The course, college, and destination always influence exam selection.

Exams for Abroad Studies after Graduation

For students looking to pursue postgraduate studies abroad after graduation, several key exams are typically required by institutions across various countries.

The GRE is essential for most graduate programs in the USA and is also accepted by many universities worldwide; it tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
For those targeting business schools, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is often necessary, focusing on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.
English proficiency tests such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are crucial for non-native English speakers, assessing listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
In addition, some country-specific exams like the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) for Indian students or the TGA (TestAS) for students applying to German universities may also be required. These exams help universities evaluate a candidate's readiness for advanced academic work.

For students aiming to pursue a Master of Science (MS) degree abroad, entrance exam for MS in abroad like GRE and IELTS/TOEFL are commonly required.

Looking for a comprehensive IELTS preparation package?

Check out a wide range of courses & ebooks at our store!

Top Exams for Scholarships to Study Abroad

Many international scholarships require standardized test scores. Here's how exams link to scholarships:

Exam	Popular Scholarships
IELTS/TOEFL	Chevening (UK), DAAD (Germany), Fulbright (US)
SAT/ACT	College Board India Scholarship, Ivy League aid
GRE/GMAT	Erasmus+, INSEAD Scholarships, Rhodes, Stanford GSB Fellowships

To conclude, with the right exam strategy, Indian students can unlock the doors to their dream universities abroad. Whether it is mastering English proficiency or cracking a tough graduate test, early preparation is key.

Choose your exam based on your target country, program, and academic background, and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. With dedication and smart planning, 2025 could be the year you take flight towards an international future!

Useful Links:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam is best for foreign studies?

The IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, GMAT, or GRE are the standard entry tests for post-secondary education overseas. However, your study abroad destination must guide your decision. For instance, the majority of nations, including the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, advise to take the IELTS exam.

How many exams are required to study abroad?

The number of exams required to study abroad depends on several factors, including the country, the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), the specific institution, and the chosen program.

What is the eligibility to study abroad?

Eligibility to study abroad generally includes having the required academic qualifications, and proficiency in the language of instruction. Specific requirements may vary depending on the country and institution, including minimum GPA, standardized test scores and relevant work experience or a portfolio for certain courses. It's essential to check the exact criteria for each university and program to which you plan to apply.

Is there any exam for scholarship to study abroad?

Scholarships to study abroad often demand standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and ACT to evaluate academic capabilities.

Can I study abroad without taking IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes, you can study abroad without taking IELTS or TOEFL. Some universities in Germany, Norway, France, and even Canada or the USA offer waivers if you have studied in English previously. Look for universities with "IELTS not required" or "MOI accepted" policies. However, visa requirements may still ask for proof of English proficiency.

When should I start preparing for study abroad entrance exams in 2025?

You should start preparing 9–12 months before your intended intake (e.g., Fall 2026). This gives enough time for exam preparation and retakes, university applications and essays and visa process and documentation. Start early to avoid last-minute stress and improve your chances for scholarships and top universities.