Exams to Study Abroad: The Complete Updated Guide in 2025

Will you clear your board exams to study abroad in college by 2025? The number one process when planning to study abroad is selecting the appropriate exams. After deciding to exams to study abroad after 12th or wait for this degree, students will need to choose between various entrance exam to study abroad at different universities. This guide takes you through what exams are required to study abroad, along with some of the most aspiring scholarship exams after 12th to study abroad. It pays attention to preparing students up to the end criteria of entering the most prestigious universities around the world.

Latest Facts & News About Exams to Study Abroad (2025)

This section will explain the most recent trends and facts every student should know about exams to study abroad. Digital tests have opened new scholarship opportunities; thus, there is a rapid change in the exam landscape of study abroad.

• In 2024-25, the number of Indian students applying to international universities surpassed 1.3 million, marking a record high.

• The SAT, which previously was a paper-based exam, has gone digital, rendering it more accessible to Indian students.

• With the advent of their at home tests, both IELTS and TOEFL have increased flexibility.

• Duolingo English Test is now widely accepted by a number of universities in the US and UK as an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL.

• Several countries, to name but a few, Germany and France, provide international students with free or very low-cost education.

• Numerous US universities have made the demonstration of the ACT and SAT optional, but they are still highly recommended by the top-tier institutions.

• After 12th grade, newly launched scholarships such as the QS ImpACT Undergraduate Scholarship specifically target Indian students.

• NEET is now a requirement for all Indian students applying for MBBS abroad. 

• There has been a 30% year on year increase in the number of universities accepting PTE Academic.

• International institutions are giving more recognition to the Genius Exam and NTSE when it comes to eligibility for scholarships.

Also Read: Is 7.5 a Good IELTS Score? Here is the Truth

What Are the Main Exams to Study Abroad? Latest Guide

It is vital to know all the principal exams to study abroad to plan any academic study overseas. These are the applications required for seeking admission into the deserving universities abroad, visa application procedures to enter the country, and for scholarships. The right exams to study abroad will shape the course of your international education journey whether you are preparing for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Below is the most complete list of some of the most reputable exams to study abroad which has been divided into general and specialized tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• PTE (Academic Pearson Test of English)

• Duolingo English Test

• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

• ACT (American College Testing)

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

• LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

Language Proficiency Exams (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo)

English proficiency is one of the first requirements for international students. The most common exams to study abroad for this purpose include:

Standardized Entrance Exams for Undergraduate Programs (SAT, ACT)

The following exams taken after 12th are best suited for studying abroad with applications for bachelor's degrees: 

• SAT: Required for many universities in the US, the SAT assesses candidates in math, reading, and writing skills.

• ACT: An alternative to the SAT, accepted by most colleges in the US, and some in Canada.

Standardized Entrance Exams for Postgraduate Programs (GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT)

A few of the common postgraduate programs require a special entrance exams to study abroad depending on the field:

1. GRE

• For MS, MA, and PhD programs (USA, Canada, Germany)
• Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing 

2. GMAT

• For MBA and other business programs (USA, UK, Singapore)
• Analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative & verbal

3. MCAT

• For Admission into medical schools (USA, Canada)
• Biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking 

4. LSAT

• For Law programs (USA, Canada)
• Logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension

Also Read: CELPIP Exam: How To Prepare, What To Study, And So On

Latest Country-wise List of Exams to Study Abroad

Before opting for an exam to study abroad, it is advisable to check the country of study as well as the degree level. The country has some tests that students must take to gain entry into undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These mostly include language proficiency or an academic examination. Here, we present a well-classified section that would help you decide which exams to study abroad. Based on destination and academic level, the table outlined below gives the most important entrance exams to study abroad at any foreign university:

Exams to Study Abroad After 12th

Students have to prepare very well for various entrance tests. When they finish high school they need to give exams to study abroad after 12th. These tests will help a university evaluate the capability of a candidate in academics and whether he or she is ready to undertake undergraduate study. Some of the most popular being:

• SAT: Widely accepted for undergraduate admission programs in the USA, Canada, and Australia.

• ACT: An alternative to the SAT, where most universities in the US accept these scores.

• IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo: These tests will measure the individual's proficiency level in the English language.

• TestAS: The test used to admit students into an undergraduate program in Germany.

Scholarship Exams After 12th to Study Abroad

International scholarships generally require students to appear for qualifying examinations. These scholarship exams after 12th to study abroad for those intending to study abroad test academic and language skills. Some notable ones are as follows:

• QS ImpACT Undergraduate Scholarship: Requires SAT or equivalent scores.

• Commonwealth Scholarships: Frequently awarded on academic merit and proficiency in English.

• Inlaks Scholarships: May require IELTS and a particular degree of excellence in academics at the 12th level.

• Genius Exam /NTSE: Increasingly recognized by some international institutions as a basis for merit scholarships.

Also Read: How Can I Prepare for IELTS at Home? Latest Guide

How to Choose the Right Entrance Exam to Study Abroad? In 2025

Selecting a proper entrance exam to study abroad is very important to fulfill your dream of foreign education. Every country and university has its requirements for examinations. Therefore, the selection of a test depends particularly on where you want to go, which course you want to pursue, and your strengths. This guide would give you an idea of what exams are required to study abroad, as well as how to narrow down the exams to study abroad by selecting the most appropriate one for you.

Step 1: Identify Your Study Destination

An examination set for international students depends more or less on the country where the entrance requirements are. Commonly SAT, GRE, or TOEFL is regarded in the US, whereas in the UK IELTS or GMAT are looked upon. Australia and Canada can also accept PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS. Awareness of your destination assists in determining what exams are required to study abroad.

Step 2: Select Your Academic Program

Your program of study would largely determine the exam in question. Undergraduates generally take SATs or ACTs, while grander courses may demand GREs or GMATs. Language tests like IELTS or TOEFL may very often be obligatory for whatever level. Aligning your exam with your course ensures the right choice among exams to study abroad.

Step 3: Evaluate Personal Strengths

Choose an exam that matches your academic strengths and the style of examination that really suits you. If verbal reasoning is your strength, IELTS is possibly better for you than TOEFL. On the other hand, if it's analytical and quantitative then GRE or GMAT might appeal more to you. Knowing your own strengths will narrow down your choice for the right entrance exam to study abroad.

Step 4: Research University Requirements

Remember that not all universities accept every exam, so dig into the exact requirements of the universities you are targeting. Some may cite alternative or optional means of examination on their respective admissions websites. Always check this against official university websites or admissions guides. Doing this research helps clarify what exams are required to study abroad.

Step 5: Check Exam Availability and Costs

See whether the exam is conducted in your area and is cheap enough, or, whether it is available at a distance. Certain exams may have restrictions with very few test centers or dates. Also consider registration costs, score reporting fees, and retake policies. These are practical points that affect your final decision between exams to study abroad.

Preparation Tips for Exams to Study Abroad

After identifying your most appropriate test, carefully studying is critical. Here's how to narrow down your exam to study abroad:

1. Know the Format: Familiarize yourself with their sections and timings as well as how the tests are scored. View official sites such as:

• GRE

• GMAT

• IELTS

2. Official Practice Tests: These are given under real exam conditions, which increases confidence. Simply search for a specific foreign study entrance examination, and then download free practice resources.

3. Use a Study Plan: Make a time frame and segment topics weekly, including mock tests, a revision process, and buffer time for any weak areas.

4. Enroll in a Prep Course or Study Group: Structured classes, whether online or offline, help in building speed and accuracy. Many such platforms provide specific modules on examination preparations for study abroad.

5. Practice Time Management: Simulate actual test day conditions regularly to build endurance and speed. Efficiency in exams is critical to success in testing for studying abroad.

Also Read: Documents Required for IELTS Exam: Latest Checklist 

Latest Changes and Trends in Exams to Study Abroad (2025)

Owing to major changes in the exams to study abroad, the following needs to be seen in the year 2025:

• Digital Transition of Major Exams: Further, the SAT, ACT, and the 28 AP exams will go from their current testing environments to fully or hybrid digital formats—SAT and ACT digital internationally by mid‑2025, and AP exams in India from May 2025—offering greater flexibility and convenience to the exam aspirants. 

• Optional Science in ACT: The test will no longer have mandatory subjects, which will be changed to optional science in September 2025. This measure is essential for exams to study abroad after 12th, as now they will sharpen their areas of expertise. 

• Test Optional Policies Revived: Although several top U.S. universities will require test scores for admission under their newly published admissions criteria, many others will remain test-optional well into 2025. This mixture of test requirements is reshaping the exam to study abroad. 

• Exam Blueprints Concerning the Visa Changes: Countries like Canada, Australia, U 5qwK and Germany have become stricter on the students' visas and financial proof criteria for 2025. These have tightened the nexus of high scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, and so on to secure successful admission and visa clearance. 

• Upturn in Computer Based Tests in India: From 2025 onwards, the CUET exam in India will be entirely Computer-Based Test (CBT), with reduced subjects and structured timing, as such a national shift is going towards digitization in exams to study abroad.

Conclusion

Choosing the right exams to study abroad is the first step toward unlocking international education opportunities. Whether you're exploring exams to study abroad after 12th, selecting the ideal entrance exam to study abroad, or wondering what exams are required to study abroad, early planning makes all the difference. Don’t overlook scholarship exams after 12th to study abroad, which can reduce financial stress and boost your chances. For expert guidance on the best test strategy and application success, start preparing now with trusted resources. To learn more about the exams to study abroad, visit TerraTern now.