Top 9 Entrance Exams You Need to Study Abroad in 2026 (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, GRE & More)

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Guides

Planning to study abroad in 2026? One of the key steps in your journey is knowing which entrance exams to take. These tests are often required by universities to evaluate your language proficiency, academic readiness, and suitability for your chosen program.

Some exams are required by specific countries or institutions, while others depend on the course you’re applying for—whether undergraduate, postgraduate, medical, law, or business-related.

In this guide, we break down the top 9 exams you may need to take to study abroad, what each exam covers, who it’s for, and how to prepare.

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1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System

Best For: UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of Europe
Purpose: English language proficiency
Score Range: 1.0 (lowest) to 9.0 (highest)
Recommended Score: 6.5 or above (Academic version)

Structure:

• Listening – 30 mins

• Reading – 60 mins

• Writing – 60 mins

• Speaking – 11–14 mins

Choose Academic IELTS if you’re applying for higher education.

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2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

Best For: USA, Canada, and some European and Asian institutions
Purpose: Academic English proficiency
Format: Internet-Based Test (iBT)
Recommended Score: 80–100+
Validity: 2 years

Structure:

• Reading – 54–72 mins

• Listening – 41–57 mins

• Speaking – 17 mins

• Writing – 50 mins

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3. SAT – Scholastic Assessment Test

Best For: Undergraduate programs in the USA
Purpose: Tests English and math skills
Score Range: 400–1600
Good Score: 1000+; top schools prefer 1400+

Structure:

• Reading & Writing

• Math (Calculator & No Calculator)

• Optional Essay (no longer widely required)

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4. ACT – American College Testing

Best For: Undergraduate admissions in the USA
Purpose: Academic readiness
Score Range: 1–36
Competitive Score: 25–30+

Structure:

• English

• Math

• Reading

• Science

• Optional Writing Essay

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5. PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English

Best For: Australia, UK, New Zealand
Purpose: English proficiency
Results Time: 48 hours
Recommended Score: 55–65+

Structure:

• Speaking & Writing – 54–67 mins

• Reading – 29–30 mins

• Listening – 30–43 mins

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6. Duolingo English Test

Best For: Budget-conscious applicants with fast timelines
Accepted In: 4,500+ institutions globally
Format: Fully online
Recommended Score: 105+
Results Time: 48 hours

Structure:

• Adaptive test covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking

• Includes a short video interview and writing sample

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7. GRE – Graduate Record Examination

Best For: Master’s & PhD programs (engineering, science, arts, social sciences)
Popular In: USA, and some global graduate schools
Score Range: 260–340
Competitive Score: 300–320+

Structure:

• Analytical Writing

• Verbal Reasoning

• Quantitative Reasoning

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8. GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test

Best For: MBA and business-related graduate programs
Score Range: 200–800
Competitive Score: 650–700+
Duration: 2 hrs 15 mins (new format)

Structure:

• Analytical Writing Assessment

• Integrated Reasoning

• Quantitative Reasoning

• Verbal Reasoning

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9. MCAT – Medical College Admission Test

Best For: Medical school admissions in the USA, Canada, Australia, Caribbean
Purpose: Tests science knowledge, reasoning, and critical thinking
Score Range: 472–528
Competitive Score: 510+
Validity: Up to 3 years

Structure:

• Biological & Biochemical Foundations

• Chemical & Physical Foundations

• Psychological & Social Foundations

• Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills

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BONUS: LSAT – Law School Admission Test

Best For: Law school applicants (USA, Canada)
Score Range: 120–180
Competitive Score: 160+
Test Limit: 3 times/year, 7 times in total

Structure:

• Logical Reasoning (2 sections)

• Analytical Reasoning

• Reading Comprehension

• Unscored Writing Sample

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How to Apply for These Exams: Step-by-Step

1. Choose Your Course: Know the field you want to study — medicine, law, engineering, business, etc.

2. Pick a Country or University: Research countries or institutions known for your field.

3. Check Admission Requirements: Visit official university websites to confirm required exams and score thresholds.

4. Visit the Exam Website: Each exam has an official site (e.g., ielts.org, ets.org, collegeboard.org).

5. Choose a Date & Location: Pick a test date that allows ample preparation time. Many exams offer both in-person and online options.

6. Know Your Target Score: Aim above the minimum to increase your chances of admission and scholarships.

7. Plan Your Budget: Registration fees vary. Include costs for prep materials or possible retakes.

8. Start Preparing: Use study guides, join prep classes, or access free online resources.

9. Register for the Exam: Apply online, upload your documents, and pay the fee.

10. Check Results & Apply to Schools: Once scores are out, move ahead with your university applications or schedule a retake if needed.

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Final Thoughts

Studying abroad in 2026 can become a reality if you take the right steps—starting with the right exams. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies, these standardized tests help you stand out and meet admission requirements.

Start early. Prepare well. Aim high.
Your dream of studying abroad is within reach!

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