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Setting your sights on studying abroad opens up a world of opportunities. To turn this dream into reality, preparing for exams to study abroad after 10th and 12th is a key step.
There are so many standardised tests available, like the TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, and more. Understanding the difference between these can make all the difference. These exams are your gateway to global education, helping you cross borders for your academic journey.
So, if you want to study abroad after 12th grade, read on. Getting into your dream university always requires taking these standardised exams. These exams demonstrate your skills and readiness for a global academic environment.
But with so many exams out there, where do you start? This guide will help you understand different exams to study abroad and make the best choices for your journey.
So you want to study abroad after 10th and 12th. There are broadly three kinds of exams you will need to take: language, academic, and graduate admission. The language exams are to show universities that you can communicate and understand academic English. The academic exams show that you have enough knowledge in the subjects you plan to study.
So, let us break down the study abroad exams that you will need.
Here, you have four main choices. Each of these exams will test you in four sections: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In many cases, you will be working with academic English material.
For example, you will be reading academic topics and answering questions. You will be listening to the audio of a lecture being given in college. You will be writing on academic topics as well. This aims to prove that you know the English language well enough not to be hindered by it in college/university.
Your four main options are as under.
1. IELTS
IELTS is short for “International English Language Testing System”. It is one of the most popular English study abroad exams. It’s widely accepted by institutions in English-speaking countries.
A good score demonstrates your readiness to undertake education in an English-medium environment. The test format includes academic and general training versions, but for college, you will need the academic version.
Read more: IELTS.
2. TOEFL
While the IELTS is very popular, another exam that is just as widely accepted is the TOEFL. This stands for the “Test Of English as a Foreign Language”. Many people who target the US to study abroad after 10th and 12th opt for the TOEFL. Where the IELTS scores you out of 7 “bands”, the TOEFL is more nuanced, with a total possible score of 120.
The TOEFL is said to better simulate academic English environments than the other options on this list of English study abroad exams. That is why universities use your TOEFL score to see if you’re ready for classroom learning.
Read more: TOEFL.
3. PTE Academic
PTE stands for the “Pearson Test of English”. The “academic” at the end simply means that your academic English is being tested because the PTE is also available in a “General” track.
However, you will need the academic track to study abroad after 10th and 12th, hence the PTE Academic. It is just as widely accepted as the IELTS and TOEFL, but is not offered everywhere in India. That is why it is a little harder to get free resources for.
Read more: PTE Academic.
4. Duolingo English Test
Lastly, we have the DET or Duolingo English Test. This test is fairly recent, and not accepted everywhere. However, the test is much cheaper than the other options ($59 vs. $300+ for the others) and is available on multiple devices.
Not all, but an increasing number of universities accept it. For example, Trinity College Dublin (120+), Baruch College (105+), and UC Cork (120+) spring to mind as accepting the DET for admission.
For all of these, your scores are valid for two years, so if you are looking to study abroad after 10th or study abroad after 12th, that’s where you start.
You cannot go wrong with choosing any of those four to prove your English skills to study abroad after 10 + 2. You can look at standardised academic exams once that is out of the way.
Standardised Academic Exams
There are four main types of study abroad exams for you to consider here. The SAT, the ACT, and subject-specific AP exams.
SAT
SAT stands for “Scholastic Aptitude Test” and is a requirement for many US colleges. It tests your maths, reading, and writing skills and has an optional essay component. Remember that not all colleges require the SAT essay, but certain courses (departments) might.
Write to your target university and confirm, as not having an essay for a required course may impact your score. Also, taking the SAT with an essay component costs a little more than the regular exam. Here is a breakdown of the SAT costs, at the time of writing.
Learn more: Free mock SAT Papers.
ACT
The ACT is another option for college admissions. It’s similar to the SAT, with English, maths, reading, and science sections. ACT stands for “American College Testing”, but the scores are widely accepted by other countries.
Choosing between the SAT and ACT can be tough. Like the IELTS vs. TOEFL situation, people applying to the US generally choose the ACT. If you’re applying to other countries as well, the SAT tends to be a little more widely accepted.
Learn more: Free mock ACT paper.
AP Exams
AP or “Advanced Placement” exams are another option that students look at when they want to study abroad after 10th and 12th. These are subject-specific exams (history, American history, European history, computers, and so on). Each exam is scored out of 5, but the amazing thing is that they can count towards college level. You know how your college degree is broken down into “modules”?
Well, an ACT exam is just like a mini-module at the college level. So, if your chosen degree has the same material as the ACT exam, you can show your ACT score and skip it. This helps thousands of students save on some course fees each year.
Each ACT exam has a unique subject code. Write an email to your target college and ask if they accept that ACT score. Sometimes, they may say that they accept it for admission consideration only, and sometimes, they will give you course credit for it.
JEE
Yes, you read that right. India’s toughest examination is accepted by a great number of foreign universities as well. However, these universities only accept your JEE advanced scores, not the JEE Mains.
The prime example here is Nanyang Technological University, one of the best in the world. They ask for JEE advanced for admission to their engineering programs. Below is a screenshot of their website.
Just like you had the SAT and ACT for undergraduate study, you will have the GRE and the GMAT for graduate programs. Here is a breakdown of each.
GRE
The GRE stands for “Graduate Record Examination.” It’s a common requirement for various graduate programs, not just business school. The GRE tests your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Think of it as a more advanced version of the SAT or ACT tailored to graduate-level thinking.
A strong GRE score demonstrates your readiness for the rigours of graduate studies. Universities look at your score alongside other application materials like transcripts and essays.
GMAT
The GMAT stands for “Graduate Management Admission Test.” This exam is specifically designed for business school admissions (like getting an MBA). It tests your maths, reasoning, and language skills relevant to the business world.
Universities use your GMAT score to assess your potential for success in their MBA programs. While business schools are the primary users, some other specialised master’s programs might also accept the GMAT.
Read more: GMAT vs GRE: Understand the Difference Between the GRE and GMAT.
Universities will ask for one of the two exams, especially in quantitative fields like finance, science, and management.
Here is a quick checklist that outlines the student requirements for study abroad courses.
| No. | Requirement | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic Records | Your school transcripts and exam scores will be needed. | Universities look for good grades and consistent performance, rather than top grades with “wavy” performance. |
| 2 | English Proficiency Exam | TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test. | Your score shows the university you’re ready for English-language instruction. |
| 3 | Standardised Tests | SAT, ACT, or subject-specific tests may be required. | These are common for undergraduate admissions, especially in the US. |
| 4 | Recommendation Letters | Get these from teachers or mentors who know you well. | While a popular choice in India, do not get your recommendation letter from your school principal. Get it from someone you worked with or who taught you. That way it won’t be generic jargon. |
| 5 | Passport and Visa | You will need a valid passport to apply for a study visa. Some countries allow you to enter on a tourist visa and then convert it. | Your passport will usually need to have at least two empty pages and six months validity. |
| 6 | Financial Proof | You will need to show you can afford tuition and living costs. Unless you can show source of funds, your visa will be denied. | Scholarships and financial aid are often available. Read more: Education Loan in India: Interest Rates, Process, Best Banks & More. |
Next, let us look at a high-level overview of what the process to study abroad applications looks like.
The path to college abroad after 12th begins well before the application deadlines creep near. Here is what the process should look like for students from India.
Let us assume you are currently in class 10 and are targeting 2026 to study abroad after 10th and 12th.
1. For undergraduate programs
You will need to take your first round of exams in 2024, which would be in grade 11. Tackle the SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, and/or AP exams, preferably in the first half of the year. This leaves ample time for resit attempts and score improvements if required.
2. For graduate programs
Apply to Universities. Submit applications as per deadlines, usually falling in fall/winter for a fall intake the following year. Also, note that if you went to a foreign college after 12th, they usually offer an “alumni benefit”, either in terms of tuition or in ease of admission.
Financial Planning. Look into scholarships to fund your studies. Other financial aid paths that open up for master’s students are fellowships and assistantships.
If you haven’t been able to narrow down on a university, or if you’ve narrowed down on a university but haven’t figured out funding, GradRight is here to help. We have two tools to help you: SelectRight and FundRight.
SelectRight’s AI-powered platform finds your best-fit programs based on your profile, preferences, and exam scores.
It helps you avoid programs you’re unlikely to get into and discover hidden gems. Don’t gamble on your future. Find your perfect university with SelectRight. Start exploring now.
FundRight connects you with scholarships and loans, offering competitive rates and personalised guidance to make your study abroad dream a reality.
You don’t need to waste time looking for financial security, as we’ve done all the hard work for you. Join the 60,000 students who found their best loan with FundRight. Check your offers.
Take a look at the statistics below. It shows the most popular courses in Australia that international students opt for.
Now look at the same statistics, but for France.
Though the graphs are specific to Australia and France, they hold fairly true for the US, UK, Ireland and Canada as well. At the very least, it gives you a general idea of which courses Indian international students would aim for.
Key takeaway: Business, IT, Engineering, and the Arts are the most popular fields of study.
With that in mind, here are the most popular programs and the cutoffs they require. Needless to say, all of them ask for good grades in school and undergraduate college, these are additional.
1. Undergraduate
2. Graduate
Important: Cutoffs are just one factor in admissions. Universities also consider essays, recommendations, and overall profile including co-curricular and extracurricular work.
Aside from being mandatory requirements in most cases, there are other benefits to giving these study abroad exams as well.
Remember, even if you don’t immediately get your dream score, the process of preparing and taking these exams is valuable in itself!
| No. | Exam name | Total score | Score validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TOEFL iBT | 0–120 | 2 Years | Measures English reading, listening, speaking, and writing. |
| 2 | IELTS Exam | 1–9 (band score) | 2 Years | Another widely accepted English proficiency test. |
| 3 | PTE Academic | 10–90 | 2 Years | Computer-based test focusing on everyday English usage. |
| 4 | Duolingo English Test | 10–160 | 2 Years | Convenient online English exam gaining acceptance. |
| 5 | SAT | 400–1600 | 5 Years | Tests maths, reading, and writing for US undergraduate admissions. |
| 6 | ACT | 1–36 | 5 Years | An alternative to the SAT for US undergraduate admissions. |
| 7 | GRE | 260–340 (combined verbal & quantitative) | 5 Years | Required for many graduate programs in various fields. |
| 8 | GMAT | 200–800 | 5 Years | Standard exam for business school (MBA) admissions. |
Below are some general tips that will help you prepare for the exams on this list.
2. Admission Eligibility tests (GRE, GMAT)
ETS for GRE and GMAC for GMAT provide official resources and practice tests. These materials are essential for understanding the exam formats and types of questions.
Focus on building strong quantitative skills and expanding your vocabulary for the verbal sections.
Regularly take full-length mock tests to build stamina and improve time management.
Here is a sample GRE paper.
Here is a sample GMAT paper.
And with that, we come to the end of this chapter on which exams you need to take to study abroad. We hope you found it useful, and we’ll see you in the next one.
This depends on the university and destination. However, there are scholarships and financial aid options to help offset costs. You can use tools like FundRight to plan your finances better. Also, some countries allow tuition-free study if you can speak the native language. Examples: Germany, Portugal, Latvia, Romania, Russia.
Yes absolutely. The US has a medical insurance system much like what you find in India. An insurer would pay your treatment costs. Heavily subsidized medical care is available in the UK, Canada and Australia. But they do not wish immigrant students to be a burden. Hence, they too require you to buy medical insurance.
Foreign universities typically accept gap years. Western cultures understand that reasons such as mental health challenges or financial concerns are common and these cause gap years. As long as you can provide a clear explanation, taking a gap year is not a problem.
This is a mixed bag. In STEM subjects the teaching is better and more explorative. In case of degrees such as law, there is no direct benefit to passing the bar from the UK, compared to a degree from Delhi University.
This depends on your field of study. Generally, the GRE is more versatile, while the GMAT is preferred for business programs. Check your prospective programs’ requirements for guidance.
There is no definitive answer as to which is the best exam for studying abroad. The best exam depends on the country, university, and program you are applying to.
For example, if you are applying for an MBA abroad, GMAT would be the best-suited exam. However, it won’t be of much use if you are looking for a medical degree. For that, the MCAT would be the best exam.
Some common exams for studying abroad include:
Each exam has different formats, scoring systems, and focuses on various skill sets. Make sure you research the specific requirements of your desired institutions and programs. This will help you identify the best exam for studying abroad.
There are several widely accepted English proficiency exams today. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are some popular examples. Duolingo is a relatively new exam that’s also gaining popularity.
The choice of the exam to study abroad depends on the country and institution you are applying to.
Each of the tests assesses your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, their formats and scoring systems vary.
So the best language proficiency exam to study abroad is the one that matches your strengths. But before deciding, check the specific test requirements of your chosen universities.
Some institutions accept all these tests so you can choose the one you are most comfortable with. Other institutions may have specific test requirements that you need to fulfill.
Whether IELTS is better than TOEFL depends on several factors. For example, IELTS is preferred in the UK, Australia, and Europe. TOEFL is widely accepted in the United States and Canada. So you can pick either TOEFL or IELTS based on your destination for studying abroad.
Also, the choice depends on your personal strengths and familiarity with the format.
IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based formats. It also focuses more on conversational English.
TOEFL is entirely computer-based, with an emphasis on academic English.
There are many other differences between IELTS and TOEFL which you should consider before picking one.
Overall, both tests are equally respected. So the choice depends on personal preferences and requirements of your chosen institution.
The right exam for a scholarship depends on what course and scholarship you are applying for.
Common exams for study abroad scholarships include:
If it is a scholarship for non-native English speakers you might have to appear for IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.
Also, some scholarships are tied to specific exams. So research the eligibility criteria for each scholarship you’re interested in.
LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) are both relevant for students who intend to study law abroad.
However, the choice depends on where you plan to study law.
So if you are targeting law schools in the USA or Canada, the LSAT is the appropriate exam. If you are aiming for top UK law schools, the LNAT is more relevant.
Yes, it is possible to study abroad without taking entrance exams. Some universities (mostly in Europe) do not require standardized test scores. This makes study abroad exams like the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT not necessary for admission.
These institutions mostly focus on your academic transcripts, LORs and personal statements. Some universities also offer foundation programs. These programs allow admission to degree courses without standardized test scores.
However, for non-native English speakers, an English proficiency test is usually still required.
Yes, you can study abroad without taking the SAT. Many universities, especially outside the USA, do not require SAT scores for admission. In Europe, for example, universities focus on high school grades for admission.
Even in the USA, some universities have adopted test-optional policies. This means they do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. This trend has grown, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exams like SAT Subject Tests and AP exams are not always required to study abroad. However, these exams can enhance your application for studying abroad.
Also, SAT Subject Tests have been discontinued since 2021. However, AP exams are still available and widely recognized.
Scoring well on AP exams can earn you college credit, advanced placement, and strengthen your application. If you are applying to competitive programs, these scores can be particularly helpful.
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