Study Abroad Exams for Indian Students in 2026 Explained

Over 1.3 million Indian students are expected to study abroad by 2026, and almost all of them will need to clear at least one entrance exam to study abroad. Whether you’re applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, or specialised programmes, universities abroad rely on standardised tests to assess your academic readiness and language proficiency.

Understanding which international exams you need and when to take them is crucial to building a strong application.

Why are exams required to study abroad?

Most universities abroad use standardised tests to:

Assess academic capability
Measure English language proficiency
Compare applicants globally
Determine scholarship eligibility

Depending on your destination and course, you may need one or more exams for study abroad.

Types of Exams to Study Abroad

Broadly, these exams fall into three categories:

English language proficiency tests: Required for students from non-English speaking countries like India.
Standardised academic tests: Used to assess subject knowledge and aptitude.
Specialised or professional exams: Needed for specific fields like law or medicine.

Let us understand these tests in detail.

English language proficiency exams

Here are some popular English proficiency tests that are required for studying abroad:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Widely accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe
Tests listening, reading, writing, and speaking
Score range: 0–9
Minimum requirement: 6.0–7.5 (varies by university)

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Preferred in the USA and Canada
Conducted online
Score range: 0–120
Minimum requirement: 80–100+

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Computer-based test with quick results
Accepted in Australia, UK, and increasingly worldwide
Score range: 10–90

Duolingo English Test

Budget-friendly and remote option
Accepted by many universities post-pandemic
Score range: 10–160

Standardised academic exams

Here are some standard academic exams that students must take to study abroad:

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

Required for MS and some MBA programmes
Tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing
Score range: 260–340

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Specifically for MBA programmes
Focuses on analytical and business skills
Score range: 200–800

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

Required for undergraduate admissions (mainly USA)
Tests maths, reading, and writing
Score range: 400–1600

ACT (American College Testing)

Alternative to SAT
Includes a science reasoning section

Specialised Exams

If you want to go for specific courses, you have to take some specialised exams:

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

Required for law programmes abroad

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Required for medical schools (primarily USA, Canada)

Country-wise exam requirements

Here is a list of exams according to the countries:

United States

IELTS/TOEFL
SAT/ACT (UG)
GRE/GMAT (PG)

United Kingdom

IELTS/PTE
Some universities waive the GRE/GMAT

Canada

IELTS/TOEFL
GRE/GMAT (select programmes)

Australia

IELTS/PTE
Generally no GRE/GMAT requirement

Germany

IELTS/TOEFL
GRE (technical courses in some universities)

How to choose the right exams?

Choosing the right international exams depends on:

Your course (UG, PG, MBA, etc.)
Country of study
University requirements
Budget and preparation time

Always check the official university website before registering for any exam.

Exam timeline and cost planning for Indian students

Planning both your preparation timeline and budget together helps you avoid last-minute stress and overspending.

IELTS / TOEFL / PTE

To prepare for IELTS / TOEFL / PTE, start 10–12 months before intake and take your first attempt by 8–10 months prior, keeping time for a retake. These are usually the first international exams you’ll complete.

Cost: ₹15,000–₹18,000 per attempt, plus extra for score reporting.

GRE

Begin prep 10–12 months in advance and attempt the exam 8–10 months before deadlines. A retake window should be factored in. This is a key entrance exam to study abroad for PG courses.

Cost: ₹22,000+.

GMAT

For GMAT, you have to start early (10–12 months before intake) due to its difficulty level, with the first attempt 8–10 months prior. Plan carefully to avoid multiple retakes.

Cost: ₹23,000+.

SAT / ACT

For undergraduate applicants, preparation should begin during school, with the test taken 8–12 months before intake. These are among the most common exams for study abroad at the UG level.

Cost: ₹8,000–₹12,000.

Specialised Exams (LSAT / MCAT)

Require longer preparation, so start at least 12 months in advance and attempt 8–10 months before deadlines. Costs vary depending on the exam.

Cost: ₹15,000–₹25,000+.

Common mistakes to avoid

If you are preparing to study abroad, here are some mistakes you should be aware of:

Taking the wrong exam for your target country
Ignoring score validity (most valid for 2 years)
Not preparing adequately before the first attempt
Missing application deadlines
Underestimating total costs

Managing expenses while studying abroad

Once you clear your exams for study abroad, managing your finances becomes just as important. International students often lose money due to forex charges, ATM fees, and hidden costs.

That’s where solutions like the Niyo Zero Forex Markup Card come in. With Niyo, you can:

Save up to 5% on all international spends
Load in INR and spend across 180+ countries at zero forex markup
Withdraw currency from any ATM at the minimum charges

Apart from these, there are some key benefits of zero forex markup cards for students:

Free eSIM with 1GB international data
1–3 free ATM withdrawals abroad
Zero convenience fee on flights
Welcome bonus worth ₹250

Using a student-friendly card can significantly reduce your cost of living abroad, especially when managing tuition fees, rent, and daily expenses.

Conclusion

Preparing for international exams is one of the most important steps in your study abroad journey. From English proficiency tests to specialised entrance exams, each plays a crucial role in shaping your application.

With the right planning, preparation, and financial tools, you can simplify the entire process, from clearing the entrance exam to study abroad to managing your expenses overseas.