Study Abroad Exams Guide 2025 — IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT

Complete, up-to-date exam patterns, score requirements, preparation tips and timelines for students planning international admissions in 2025.

Estimated reading time: ~9 minutes · Last updated:

students preparing for exams like IELTS and GRE

Quick Overview: Which Exam Do You Need?

Choose exams based on program level and destination:

Undergraduate

SAT (US) or country-specific entry tests; IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency.

Postgraduate (MS, MA)

GRE often required for STEM/Research; IELTS/TOEFL for English proof.

Management (MBA)

GMAT is widely accepted; some schools accept GRE too. Check each program.

Exam-wise Details

IELTS

IELTS (Academic) — Overview

International English Language Testing System. Score range: 0–9. Accepted widely in UK, Australia, Canada, Europe and many universities in the USA.

Pattern & Timing

  • Listening: 30 minutes (40 questions)
  • Reading: 60 minutes
  • Writing: 60 minutes (2 tasks)
  • Speaking: 11–14 minutes (face-to-face or online)

Score & Cutoffs

Typical university cutoffs: 6.5–7.5 overall for postgraduate programs; some programs require higher band in specific sections.

Preparation Tips

  1. Practice full mock tests under exam conditions.
  2. Focus on time management in Reading & Listening.
  3. Use official IELTS material and Cambridge practice books.

Accepting countries: UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, many EU universities, and most Commonwealth countries.

TOEFL

TOEFL iBT — Overview

TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) measures English proficiency, score range 0–120. Popular for US universities.

Pattern & Timing

  • Reading: 54–72 minutes
  • Listening: 41–57 minutes
  • Speaking: 17 minutes
  • Writing: 50 minutes

Score & Cutoffs

Typical cutoffs: 80–100+ for general admissions; top-tier programs often expect 100+.

Preparation Tips

  1. Build academic vocabulary and practice note-taking for lectures.
  2. Record speaking responses and compare with high-scoring samples.
  3. Take ETS official practice tests.

Accepted widely in the USA, Canada, some UK universities, and many other institutions globally.

GRE

GRE General Test — Overview

Used for graduate admissions (MS/PhD) in many countries. Sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing. Score: 130–170 for Verbal & Quant, Writing: 0–6.

Pattern & Timing

  • Analytical Writing: 2 tasks, 30 mins each
  • Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections
  • Unscored/Research sections may appear

Score & Cutoffs

Many STEM programs expect Quant 160+; competitive programs look at holistic profile including GRE, GPA, research and SOP.

Preparation Tips

  1. Master fundamentals in algebra, geometry and data interpretation.
  2. Practice timed Quant sections and high-level vocabulary for Verbal.

GRE is accepted by many US & European graduate programs; check program-specific requirements.

GMAT

GMAT — Overview

Graduate Management Admission Test, widely used for MBA admissions. Sections: Quant, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing. Score: 200–800.

Pattern & Timing

  • Analytical Writing: 30 mins
  • Integrated Reasoning: 30 mins
  • Quantitative: 62 mins
  • Verbal: 65 mins

Score & Cutoffs

Top MBA programs often require 700+; many good regional programs accept 600+ depending on profile.

Preparation Tips

  1. Focus on problem solving speed and IR practice.
  2. Take adaptive practice tests to get used to the format.

Accepted by business schools worldwide; some programs accept GRE as alternative.

SAT

SAT — Overview (Undergraduate)

SAT is a standardized test widely used for US undergraduate admissions. Score range: 400–1600.

Pattern & Timing

  • Reading & Writing: 2 sections (80 mins)
  • Math: 2 sections (80 mins)
  • Optional Essay discontinued in many regions

Score & Cutoffs

Highly selective US colleges expect 1400+; many state universities accept 1000–1300 depending on other credentials.

Preparation Tips

  1. Practice evidence-based reading and quick math problem solving.
  2. Take full-length practice tests and analyze mistakes.

Best for US undergrad applicants; check holistic admission policies which may value essays & extracurriculars too.

Suggested Timelines & When to Apply

Plan ahead — most scholarship & application cycles run 9–12 months before course start.

12+ Months Before Intake

  • Research programs & universities
  • Start exam preparation (IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/GMAT/SAT)
  • Draft SOP and gather recommendation letters

6–9 Months Before Intake

  • Take exams & get official score reports
  • Apply for scholarships & university applications
  • Begin visa document preparation

Preparation Resources (Free & Official)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are exam scores valid?

IELTS/TOEFL: typically 2 years. GRE/GMAT: generally accepted for 5 years (check specific program rules).

Can I appear for multiple exams?

Yes — many students take both IELTS & TOEFL or GRE & GMAT depending on target programs. Manage timing to avoid overlapping application deadlines.

How many times can I retake these exams?

Policies vary: IELTS allows multiple attempts; TOEFL can be retaken as per ETS rules; GRE/GMAT have waiting periods between attempts — check official websites.