Dreaming to study abroad in 2025? I know it can be really frustrating to plan your journey all by yourself!
From the innumerable misinformation floating the internet, it can be a roller-coaster ride to decide which exam to give as per your program and university preferences.
What is the fee structure? What is the duration? Too many questions and lack of guidance are enough reasons for you to crush your dreams even before they start flourishing!
However, fret not, just grab your favorite beverage and let this blog do the talking.
I am assertive that till you come to the last sip of your drink, each and every question of yours will be answered, and maybe an exciting Test Sponsorship opportunity might come your way!
So, read till the end and thank me later.
What exams are required to study abroad?
Here is a detailed comparison for the most popular study abroad exams in 2025
| Test | Duration | Score Range | Accepted In | Purpose | Mode |
| SAT | 2 hours 14 mins | 400-1600 | US, Canada, some EU | Undergrad | Digital |
| GRE | 1 hour 58 mins | 260-340 | US, Canada, EU | Masters, PhD | Digital |
| GMAT | 2 hours 15 mins | 205-805 | Top B-schools | MBA | Digital |
| TOEFL | 2 hours | 0-120 | US, Canada | English Proficiency | Online/Test Center |
| IELTS | 2 hours 45 mins | 0-9 Bands | UK, Canada, Australia | English Proficiency | Paper/Computer |
| PTE | 2 hours | 10-90 | Australia, NZ, UK | English Proficiency | Digital |
| Duolingo | 1 hour | 10-160 | Worldwide (Growing) | English Proficiency | Online |
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
Who Needs It? Required for students who are going for undergraduate studies (bachelor’s), especially in the United States, with moderate level of acceptance in Canada and the UK.
Note: Over 1.9 million students took the SAT in 2024. [Source: CollegeBoard]
What It Tests:
- Reading & Writing
- Math
Duration: 2 hours 14 minutes
Score Range: 400-1600
Why Take this study abroad exam? The exam is widely accepted and popular, may also provide you with exciting scholarship opportunities
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Who Needs this study abroad entrance exam? It is crucial for students going for graduate and post graduate studies (Master’s and Ph.D.), especially in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany andthe UK.
Note: More than 500,000 students take the GRE on an annual basis. [Source: ETS]
What It Tests:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Analytical Writing
Duration: 1 hour 58 minutes
Score Range: 260-340
Why Take It? The exam helps in assessing a student’s readiness for advanced studies, widely popular for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and business courses.
To get more insights into GRE, click here.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Who Needs It? The students who are seeking MBA or other business-related Master’s programs at top B-schools in the world (universities/colleges that are renowned for their business education). E.g.: Harvard Business School
Note: GMAT is accepted by over 7,700 programs at the global level. [Source: GMAC]
What It Tests:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Data Insights
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Score Range: 205-805
Why Take It? Students who are aspiring to go to reputed B-schools for business and management programs.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Who Needs It? This is for the non-native English speakers (E.g.: Indian students) to showcase their English language proficiency.
Especially required for universities in the United States, and Canada, and moderately required in Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Note: TOEFL scores are accepted in over 160 countries worldwide. [Source: ETS.org]
What It Tests:
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Duration: 2 hours
Score Range: 0-120
Why Take It? The exam is reputable and widely accepted to understand a student’s proficiency in English.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Who Needs It? Highly popular English proficiency exam and is most popular amongst the Indian students. IELTS is commonly acceptable in almost all countries including the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Note: IELTS is taken by over 5.5 million people each year. [Source: IELTS.org]
What It Tests:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Score Range: 0-9 bands
Why Take It? Apart from its huge popularity, the exam is also required for the visa applications and immigration process. The UKVI(UK Visa and Immigration) is explicitly known as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) by the UK government for various visa categories.
To know more about IELTS in detail, click here.
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
Who Needs It? The PTE exam is often perceived as an easier test in comparison to IELTS and TOELF due to its computer-based format and AI scoring. It is widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada.
Note: PTE results are typically available within 48 hours (2 days). [Source: Pearson PTE]
What It Tests:
- Speaking & Writing
- Reading
- Listening
Duration: 2 hours
Score Range: 10-90
Why Take It? The exam’s procedure is swift. As it is computer-based, the result comes in 48 hours.
Duolingo English Test
Who Needs It? The exam is comparatively affordable and convenient as it is conducted online, unlike the other tests. An easy alternative that has now been recognized globally – United States, the UK, Canada and Australia, amongst others.
Note: The Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 4,500 institutions! [Source: Duolingo]
What It Tests:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening (Adaptive)
Duration: 1 hour
Score Range: 10-160
Why Take this study abroad exam? The most convenient exam as it is cost-effective, accessible from home, and widely accepted!
This bar chart compares the average duration of each standardized test.
Save money on your study abroad exams in 2025
Now here comes the exciting part, I know you all are on the verge to finish that one last sip of your beverage, so I will come straight to the point.
We all are well aware how much bank breaking the study abroad plan can be. The university and accommodation cost, along with the travelling expenses can be enough for your dreams to take a back seat.
However, fuss not! We, the BNPS International community, ensures to keep the students’ aspirations and convenience our top-most priority, everything else comes secondary.
And so, if you’re worried about test costs, there is a great news—BNPS International is sponsoring standardized test fees for students applying for the 2025 intake!
To make sure your dreams do not weigh the burden of high expenses, we have tried our best to offer you an exciting opportunity on the ‘first come, first served’ basis (an exclusive opportunity for all you study abroad seekers!)
However, the offer is limited with the limited seats availability, so what are you waiting for?
If you want to give wings to your passion:
- Go to our website
- Enrol yourself by filling all the requisite information
And lastly, be thrilled to get connected with our seasoned counsellors who have years of experience in their respective countries! We are here for you, before you.
Here’s what you get:
- Free registration for SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo
- Lower your financial stress during university applications
- Secure your spot in your dream university without extra burden
- Limited slots availability. Contact BNPS International today to check your eligibility.
Final thoughts
Standardized tests are the ultimate foundation to shape your study abroad aspirations. So, it is crucial for you to choose which exam fits you well in accordance to your university and program.
Hence, an experienced counsellor goes a long way in turning your study abroad ‘dream’ to a fruitful ‘reality’.
Let us know when you are ready to give your dreams a green light!
