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If you want to study, work, or immigrate abroad, demonstrating proficiency in the English language is a key requirement. While some of the standardized tests accepted all over the world are IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL, securing the required scores in these exams is often difficult. Worry not, now you can opt for other easy English language exams abroad from India which are accepted widely all across the globe. These exams are faster, cheaper and more flexible as compared to the traditional English tests like IELTS and TOEFL. In this article, we will discuss some simple English tests for going abroad.
Read more: IELTS preparation tips
Being proficient in the English language means you will be able to communicate in English and make sure you meet the language requirements of international universities, organisations, and immigration authorities. Most of the popular study abroad destinations require students to take English proficiency tests for overseas admission. Demonstrating proficiency in English language is a significant part of the application process, and is required for the following purposes:
University admissions
Permanent residency
Student visa approvals
Work visa
If you are wondering which English language exam is easiest for going abroad, you will be surprised to know that these days, there are many basic English exams for foreign travel that are widely accepted abroad, yet are much more cost-effective and easier than the traditional ones.
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Several top universities in the world accept these exams, and they are much easier too. The table below shows some of the simple English tests for going abroad in 2025:
Exam | Format | Duration | Approx. Cost | Accepted In |
---|---|---|---|---|
Duolingo English Test | Online (at home) | 45–60 mins | USD 65 (INR 5,573) | USA, Canada, UK, Australia |
TOEFL Essentials | Online (at home) | 90 mins | USD 120 (INR 10,289) | USA, Canada, Europe |
PTE Core | Computer-based | 2 hrs | INR 18,000 | Canada (IRCC), Australia |
Linguaskill (Cambridge) | Online modular | Varies | Varies | UK, EU, select Asia universities |
IELTS Indicator | Online (academic) | 2 hrs | USD 149 (INR 12,775) | Some universities (UK, Canada) |
Want to study abroad without IELTS? While the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam is recognised by over 12,000 institutions worldwide and the most popular English test for international students, the difficulty level and IELTS fees become a hurdle for students.
Following are the best alternative English tests for student visa or admissions other than IELTS.
DET: The Duolingo English Test exam is ideal for those students who are looking for an easy English test for study abroad. The test is accepted by more than 4,000 educational institutions worldwide, and is easier, and affordable. Also, students don’t need to go to any centre to take the test as it is conducted online.
TOEFL Essentials: When it comes to the best English exam for beginners, TOEFL essentials is what most of the students prefer. It is budget-friendly and seems more like a conversation than a formal test.
These are perfect if you want an English language test without IELTS.
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If your goal is to work or immigrate, these are the top English exams for visa application and jobs:
PTE Core: A popular choice for Canada PR and Australia work visas. It’s a low difficulty English test for abroad, recognized by IRCC.
IELTS General Training is still required in some cases, but PTE Core is gaining popularity for being more computer-friendly.
Linguaskill: Useful for employers or visa bodies in the UK and Europe looking for English tests for working abroad.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly English test that does not require you to go to any centre to take the test, then these are the options you can choose from:
Duolingo English Test – This is an affordable English test. You can take this test for just USD 65 (INR 5,573). The exam also has a global recognition.
Linguaskill and IELTS Indicator also offer online English exams for international use, taken from the comfort of your home.
These are ideal for non-native speakers looking for easy English exams for going abroad without stress.
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Here are a few tips on how to pass an easy English test for visa or study purposes:
Solve sample papers from previous years. (Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL Essentials)
Watch YouTube tutorials for the examination that you are planning to take.
Practice speaking and listening daily using apps like Elsa Speak or BBC Learning English.
Take mock tests online to simulate real conditions
Focus on basic grammar and vocabulary.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most trusted and best English test for work or study abroad. Educational institutions, organizations, and immigration officers consider this more accurate than other English tests.
Yes, you can go abroad without IELTS. This is because several universities accept alternative English tests like TOEFL, or PTE.
There’s no fixed answer to this. Both of the tests evaluate how proficient a student is in the English language. However, they differ in format, assessment methods, and types of questions.
TOEFL is the most common English exam in the world. However, in countries like the UK, the universities prefer students with good IELTS scores because they consider it to be more accurate.
The English tests that are accepted by the US universities and colleges are Cambridge English: C1 Advanced. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
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