Study Abroad Entrance Exams List for Indian Students

Many international students dream of pursuing their bachelor’s or master’s degree abroad due to various reasons. A question that arises commonly among aspirants is “What exams are required to study abroad?”, and the list for the same is subjective for different countries, degrees, and programmes. However, some of the most popular study abroad entrance exams are GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, and much more. It is also important to know that there is a special requirement for English language proficiency irrespective of the country one is applying for hence, an Indian student will also have to submit proof of IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. Read the article to learn more about the study abroad entrance exams list for Indian students.

This Story also Contains

1. What Exams are Required to Study Abroad?
2. List of Entrance Exams for Abroad Studies
3. Standardised Exams for Study Abroad
4. Can I Study Abroad after 12th?
5. Top Universities Accepting Study Abroad Exams
6. Documents Required for Study Abroad Entrance Exams

What Exams are Required to Study Abroad?

Entrance exams to go abroad for study in foreign universities vary depending on the country, university, and programme of study one is applying for. These study abroad entrance exams also help students get scholarships and financial aid to ease their study costs. Hence, we have provided an overview of the most popular abroad study entrance exam below:

Study Abroad Exams for International Students

List of Entrance Exams for Abroad Studies

The dilemma of “Which exam to take for studying abroad?” increases among international students it becomes necessary to be clear about the entrance and English proficiency examinations that one will have to provide to enter their dream university. In fact, they usually evaluate the academic preparation, ability, and willingness of future students with the help of these entrance exams. Here is the list of entrance exams for abroad studies generally preferred by universities abroad.

English Language Exams for Study Abroad

English language proficiency test as a study abroad entrance exam has its own different scoring criteria, exam pattern, requirements, and format. Candidates need to prepare for these exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. through available practice test materials to learn the strategy of scoring high and be taken into consideration.

IELTS

One of the most popular and commonly opted English language proficiency exam to study abroad is IELTS. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test measures the language ability of a candidate in four different parameters, i.e., listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Indian students prefer to attempt IELTS as it is the most trusted exam by foreign universities and can even be used by the immigration authority to approve a visa application.

IELTS Overview

TOEFL

It is the second most popular English language proficiency test after IELTS that many international students take to enroll in top universities abroad. The TOEFL syllabus covers four sections; listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The TOEFL exam is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The TOEFL is conducted 50 times a year in around 4,500 test centres worldwide.

TOEFL Overview

PTE

The Pearson Test of English Academic is another popular English language test after TOEFL and IELTS, widely accepted in many study-abroad countries and popular universities in the United States, UK, Australia, and Canada. The PTE Academics exam is a computer-based English language proficiency test. It is considered to be a significant study abroad entrance test requirement at many universities and colleges for Indian students.

PTE Overview

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency exam that is mostly acceptable at many prestigious universities in the USA or UK. The Duolingo exam pattern consists of four sections; reading, writing, listening, and speaking. One of the most convenient aspects of DET as an abroad studies entrance test is that one can take the exam from anywhere at any time, as it is available seven days a week and 24 hours a day and it is an online exam, which means students can take the exam while sitting at home. Hence, due to its flexibility and availability, DET has become popular in many countries.

DET Overview

Standardised Exams for Study Abroad

Exams such as the ACT and SAT majorly work on the reading, listening, and writing skills taken for undergraduate admissions in the United States; whereas the GRE and GMAT are for graduate programmes accepted globally, the MCAT is the medical entrance exam to study abroad and the LSAT is designated as the entrance exam for law schools. A brief overview of all is provided below for a better understanding of “What exams are required to study abroad?”.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a post-graduate entrance exam for MS courses abroad, for applicants who want to pursue further studies after completing their graduation courses. The GRE is considered for the study abroad engineering entrance exam, especially in the United States. There are no specific eligibility criteria for the GRE test. Candidates can select a date of exam preference and register for the test. Candidates can take the GRE Test once every 21 days, up to five times within 12 months.

GRE Overview

GMAT

The GMAT is a graduate management admission test administered by the GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). It is one of the most prominent study entrance exams for Indian students as this test is majorly required for admission to an MBA (Master of Business Administration) and other business-related graduate programmes overseas. The sections include analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.

GMAT Overview

LSAT

The LSAT is a popular entrance exam for foreign universities that is required globally for admission to law schools and courses. The LSAT exams are widely accepted in the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries abroad. The full form of the LSAT is the Law School Admission Test; it is a standardised test given by students who are willing to apply for law studies. Both LSAT exams are conducted by the different Law School Admission Councils (LSAC). The LSAT syllabus sections include logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension, and an unscored writing sample.

LSAT Overview

MCAT

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a structured entrance exam for MBBS study abroad programmes. The MCAT exam is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Aspiring medical students who are seeking to take admission abroad in major countries like Canada and the USA. The MCAT syllabus focuses on scientific concepts, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply the concepts in a medical context.

Moreover, there are many university entrance exams as well as country-specific exams for the MBBS programmes, such as the UKCAT (United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test) and the BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test), which is a university-specific entrance test in the UK.

MCAT Overview

Can I Study Abroad after 12th?

Studying abroad is a common aspiration among many students, resulting in a significant rise in the number of applicants seeking academic opportunities abroad. With the desire to study in foreign countries, there is an increasing trend of students taking study abroad entrance exams. Therefore, we have provided below information regarding the top study abroad entrance exams for Indian students after the 12th.

SAT

The SAT ( Scholastic Assessment Test) is an internationally recognised test that evaluates a candidate for college-level admission in the United States. The SAT exam pattern consists of two sections: the reasoning test and the subject test. This test is administered by the College Board and is popularly required for undergraduate admissions in countries like United States. The candidates can also have a completely optional essay section. The score requirements of the SAT vary by institution, with many colleges considering SAT scores as entrance exams for foreign universities.

SAT Overview

ACT

The ACT, known as the American College Testing, is another standardised test for undergraduate admission accepted for the abroad studies entrance exam, especially for students who want to study in the USA. Applicants can take the ACT multiple times throughout the year at designated test centres across the United States and internationally. Some students opt for self-study using ACT preparation tips, books, online resources, and practice tests. Overall, the ACT scores are used to measure the academic ability and skills of the candidate in multiple subjects.

ACT Overview

Top Universities Accepting Study Abroad Exams

All international students want to know is the study abroad exam names that will get them enrolled into prestigious universities abroad. Hence, we have provided the top-ranking universities accepting the list of entrance exams for abroad studies as per the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Top Colleges for Abroad Study Entrance Exam

Documents Required for Study Abroad Entrance Exams

The document requirement varies as per the level of the exam, the institution or programme, and the country in which the candidate is applying. However, the general requirements for exams to write to study abroad are as follows:

• Identification Document: any government-issued ID or passport is used for identification purposes during the exam registration process and on the exam day.

• Exam Registration Form: test-takers have to fill out an exam registration form, providing general information such as your name, address, contact details, and sometimes academic background.

• A passport-size Photo: Recent passport-sized photographs are required for identification purposes in the major entrance exams. These photos are often affixed to your exam registration form and admit cards.

• Exam fee receipt: students need proof of their registration by providing the exam fee receipt; it will be shared through email or can be downloaded from the exam portal.

• Special Accommodation Request: If the candidate requires special accommodations due to a disability or any other special circumstances, they need to provide documentation for the same.

• Educational Qualification Documents: candidates need to submit academic and transcript records, diplomas, and certificates from their previous institutes, depending on the level of the exam (e.g., undergraduate or graduate).

• Admit Card: After completing the registration for the study abroad entrance exams, test takers should download or receive the admit card. The admit card holds all the details required, such as your exam date, time, and test centre location.

• Other required documents: Depending on the specific requirements of the exam or the institution, there may be additional documents needed.