BREAKING GUIDE
STUDY ABROAD
EXAMS • 2026
STUDY ABROAD
EXAMS • 2026
Updated: Feb 2026 • By BeInCareer News Desk
Exams to Study Abroad in 2026: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, SAT/ACT, GRE, GMAT + Country-Specific Tests (Full Guide)
Planning for Fall 2026 / Spring 2027? Here’s the practical, student-friendly breakdown of what exams you may need, what each test checks, score validity, and a timeline that keeps you on track.
🇺🇸 USA
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 UK
🇦🇺 Australia
🇪🇺 Europe
🎓 UG + PG
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 UK
🇦🇺 Australia
🇪🇺 Europe
🎓 UG + PG
Latest Update: Many universities are increasingly flexible (test-optional or multiple accepted exams), but your target program + country rules still decide the final checklist. Always verify requirements on the university’s official admissions page before paying exam fees.
Why “Exams to Study Abroad” still matter in 2026
Most students think exams are just a “requirement.” In reality, exam scores do three jobs:
(1) prove language readiness,
(2) strengthen your admission profile (especially competitive universities),
and (3) improve scholarship chances.
The smart approach is to select exams based on country + course level + program type — not based on what friends are writing.
Fast Filter
- UG (Bachelors): English test + SAT/ACT (if required/beneficial)
- PG (Masters): English test + GRE (many programs) / GMAT (MBA & some business)
- Medicine/Law (specific): UCAT / LNAT (varies by country & university)
What students often miss
- Score validity (English tests usually 2 years, GRE/GMAT usually 5 years)
- Retake buffer (don’t book your only attempt too close to deadlines)
- Program rules (some accept multiple exams; some accept only one)
Fact Box: Most-used exams for study abroad (2026)
| Exam Type | Popular Exams | Typical Use | Score Validity (common) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency | IELTS / TOEFL iBT / PTE Academic / Duolingo English Test | UG + PG admissions, visa, TA/RA eligibility (varies) | Usually 2 years |
| UG Admissions | SAT / ACT | Undergraduate profile strengthening / required in some cases | University-specific (many accept older scores) |
| PG Admissions | GRE / GMAT (Focus Edition) | Masters, MBA, specialized programs | Usually 5 years |
| Professional / Country-Specific | UCAT / LNAT / EJU / others | Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Japan UG/PG routes | Mostly annual / intake-specific |
Note: Validity and acceptance can differ for immigration/visa vs university admissions. Always cross-check your target university + embassy rules.
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1) English Proficiency Tests (Most common first step)
IELTS (Academic)
- 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
- Academic vs General Training (most students need Academic)
- Speaking may be on the same day or nearby dates (center-dependent)
Best for: UK, Australia, Canada, Europe (and many US universities too).
TOEFL iBT
- 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
- Designed for academic English; widely accepted globally
- Offered at test centers and also as a home edition (where available)
Best for: USA-focused applicants + many Canadian/European universities.
PTE Academic
- Computer-based test with Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
- Often chosen for faster scheduling & comfort with computer format
- Useful for both study and (in some routes) migration pathways
Best for: Students who prefer computer-based speaking and quick flows.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Online English test accepted by thousands of institutions
- Typically popular as a budget + faster alternative (where accepted)
- Always confirm acceptance for your exact program
Best for: Quick applications, conditional admits, and budget planning (where accepted).
Quick Tip (Saves money)
Don’t choose your English exam just because it’s “easy.” Choose the exam your target universities accept,
then do 1–2 mock tests and pick the format you naturally score higher in.
then do 1–2 mock tests and pick the format you naturally score higher in.
2) UG & PG Admission Tests (Beyond English)
SAT (Undergraduate)
- 2 sections: Reading & Writing, and Math
- Helpful even where test-optional, especially for scholarships
Best for: US UG and some international UG admissions.
ACT (Undergraduate)
- Core tests: English, Math, Reading
- Science and Writing are optional (depends on the route/university)
Best for: US UG applicants who like ACT-style questions.
GRE (Masters / some specialized programs)
- Measures Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing
- Many programs are test-optional, but a strong score can boost profile
Best for: MS, Engineering, Data, and many non-MBA masters.
GMAT (Focus Edition) (MBA / Business)
- Total score range: 205–805
- Built from Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights
- Strong score supports competitive B-schools + scholarships
Best for: MBA and business analytics / management programs.
Reality Check
“Test-optional” doesn’t mean “tests don’t matter.” It usually means “tests are not mandatory.”
If you can score well, submitting scores can still be an advantage for competitive admits and funding.
If you can score well, submitting scores can still be an advantage for competitive admits and funding.
3) Country / Course-Specific Exams (Important for specific routes)
UK Medicine & Dentistry: UCAT
UCAT is widely used for UK medical/dental admissions. The UCAT consortium has announced changes, including
removal of Abstract Reasoning from 2025 and a structure based on Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, plus Situational Judgement.
UK Law: LNAT
Some UK law schools use LNAT to evaluate reading comprehension and argumentation. Requirements depend on the university.
Japan: EJU
For many Japanese university pathways, EJU may be required along with Japanese language and academic subject testing (route varies by institution).
Important Update (students get confused)
BMAT is no longer administered from 2024 onwards in most contexts, and UCAT has become the main test used by many ex-BMAT universities.
Always verify the latest admissions test requirement on the university website.
4) Score Validity & Scoring (Plan this early)
| Exam | Validity (common rule) | Key Notes | Quick Scoring Snapshot |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Typically 2 years | Academic vs General Training; 4-section test | Bands; many universities ask ~6.5+ (program-dependent) |
| TOEFL iBT | Typically 2 years | 4 sections; academic English focus | 0–120 total score |
| PTE Academic | Typically 2 years | Computer-based; speaking is recorded | Score scale varies by report; check program cutoffs |
| Duolingo (DET) | Typically 2 years | Accepted by thousands of institutions; confirm acceptance | Score requirements vary widely by university |
| GRE | Typically 5 years | Verbal + Quant + Analytical Writing | Structure updated in 2023; check ETS pages |
| GMAT (Focus) | Typically 5 years | Quant + Verbal + Data Insights | Total score range: 205–805 |
Score Sending Strategy
Keep a simple rule: English test first → then SAT/ACT or GRE/GMAT based on your course.
If deadlines are close, pick the exam with the earliest available test dates and the most predictable scoring timeline.
If deadlines are close, pick the exam with the earliest available test dates and the most predictable scoring timeline.
5) 12–18 Month Timeline (Recommended for Fall 2026 planning)
T–18 to T–12 months
Shortlist countries + universities, list required exams, start English prep + profile building.
T–12 to T–9 months
Book English test date, take mock tests weekly, collect documents (transcripts, passport, LOR plan).
T–9 to T–6 months
Book GRE/GMAT/SAT/ACT if needed; draft SOP; start scholarship research.
T–6 to T–3 months
Finalize applications; send scores; refine SOP/LOR; prepare financial proofs and visa checklist.
T–3 months to deadlines
Submit early, keep buffer for retake (if required), track university portals and follow-ups.
6) Preparation Plan That Actually Works (simple + realistic)
Step 1: Lock your exam list
Pick exams based on your target universities. Don’t “collect” exams you don’t need.
Step 2: Diagnose via mocks
Take 1 mock test. Identify weak modules. Build practice schedule around them.
Step 3: Timed practice
At least 2 timed sets per week. Timing is the hidden killer in most exams.
Step 4: Retake buffer
Plan the first attempt early enough so you still have time for a retake if needed.
Common mistake (avoid this)
Students start exam prep, then later shortlist universities. That flips the workflow.
First shortlist universities → then finalize exams → then prepare.
First shortlist universities → then finalize exams → then prepare.
Safety Section: Avoid common exam & admissions scams
- Book only on official test websites (or official partners). Avoid “discount booking” links from random pages.
- Never share passport/OTP/login with agents. You should control your exam accounts.
- Score guarantee coaching is marketing — choose coaching based on outcomes + quality + mocks, not slogans.
- University requirements change. Always verify on the university’s official admissions page.
FAQs (Study Abroad Exams 2026)
When should I start preparing for IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for Fall 2026?
Ideally, start 10–12 months before your intended intake. This gives time for one main attempt,
a retake buffer (if required), and early score reporting before deadlines.
a retake buffer (if required), and early score reporting before deadlines.
Which English test is easier: IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo?
“Easy” depends on your comfort zone. IELTS includes a direct speaking interview format in many centers,
TOEFL is strong on academic listening/reading patterns, PTE is fully computer-based, and Duolingo is
convenient where accepted. The right way: do one mock for each and pick what gives you the best score stability.
TOEFL is strong on academic listening/reading patterns, PTE is fully computer-based, and Duolingo is
convenient where accepted. The right way: do one mock for each and pick what gives you the best score stability.
Do all universities require GRE or GMAT in 2026?
No. Many programs are test-optional. But for competitive admits and scholarships, a strong GRE/GMAT can still
add weight—especially if your GPA or profile needs an extra edge.
add weight—especially if your GPA or profile needs an extra edge.
How long are IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo scores valid?
Most English proficiency scores are typically valid for 2 years.
For Masters/MBA tests like GRE/GMAT, score reporting is commonly available for 5 years.
Always verify for your university and visa category.
For Masters/MBA tests like GRE/GMAT, score reporting is commonly available for 5 years.
Always verify for your university and visa category.
BMAT or UCAT for UK medicine in 2026?
BMAT is no longer administered from 2024 onwards in most contexts, and UCAT is widely used by many universities.
Confirm the current requirement directly on your chosen medical school website.
Confirm the current requirement directly on your chosen medical school website.
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