Top 5 Exams to Study Abroad in 2025

If you are planning to go abroad and pursue your higher international education in 2025, then you must know the importance of opting for the right standardized tests that are a crucial part of your application. Examinations to study abroad would test your academic capabilities, skills in language, and suitability to pursue further studies at an international university. It is intimidating, but you will ace it and get closer to your goal with the right information and knowledge.

Here are the top five tests to study abroad in 2025. There is a comprehensive description of each and guidance on which one to choose depending on your interests and ambitions.

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The most common exam to study abroad is TOEFL, particularly for students who want to be accepted or admitted to colleges and universities located in the United States as well as other English-speaking countries. According to the TOEFL, English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening enable non-native speakers to be evaluated.

TOEFL exam structure

• Reading: 30–40 questions based on academic texts.
• Listening: 28–39 questions based on lectures and conversations.
• Speaking: 4 tasks requiring oral responses.
• Writing: 2 tasks, including an integrated essay and an independent essay.

The TOEFL is a standard exam for studying abroad, and it is approved by over 11,000 universities worldwide. It is especially popular among students pursuing higher education in the United States, the United Kingdom, and several European countries.

TOEFL preparation tips

• Work on strengthening your English communication abilities.
• Prepare for the exam by taking practice exams.

Who should take the TOEFL exam?
Students who intend to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral studies in an English-speaking setting should take the TOEFL. Many scholarships demand a strong TOEFL score as part of their eligibility requirements.

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Another prominent exam to study abroad is the IELTS. This exam is recognized globally and accepted by universities in countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, and New Zealand. The IELTS exam assesses your language skills in the four skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

IELTS exam structure

• Listening: 4 sections with a variety of question types.
• Reading: 40 questions based on different reading passages.
• Writing: 2 tasks – one descriptive and one essay-based.
• Speaking: A face-to-face interview with an examiner.

IELTS is often required not only for academic purposes but also for visa applications and professional registrations in various countries.

Preparation tips for IELTS

• Manage time for each section
• Use real-life conversation skills for the speaking test
• Familiarise yourself with the IELTS official practice tests

Those who intend to get into universities in English-speaking countries or regions and have strong language requisites should take IELTS. The test is especially popular in the UK and Australia, where institutions highly consider IELTS results for entry.

3. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

For students aiming to pursue undergraduate studies, especially in the USA, the SAT is an essential exam to study abroad. It assesses your academic readiness through sections on math, reading, and writing. Many universities in the USA require or recommend SAT scores as part of their application process, although some are becoming more test-optional.

SAT exam structure

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Focuses on critical reading, comprehension, and grammar.
• Math: Includes questions on algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis.
• Optional Essay: Some institutions may still require it, though it's becoming less common.

SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, and the higher your score, the better your chances of getting into top universities.

Preparation tips for SAT

• Start preparing early by identifying your weak areas.
• Use official SAT practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format.
• Focus on building critical reading and problem-solving skills.

Who should take the SAT?

The SAT is the go-to exam for students aiming for undergraduate studies in the USA. It's also accepted by universities in the UK, Singapore, and several other countries. This exam to study abroad will enhance your chances of securing admission to prestigious institutions.

4. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The GRE is a key exam to study abroad for those pursuing graduate-level education, particularly in the USA. Many programs, including business and law schools, accept GRE scores for admissions.

GRE exam structure

• Verbal Reasoning: Analyze and evaluate written information.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Applied arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis.
• Analytical Writing: Produce clear and complex ideas and critically evaluate arguments.

GRE is a computer-adaptive test whereby the difficulty of subsequent questions depends on how well you have answered earlier ones. The total score ranges from 260 to 340.

Preparation tips for GRE

• Focus on mastering both verbal and quantitative skills
• To cope with the computer-adaptive nature of the test, improve time management
• For analytical writing, practice argumentation by refining it.

Who should take the GRE?

The GRE is taken by most graduate, business, or law school applicants. The exam to study abroad is a widely accepted degree and both recognized in the USA and used particularly in Europe and Asia. Possessing a good score would improve the applicant's chances of admission into the top-tier graduate programs.

5. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is the most recognized exam to study abroad for MBA and business school applicants. It evaluates your analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English.

GMAT exam structure

• Analytical Writing Assessment: One essay.
• Integrated Reasoning: Tests your ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Includes problem-solving and data sufficiency questions.
• Verbal Reasoning: Focuses on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

The GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, and a high score can greatly improve your chances of getting into prestigious business schools.

Preparation tips for GMAT

• Focus on building quantitative and verbal reasoning skills.
• Practice under timed conditions to improve efficiency.
• Use official GMAT prep materials for accurate practice.

Who should take the GMAT?

Students aspiring to join MBA or business-related programs should take the GMAT. This exam to study abroad is crucial for applicants to competitive business schools, particularly in the USA, Europe, and Asia.

Choosing the right exam to study abroad

Choosing the right exam to study abroad would depend on your objectives, the country where you aim to go, and what course you are applying for. Here are some of the considerations below:

• Language proficiency: In case you are applying in an English-speaking country, taking exams like TOEFL or IELTS will likely be required.
• Undergraduate studies: If you are applying for an undergraduate program, especially in the USA, the SAT is necessary.
• Graduate programs: If you are off to graduate programs, GRE or GMAT will be required, which depends on your field of study.

And most study abroad exams have peculiar structures, requirements, and preparation. It is very important to investigate those best suited for your destination and field of study so that you can prepare adequately.

Conclusion

It is hectic to prepare for an exam and study abroad, but the right approach can make it almost possible. The five exams to study abroad listed above—TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE, and GMAT—are set to analyze how well you are planning for foreign universities. Improving your skills in each exam area, familiarizing yourself with the format, and making sure you practice for every exam is how you will maximize your chances of success.

Having expert guidance to help one through these exams and, indeed, the wider application process really makes a huge difference. Overseas education consultants like MSM Unify can offer valuable insights and support throughout your study abroad journey, starting from choosing the right exam to understanding university requirements, especially if one plans to take an undergraduate program, graduate school, or business studies in another country. Whichever the exam you're targeting, know that choosing the right exam to pursue study abroad will shape all future opportunities for you. Good luck!