Test prep
The tests you need to study abroad
Most international applications need one or two standardized tests — an English test, and sometimes an admissions test. Here is each major exam: what it is, how it’s scored, what it costs, how long scores last, and free official practice. Always confirm current details on the official page.
English proficiency
Prove your English for English-taught programs worldwide.
IELTS
British Council · IDP · Cambridge
The most widely accepted English test for study, work and migration, used across the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and thousands of institutions worldwide.
Guide & free practice →
TOEFL iBT
ETS
A long-established academic English test accepted by more than 12,000 institutions, with especially strong recognition in the United States.
Guide & free practice →
PTE Academic
Pearson
A fully computer-based, AI-scored English test known for fast results, widely accepted in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Guide & free practice →
Duolingo English Test
Duolingo
A low-cost, at-home, adaptive English test taken entirely online in about an hour, now accepted by thousands of institutions.
Guide & free practice →
Cambridge English (C1/C2)
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
In-depth English qualifications (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) recognised by universities especially across the UK and Europe, with results that do not expire.
Guide & free practice →
Undergraduate admissions
Admissions tests for bachelor’s entry, mainly in the US.
SAT
College Board
A digital, adaptive admissions test used mainly for undergraduate entry in the United States and by some international universities.
Guide & free practice →
ACT
ACT
An alternative to the SAT for US undergraduate admissions, with a distinct Science section and a composite 1–36 score.
Guide & free practice →
Graduate admissions
Tests for master’s, PhD and MBA programs.
GRE General
ETS
A broadly used graduate admissions test for master's and PhD programs across many fields and countries.
Guide & free practice →
GMAT Focus Edition
GMAC
The standard admissions test for MBA and many business master's programs worldwide, in its streamlined Focus Edition.
Guide & free practice →
Which test should you take?
- English test: IELTS and TOEFL are accepted almost everywhere; PTE and Duolingo are faster and often cheaper; check your university accepts your choice and the score it needs.
- US bachelor’s: SAT or ACT — but many US universities are now test-optional, so check first.
- Master’s / PhD: GRE where required (many programs are now GRE-optional). MBA / business: GMAT or GRE.
Test formats, fees and score policies change. Degree Globe summarizes the essentials and links to official sources — it is not affiliated with any test provider. Confirm the current rules on the official page before you register.