Language Test Preparation for Study Abroad

Choose Your Test

English Proficiency & Admissions Tests

IELTS

International English Language Testing System

📝

Score0–9 band score

FormatPaper or computer-based

Duration2h 45min

Validity2 years

FeeA$415 (approx)

Best forAustralia, UK, Canada, NZ

Sections

ListeningReadingWritingSpeaking

Full IELTS Guide →

PTE

Pearson Test of English Academic

💻

Score10–90 point scale

FormatComputer-based only

Duration2h

Validity2 years

FeeA$395 (approx)

Best forAustralia, UK, Canada, NZ

Sections

Speaking & WritingReadingListening

Full PTE Guide →

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language

🌐

Score0–120 total score

FormatInternet-based (iBT)

Duration2h

Validity2 years

FeeUSD $245 (approx)

Best forUSA, Canada, Europe

Sections

ReadingListeningSpeakingWriting

Full TOEFL Guide →

Duolingo

Duolingo English Test

🦜

Score10–160 scale

FormatOnline (at home)

Duration1h

Validity2 years

FeeUSD $65

Best forBudget-conscious applicants

Sections

LiteracyComprehensionConversationProduction

Full Duolingo Guide →

GRE

Graduate Record Examinations

📐

Score130–170 per section

FormatComputer or paper-based

Duration1h 58min

Validity5 years

FeeUSD $220

Best forUSA, Canada (graduate school)

Sections

Verbal ReasoningQuantitative ReasoningAnalytical Writing

Full GRE Guide →

GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Test

📊

Score205–805 total

FormatComputer-adaptive

Duration2h 15min

Validity5 years

FeeUSD $300

Best forMBA & business programmes

Sections

VerbalQuantitativeData Insights

Full GMAT Guide →

OET

Occupational English Test

🏥

ScoreA–E per sub-test (B required)

FormatPaper-based or at home

Duration2h 55min

Validity2 years

FeeAUD $590 (approx.)

Best forHealthcare professionals (AHPRA, NMC, GMC)

Sections

ListeningReadingWritingSpeaking

Full OET Guide →

SAT

Scholastic Assessment Test

🎯

Score400–1600 total

FormatDigital (computer-based)

Duration2h 14min

ValidityNo expiry (5 years recommended)

FeeUSD $60

Best forUSA undergraduate admissions

Sections

Reading & WritingMath

Full SAT Guide →

ACT

American College Testing

🇺🇸

Score1–36 composite

FormatDigital or paper

Duration~2h (core sections)

Validity5 years

FeeFrom USD $68

Best forUSA undergraduate admissions

Sections

EnglishMathReadingScience (optional)

Full ACT Guide →

Side by Side

Quick Comparison

Test	Format	Duration	Score Scale	Validity	Fee (approx)	Best For
IELTS	Paper / Computer	2h 45min	0–9	2 yrs	~A$415	AU, UK, CA, NZ
PTE	Computer only	2h	10–90	2 yrs	~A$395	AU, UK, CA, NZ
TOEFL	Internet-based	2h	0–120	2 yrs	~USD$245	USA, CA, Europe
Duolingo	Online (at home)	1h	10–160	2 yrs	USD$65	Budget / speed
GRE	Computer / Paper	1h 58min	130–170	5 yrs	USD$220	US/CA grad school
GMAT	Computer-adaptive	2h 15min	205–805	5 yrs	USD$300	MBA / Business
SAT	Digital	2h 14min	400–1600	5 yrs	USD$60	US undergraduate
ACT	Digital / Paper	~2h	1–36	5 yrs	USD$68+	US undergraduate

Read this before you book

Admission vs visa: which test counts where

A test that your university accepts for admission is not always valid for the student visa. The Duolingo English Test is now widely accepted for admission, but the UK and Australia still require an approved test for the visa — so if there is any chance you will need a visa test, take IELTS or PTE. Always confirm current rules with the institution and the official immigration authority.

Destination	Accepted for admission	Accepted for the student visa
United Kingdom	IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo (many unis, incl. some Russell Group)	Below-degree courses, settlement & citizenship need a Home Office SELT (e.g. IELTS UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI); degree-level study can use the university’s own assessmentDuolingo is not a SELT
Australia	IELTS, PTE, TOEFL; Duolingo growing but not universal	Subclass 500 accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OETDuolingo not accepted for the visa
Canada	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo widely accepted	No English test mandated for the study permit itself (SDS fast-track discontinued)Duolingo now visa-neutral
Ireland	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo (most universities)	Recognised tests (e.g. IELTS) per university and immigration requirementsConfirm with the institution
USA	TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo (incl. many graduate programmes)	F-1 has no separate English test — admission and your I-20 governSet by the university
New Zealand	IELTS, PTE, TOEFL; Duolingo at some institutions	INZ accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge, OETDuolingo not accepted for the visa

Decision Guide

Which Test Should You Take?

The right test depends on your target country, institution, programme, and personal strengths.

If you are...

Studying in Australia, UK, Canada or New Zealand

Take:IELTS PTE

Both are universally accepted across these four countries. PTE results are faster (48 hours) and the computer-based format suits test-takers who find speaking to an examiner stressful.

If you are...

Applying to US universities or graduate programmes

Take:TOEFL GRE

TOEFL is the gold standard for US universities. If your programme requires a graduate admissions test, take GRE (most fields) or GMAT (business/MBA).

If you are...

Budget or speed is a priority

Take:DUOLINGO

At USD$65 and with results in 48 hours, Duolingo is the most affordable and fastest option. Now accepted by 5,000+ institutions — always verify your university accepts it.

If you are...

Applying for an MBA programme

Take:GMAT

The GMAT is purpose-built for business school admissions. Most top MBA programmes prefer GMAT over GRE, and a strong GMAT score significantly boosts your application.

If you are...

Undergraduate applications to US colleges

Take:SAT

The SAT is the standard undergraduate admissions test for US colleges. Many schools are test-optional, but a strong SAT score strengthens applications to selective institutions.

Expert Advice

4 Tips to Score Higher

🗓️

Start 3 months early

Most test preparation coaches recommend a minimum of 12 weeks of structured study. Book your test date first — a deadline is a powerful motivator.

📝

Take full mock tests weekly

Time yourself under real conditions. Review every mistake. The gap between your mock score and target score narrows fastest through repeated timed practice.

🎧

Immerse yourself daily

Listen to English podcasts, watch English films, and read newspapers in English. Passive exposure builds the fluency that no textbook can replicate.

🎯

Know your weakest section

Most students over-prepare their strongest section. Identify your lowest-scoring area and dedicate 60% of your study time to it.

Non-English Destinations

Other Language Tests

Studying in Japan, South Korea, Germany or France? You may need a local language test.

JLPT

Japan

N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced)

Required for academic and professional settings in Japan. Most graduate programmes require N2 or above.

TOPIK

South Korea

Levels 1–6

Required for admission to Korean universities and professional certification. Level 3+ for most undergraduate programmes.

TestDaF

Germany

TDN 3–5

The main German language proficiency test for university admission. TDN 4 in all sections typically required.

DELF/DALF

France

A1–C2

Official French language certification. B2 or C1 required for most French university programmes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which language test is accepted by the most universities?

IELTS and TOEFL are the most universally accepted, recognised by over 11,000 institutions each. If you are applying to universities in multiple countries, either of these is the safest choice.

Is IELTS or PTE easier?

PTE is generally considered more objective since it is fully computer-scored, eliminating examiner subjectivity. Many students who have struggled with IELTS Speaking find PTE easier. However, difficulty is highly individual — choose the test whose format suits your strengths.

How long are English test scores valid?

IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and Duolingo scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years. Always check your target institution's policy, as some accept older scores.

Can I retake a language test if I do not get the score I need?

Yes. All tests allow retakes. IELTS and PTE can be retaken after a minimum of 1 day. TOEFL requires 12 days between attempts. Duolingo allows a retake after 21 days. There is no limit on total attempts.

Do I need GRE or GMAT for a master's degree?

It depends on the programme and university. Many master's programmes no longer require GRE. MBA programmes typically require GMAT (or GRE as an alternative). Always check the specific requirements of each programme you are applying to.

Is Duolingo accepted by Australian universities?

Acceptance varies by institution. Some Australian universities accept Duolingo, but many still prefer IELTS or PTE. Always verify directly with your target university before sitting the Duolingo test.

Can I use the Duolingo English Test for a UK or Australian student visa?

Generally no. For a UK visa, below-degree courses and settlement need a Home Office Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI, and Duolingo is not a SELT. Australia’s subclass 500 student visa does not list Duolingo either — it accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge or OET. Duolingo is widely fine for admission, but if there is any chance you will need a test for the visa, take IELTS or PTE.

Language Test Preparationfor Study Abroad

English Proficiency & Admissions Tests

Quick Comparison

Admission vs visa: which test counts where

Which Test Should You Take?

4 Tips to Score Higher

Other Language Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with test preparation?

Language Test Preparation
for Study Abroad