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📚 Study Abroad Essentials

Language Test Preparation
for Study Abroad

Compare IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT and SAT — formats, scores, fees and how to choose the right test for your target university.

7
Tests Covered
11,000+
Accepting Institutions
190+
Countries
5M+
Tests Taken Yearly
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 →
Side by Side

Quick Comparison

TestFormatDurationScore ScaleValidityFee (approx)Best For
IELTSPaper / Computer2h 45min0–92 yrs~A$415AU, UK, CA, NZ
PTEComputer only2h10–902 yrs~A$395AU, UK, CA, NZ
TOEFLInternet-based2h0–1202 yrs~USD$245USA, CA, Europe
DuolingoOnline (at home)1h10–1602 yrsUSD$65Budget / speed
GREComputer / Paper1h 58min130–1705 yrsUSD$220US/CA grad school
GMATComputer-adaptive2h 15min205–8055 yrsUSD$300MBA / Business
SATDigital2h 14min400–16005 yrsUSD$60US undergraduate
Decision Guide

Which Test Should You Take?

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

1
If you are...
Studying in Australia, UK, Canada or New Zealand
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.
2
If you are...
Applying to US universities or graduate programmes
TOEFL is the gold standard for US universities. If your programme requires a graduate admissions test, take GRE (most fields) or GMAT (business/MBA).
3
If you are...
Budget or speed is a priority
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.
4
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.
5
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.

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