Most international programs require proof of English proficiency (or, less commonly, another language), and increasingly, standardized admissions tests for specific programs. Picking the right exam — and preparing efficiently rather than over-preparing — saves both money and months.
Language proficiency exams
IELTS is the most widely recognized English proficiency test globally, accepted by the large majority of UK, Australian, and Canadian universities, and most US universities as well.
TOEFL iBT is preferred by many US universities and some graduate programs elsewhere; check your specific target universities, since acceptance isn’t universal.
Duolingo English Test has gained wide acceptance, particularly in the US, as a faster and cheaper alternative — but not every university accepts it, so confirm before relying on it exclusively.
Which one to take depends entirely on what your target universities list as accepted — taking the “wrong” one for your target list, however well you score, wastes both money and time.
Admissions tests
GRE is required or accepted by many graduate programs, particularly in the US, though a growing number of programs have made it optional.
GMAT remains the standard for many MBA and business master’s programs, though some now also accept the GRE.
SAT/ACT apply mainly to undergraduate admissions in the US; requirements have shifted significantly in recent years, with many universities now test-optional — confirm current policy for each target school rather than assuming.
How to prepare efficiently
Score requirements vary by university and program — a score that’s more than sufficient for one target might be marginal for another. Check the specific minimum (and, where available, the average admitted score) for each program on your list before deciding how much prep time to invest, rather than aiming for a generic “good score.”
Where to go next
Once you know your required scores, see Admissions & Applications for how test scores fit into the rest of a strong application, and Scholarships & Funding — some scholarships have their own minimum score requirements separate from the university’s.