The first question international students ask about studying in different countries is which exams they must take for their overseas education. The answer depends on the country, course, and university requirements.
The guide presents the necessary exams for post-12th study abroad assessments and explains the complete process of international study
And how Edvia ( edvia.ai) helps you choose the right university for your study abroad dream along with hidden scholarships.
International universities evaluate applicants based on three core criteria:
Language proficiency
Academic readiness
Course-specific eligibility
The required tests for overseas study purposes are organized into these specific test categories.
Answer quick questions — our AI mentor shortlists universities for you.
The required tests for overseas study purposes are organised into these specific test categories.
Most students applying for admission to college after the 12th standard will need to clear at least one of the above exams.
| Exam | Full Form | Accepted In | Key Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | International English Language Testing System | UK, Canada, Australia, USA | Measures English proficiency |
| TOEFL | Test of English as a Foreign Language | USA, Canada, global universities | Academic English assessment |
| PTE | Pearson Test of English | Australia, UK, Canada | Computer-based English test |
| Exam | Required For | Countries | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT | Undergraduate programs | USA | Often optional but recommended |
| ACT | Undergraduate programs | USA | Alternative to SAT |
| GRE | Postgraduate programs | USA, Canada | Not required after 12th |
| GMAT | Business programs | Global | Mainly for MBA |
| Field | Exam | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | UCAT / BMAT | UK |
| Law | LNAT | UK |
| Design | Portfolio | Global |
| Country | Mandatory Exams | Optional / Conditional Exams |
|---|---|---|
| USA | IELTS/TOEFL | SAT/ACT (test-optional in many universities) |
| UK | IELTS | Usually no SAT required |
| Canada | IELTS | No SAT required |
| Australia | IELTS/PTE | No SAT required9 |
The process achieves better results when followed through its predetermined steps.
The process begins with course selection and proceeds to country selection and university shortlisting and exam preparation and application submission.
Students need to prepare for essential exams because this approach helps them select relevant tests for their needs.
While planning to study abroad after 12th, students often
Don’t shortlist universities and plan for exams accordingly
Assume SAT is a compulsory exam for every country
Wasted time and money on unnecessary exams
Apply late because of lack of clarity
A focused approach saves both cost and effort.
Edvia offers a course finder powered by AI that assists students in making informed decisions by providing:
A university match for your academic profile
Exact exam requirements for each of the options
Less time spent preparing for exams
Less time spent on making the final decision to apply
Edvia offers a personalized, data-based recommendation to students rather than a blanket set of research information, leading to better admission prospects and time saved.
The IELTS or the TOEFL has to be taken, while the SAT is an optional exam for certain countries and universities.
There is an SAT exam for many universities that have their main campuses outside of the United States.
Some universities allow PTE as an alternative to IELTS while allowing students to meet their conditions through special conditions.
The UK and Canada and Australia only require English exams.
By using the Edvia platform, users are able to see which exams they should take based on their strengths and career goals.
Book a free 1:1 session with a mentor who has placed students there before.
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