Top Exams for Study Abroad with Scholarship

S‘Most study abroad students know they need to pass IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT to get admitted. What fewer know is that these exams come with their own scholarship programmes — worth $1,200 to $100,000, that can significantly offset the cost of studying abroad. This guide covers five key study abroad exams, the scholarships directly associated with each, and which exam you should take based on your destination and program.

Exams for study abroad with scholarships are administered to measure the candidate’s aptitude and accomplishment.

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What are the different entrance exams held for studying abroad?

To achieve your dreams of studying abroad, several entrance exams are essential. These exams are crucial for securing admission to your desired university and course. Here are the key exams students must take:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
• SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

Why must you take these exams?

Selection of Deserving Candidates: These exams are essential in determining the deserving and the most qualified candidates for scholarship programs. The results also assist in determining the academic aptitude of the candidates so that the scholarship they are awarded will likely prove fruitful to the student’s academic achievements.

Improving Academic Performance: Preparing for other scholarship exams bolsters your academic skills and mastery of the subject matter. This preparation can result in better results in school work and other standard achievers tests.

Admission to Top Universities: Most universities require test scores from standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. Science, mathematics, and English papers improve prospects of getting admission to the right universities based on the results of these examinations.

Greater Financial Aid Options: These test results help learners acquire scholarships that cover tuition, mandatory charges, and housing, thus making studying abroad more accessible.

Competitiveness in the Job Market: Employers consider exam scores very important because they regard them as a measure of academic capacity and aspiration. This may help you meet the market demand and make you one of the lucky people who will get a deserving job.

Exams for study abroad with scholarships: Detailed overview

IELTS Scholarship (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS is recognized as the leading English proficiency test accepted by most countries. Each year, more than 5 million people take this exam. It is jointly owned by IDP and the British Council and evaluates communication skills in four key areas: reading, speaking, listening, and writing.

The test scores range from 0 to 9, and students with an average band score of 6 are accepted globally. The IELTS exam for studying abroad is held multiple times a year.

Scholarships:

TOEFL Scholarship (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL is among the most widely accepted English proficiency tests for international admissions. More than 11,000 universities across 150+ countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, accept TOEFL iBT scores for admissions.

The TOEFL iBT is a fully computer-based English proficiency test that evaluates your academic English skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Important Update (2026): ETS significantly shortened the TOEFL iBT beginning July 26, 2023. The exam now takes approximately 1 hour 56 minutes to complete, with no break required. This makes TOEFL one of the shortest major English proficiency exams for study abroad applicants.

TOEFL iBT Exam Pattern 2026

• Score Range: 0–120
• Section-wise Score: 0–30 per section
• Score Validity: 2 years

TOEFL Scholarships

GRE Scholarship (Graduate Record Examination)

GRE is a standardized entrance test developed and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is widely accepted for admission to graduate and doctoral programmes, especially in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The GRE evaluates candidates in:

• Analytical Writing
• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

The GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale of 130–170 each. Competitive universities often expect scores in the 160+ range, especially for STEM programmes.

GRE Scholarships

Important Note: The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is not GRE-specific and does not require GRE scores for eligibility. It is a merit-based scholarship for Indian students pursuing postgraduate education abroad.

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GMAT Scholarships (Graduate Management Admission Test)

GMAT is considered one of the most recognized entrance tests for MBA and other business-oriented postgraduate courses. It is accepted by thousands of business schools in America, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Singapore for entry into their programs.
The latest format of the test that was rolled out on a global level in November 2023 is the GMAT Focus Edition.

Important Announcement (2026): The GMAT Focus Edition replaced the previous format of the GMAT for most candidates. The changes in the format of the test included eliminating the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section, adding a Data Insights section, reducing the total time required to complete the test, and changing the score scale from 200–800 to 205–805.

GMAT Focus Edition Exam Pattern 2026

• Score Range: 205–805
• Score Validity: 5 years
• Format: Computer-adaptive test
• Break Requirement: No mandatory break required

The GMAT Focus Edition evaluates analytical thinking, critical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and data interpretation skills relevant to modern business education and management careers.

GMAT Scholarships

SAT Scholarship (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is one of the most widely accepted standardized tests for undergraduate admissions in the United States, Canada, and some universities in the UK and other countries. Many universities also use SAT scores to award merit-based scholarships to international students.

The SAT evaluates students primarily in:

• Reading and Writing
• Mathematics

The exam is scored on a scale of 400–1600, with each major section scored from 200–800.

Important Update (2026): The SAT is now fully digital for international students. The College Board introduced the Digital SAT globally in 2024, reducing the test duration and introducing adaptive testing for a faster and more streamlined exam experience to help you get scholarships faster. 

SAT Exam Pattern 2026

• Score Range: 400–1600
• Test Format: Fully digital and adaptive
• Score Validity: 5 years accepted by most universities

SAT Scholarships

Conclusion:

The availability, amount, and terms of scholarships are subject to change without prior notice. Therefore, students relying on scholarships should stay updated on the latest information to avoid disappointment.

We trust that the information provided on popular exams for studying abroad with scholarships can assist students facing financial constraints. Students can choose any of the exams listed above to pursue their studies abroad. 

Adhering to all guidelines and preparing for the exams diligently is essential. These tests are designed to help meet students’ financial needs, so it is crucial to prepare thoroughly and dedicate oneself fully to the process.

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