Choosing an English Test for Study Abroad

Start with what your university accepts

The best English test for studying abroad is the one your chosen universities accept, for your programme, in a delivery format they accept, with a score you can realistically reach before your deadline. Popularity or reputation matters less than those four checks.

Step 1: check each university’s requirements

For every programme on your list, find:

which tests it accepts;
whether it accepts home or online versions of those tests;
the overall score and any minimum section scores;
how recent the test must be.

Requirements can differ between universities, and even between programmes at the same university.

Step 2: compare the main academic tests

Test	Delivery	Scoring	Our guide
IELTS Academic	Paper or computer at a test centre; IELTS Online at home or another private location	Bands 1–9	IELTS Academic format and delivery
TOEFL iBT	Test centre or at home	1–6 scale since January 2026, with a comparable 0–120 score during the transition	What Is the TOEFL iBT?
PTE Academic	Computer-based	10–90	What Is PTE Academic?
TOEFL Essentials	At home	1–12	What Is TOEFL Essentials?

Always confirm current details with the test provider before booking.

Step 3: consider delivery restrictions

Home and online versions are not accepted everywhere. For example, IELTS states that IELTS Online is not accepted for immigration purposes, and each organisation decides whether it accepts it.
Visa or immigration purposes may require a specific test version taken at an official test centre. Check the requirements for your destination and visa route with the relevant official authority.

Step 4: think about your strengths and timing

Format preference: some candidates prefer a face-to-face speaking interview (IELTS); others are comfortable speaking to a computer.
Results timing: results arrive at different speeds. See Planning Your English Test Timeline.
Practice materials: choose a test with current, official practice material you can access.

Step 5: take a diagnostic

Try an official sample or practice test for your shortlisted test. The gap between your result and your target helps you judge how long you need to prepare.

Common mistakes

Booking a test before checking that every target university accepts it.
Assuming a home or online version is accepted everywhere.
Ignoring minimum section scores and focusing only on the overall score.