Exam guides
Study Abroad Exams Explained
English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo) and graduate admission tests (GRE, GMAT) — compare formats, scores, fees and validity, and pick the right test for your universities.
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Exams at a glance
| Exam | Duration | Score scale | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | About 2 hours 45 minutes | Band 0–9 in half bands, for each skill and overall | 2 years (recommended by IELTS partners) |
| TOEFL iBT | About 1.5–2 hours | 1–6 in half-point steps (CEFR-aligned), with a 0–120 comparable score during the transition | 2 years |
| PTE Academic | About 2 hours | 10–90 | 2 years (for most institutions) |
| Duolingo English Test | About 1 hour | 10–160 overall, plus sub-scores | 2 years |
| GRE General Test | About 1 hour 58 minutes | Verbal 130–170, Quant 130–170, Writing 0–6 | 5 years |
| GMAT Focus Edition | 2 hours 15 minutes | 205–805 | 5 years |
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Detailed exam guides
IELTSPattern, band scores, fees & preparationTOEFL iBTNew 2026 format, scores & preparationPTE AcademicComputer-scored English test with fast resultsDuolingo English TestOnline, 1-hour English test from homeGRE General TestShorter GRE, scores & MS admissions strategyGMAT Focus EditionGMAT Focus for MBA and business master's
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