For a lot of students, finishing high school is the first big step towards a job that takes them all over the world. Every year, thousands of Indian students dream of going through the halls of top schools in other nations. But moving from an Indian classroom to an international lecture hall means dealing with a lot of entrance examinations and strict rules. Whether your goal is a tech-heavy degree in the usa and canada or a liberal arts program in Europe, understanding the specific exam to study abroad after 12th is the key to a successful journey.
Immi Talks‘ extensive guide gives you a clear picture of the tests you need to take, the scores you need to get, and the small distinctions between the different examinations. You will fully understand the processes you need to do to apply for a student visa at the end of this essay.
The World of International Admissions
Universities abroad utilise standardised exam scores to see how well international students can do in school and how well they can speak English. Because schools around the world are so different, these assessments are a standard way to measure. For an Indian student, these assessments are usually split into two groups: tests of English language skills and tests of academic standards.
Your destination frequently determines which test you take. For example, the US and Canada have certain standards, but an English-speaking country like the UK or Australia would prefer alternative credentials.
Academic Standardized Tests: SAT and ACT
If you are aiming for undergraduate studies in North America, you will likely encounter the sat act dilemma. These are the most common academic exams required to study abroad after 12th for those targeting Bachelor’s degrees.
1. The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
Managed by the College Board, the SAT is a digital assessment that measures a student’s readiness for college-level work. It focuses on:
- Reading and Writing: Assessing your ability to interpret complex passages and use evidence to support arguments.
- Mathematics: Testing your problem-solving skills in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Most top universities in the United States and several in Canada use SAT scores to filter applicants. A score above 1450 is often considered competitive for elite schools.
2. The ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT is a direct alternative to the SAT. While the SAT is more reasoning-based, the ACT is often seen as more curriculum-based. It includes a specific Science section, which makes it popular among students with a strong background in STEM subjects.
Comparison Table: SAT vs. ACT
| Feature | SAT | ACT |
| Total Score | 400 – 1600 | 1 – 36 |
| Sections | Reading/Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Duration | 2 Hours 14 Minutes | 2 Hours 55 Minutes |
| Format | Fully Digital | Paper or Digital |
How to Show That You Know English
Living and studying in a country where English is the primary medium of instruction requires a high level of fluency. An english proficiency test is a mandatory requirement for almost every non-native speaker. These tests of english ensure that you can follow lectures, participate in discussions, and write academic papers effectively.
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The ielts international english language testing system is perhaps the most recognized name in this category. It is joint-managed by the British Council and IDP Education.
- Format: It tests four modules—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- Acceptance: It is the gold standard for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also widely accepted in Canada and the USA.
- Scoring: Scored on a band of 0 to 9. A band of 6.5 or 7.0 is usually the minimum for undergraduate programs.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The toefl test of english as a foreign language is the preferred choice for many American institutions.
- Format: The most common version is the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test). It focuses heavily on how English is used in an academic setting.
- Scoring: It is scored out of 120. Most reputable colleges look for a score between 90 and 100.
3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
The toefl and pte are often compared because both are computer-based. The PTE is known for its fast results, often delivered within 48 hours. It uses AI-based scoring, which some students find more objective. It is highly popular for Australian and UK visa applications.
4. Duolingo English Test (DET)
A newer player in the market, the duolingo english test gained massive popularity due to its convenience. It can be taken from home at a fraction of the cost of ielts toefl pte. While many US colleges now accept it, you must verify if your specific university and the local embassy recognize it for visa purposes.
Requirements for Each Destination
The exam to study abroad after 12th you choose should align with where you want to live.
The United States of America
The USA remains a top destination for those seeking innovation and diverse campus life.
- Academic Tests: SAT or ACT (though some schools are now “test-optional”).
- Language Tests: toefl test of english as a foreign language is traditional, but IELTS and Duolingo are also accepted.
Canada
Canada is famous for its student-friendly policies and post-study work permits.
- Academic Tests: SAT is occasionally required for competitive programs but is often optional.
- Language Tests: IELTS is the most common, especially for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa category.
The United Kingdom
For the UK, the focus is often more on your 12th-grade board exam scores. However, a specific type of IELTS, known as IELTS for UKVI, might be necessary for certain visa tiers.
Making a Plan for Your Application Timeline
Success in the application process is all about timing. If you are planning to start your course in the September “Fall” intake, you should ideally have your test scores ready by December of the previous year.
- Preparation (6-12 Months Before): Start practicing for your chosen entrance exams. Enroll in coaching or use online resources.
- Taking the Exam: Aim to take your first attempt by August or September. This gives you time for a retake if needed.
- University Shortlisting: Research top universities that match your score profile.
- Submission: Submit your applications along with your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR).
The Last Steps: From Admission to Visa
The following stage is the legal one when you get a “Offer Letter” from your dream college. To get a student visa, you need to show that you are a real student and have enough money to sustain yourself.
During the visa interview, embassies will check your English skills again. If you do well on a well-known English language test like the IELTS or TOEFL, this part of the process will be much easier. They want to make sure that when you get to a foreign country, you won’t have any trouble fitting in with the people and the school system there.
Keeping track of the costs
Studying abroad is an investment. The costs include not just tuition but also the fees for these exams.
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE: Usually cost between ₹16,000 and ₹18,500.
- SAT/ACT: Range from ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 depending on optional components.
- Duolingo: The most affordable at approximately ₹5,000.
Many universities offer scholarships based on exceptionally high entrance exams results. A high SAT score or an 8.0 band in IELTS can sometimes unlock thousands of dollars in financial aid.
Final point: Take the First Step with Immi Talks
The world of international education is vast and full of potential. While the list of exams required to study abroad after 12th might seem long, it is simply a series of gates that lead to a brighter future. By focusing on your strengths—whether it’s the analytical nature of the SAT or the communicative style of the IELTS—you can craft an application that stands out to admissions officers.
Remember, these tests are not just hurdles; they are preparation for the life that awaits you. Mastering english language proficiency and academic reasoning will serve you long after you have graduated from university.
Would you like an individual comparison of the IELTS and TOEFL based on your unique target country and university list?
FAQs
For Indian students, the mandatory exams generally fall into two categories: English Language Proficiency and Academic Standardized Tests.
English Proficiency: Most universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, and the USA require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores.
Academic Readiness: If you are targeting the USA or top-tier universities in Canada and Singapore, the SAT or ACT is often required to assess your math and verbal skills.
While IELTS is sufficient for many foundation and undergraduate programs in the UK, Australia, and Canada, it is primarily a language test. If you are applying for high-ranking universities or specific competitive courses (like Medicine or Law), you may also need academic entrance exams like the SAT or country-specific tests (e.g., UCAT for medicine in the UK).
Yes, it is possible. Several universities in Europe (like certain public universities in Germany or France) and even some colleges in the UK and USA offer exam waivers. This is usually based on your 12th-grade board exam scores—if you have scored above 70–80% in English, some institutions may waive the English proficiency requirement.
Choosing between these “Tests of English” depends on your destination and comfort level:
IELTS: Preferred by the UK, Australia, and Canada; involves a face-to-face speaking interview.
TOEFL: Preferred by the USA; entirely computer-based and focuses heavily on academic settings.
PTE: Known for fast results (within 48 hours) and AI-based scoring, making it a popular modern alternative.
To secure a merit-based scholarship, high scores in standardized tests are crucial. Top scores in the SAT (1450+) or IELTS (7.5+ band) significantly increase your chances of receiving partial or full tuition waivers. Additionally, some countries have specific scholarship exams like the DAAD for Germany or MEXT for Japan.
The ideal time to start is 12 to 18 months before your intended intake. For the September (Fall) intake, you should ideally take your exams by December or January of your 12th-grade year. This ensures you have your scores ready for early applications and allows time for a retake if your initial score isn’t high enough.
