Overview

Overseas education is a life-changing decision that offers world-class academic excellence, better career opportunities, and exposure to diverse cultures; however, getting into the best universities requires clearing the entrance test that assesses academic ability, language proficiency, skills, etc. With 2025 bringing important changes in the test, policies, structure, and formats, students must stay informed to maximize their dream of studying abroad into a reality.

In this blog, we will cover the important international entrance exam to study abroad, the latest changes in 2025, and proven preparation strategies to help students achieve their overseas education goals.

Top Study Abroad entrance exams for overseas education

IELTS Exam

The IELTS is a world-renowned test, broadly accepted by education institutions, employers, and immigration authorities. It assesses four key language skills: listening, writing, reading, and speaking. IELTS is one of the popular exams recognized by 11,000 institutions and countries like Canada, New Zealand, the UK, etc.

Update on the IELTS exam 2025

● The listening section has better audio, enhanced for online and computer-delivered tests.
● Candidates can select either paper or computer delivery format as per their preference.
● Candidates will see more question formats, such as matching tasks & note completion with visual information to test listening skills more accurately.

Preparation tips:

● Writing section vocabulary, grammar, and fluency improvement & increase
● Listen to some other English accents, at least to get familiar with the accent for better understanding.

TOEFL Exam

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an exam that measures English proficiency for non-native speakers. It is broadly used for college and university admissions work and immigration.

Update on TOEFL exam 2025

● The total exam time has been decreased to less than 2 hours (it used to be roughly 3 hours before).
● Now it consists of 20 questions to be done in 35 minutes, reduced from the earlier 36-56 questions over 60-80 minutes.
● Features 28 questions with a time limit of 36 minutes, streamlined from the earlier 34-51 questions over 60-90 minutes.
● Includes 4 tasks to be done in 16 minutes, a reduction from the past 6 tasks over 20 minutes.

Preparation Tips:

● Improve pronunciation and fluency in spoken English.
● Focus on listening to academic discussions and note-taking.
● Use official ETS TOEFL practice tests for targeted preparation.

PTE Exam

evaluation, making sure of a quick and unbiased result within 48 hours. The test is available in 2 formats, PTE Academic and PTE Core. It is broadly accepted by thousands of institutes and governments, including the UK, Canada, and the USA, etc. The PTE is renowned for its flexibility, accuracy, and fastest booking process, making it a top alternative to IELTS & TOEFL.

Update in PTE 2025:
● increased security for online tests and more robust identity verification measures.
● Quicker Test Completion The exam duration is now under 2 hours.

Preparation Tips:

● Work on spoken responses, as PTE uses AI to assess pronunciation and fluency.
● Use official PTE preparation software for AI-based feedback on writing and speaking.

GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardized test used for entrance to MBA programs & business schools universally. It evaluates analytical writing, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills, which are essential for a favorable outcome in graduate management education. A good GMAT score can reinforce an applicant’s chances of admission to the best business schools; many institutes consider it a key element in evaluating the applicant, alongside academic records, work experience, and personal statements.

Updates in GMAT 2025:

● The GMAT test now takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, making it more structured.
● No essay section, allowing the student to focus on data analysis and logical reasoning.
● More emphasis on data insights, which examines decision-making skills with real-world business scenarios.

Preparation Tips:

● Build strong problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.
● Focus on the Data Insights section with practice problems.
● Use official GMAT prep tools for a flexible learning experience.

SAT Exam

The SAT is a standardized exam used for university admission in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries globally. It is planned to check out the candidate’s analytical, verbal & mathematical abilities. The SAT exam is now completely online, adaptive, and shorter & shorter, lasting about 2 hours.

Update in SAT 2025:

● The SAT is now completely computer-based.
● The exam now lasts 2 hours instead of 3 hours.
● Applicants get instant score reports for faster application processing.

Preparation Tips:

● Strengthen algebra, geometry, and problem-solving skills.
● Boost reading speed and comprehension for the verbal section.

GRE Exam.

The GRE is a standardized exam for admission to graduate and business programs globally. Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), it provides access to quantitative, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The GRE test is computer-adaptive & scored on a 340-point scale for verbal & quantitative sections, with a separate score for writing.

Update in GRE 2025:

● The GRE is now 1 hour 58 minutes instead of the previous 3 hours 45 minutes.
● GRE scores are now reported within 8-10 days after the GRE test.

Preparation Tips:

● Focus on data interpretation, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking.
● Practice writing concise and structured essays.
● Use official ETS GRE preparation materials and take full-length practice tests.

Duolingo Exam

The Duolingo test (DET) is a computer-based, Ai driven language proficiency test used for college and university admission and professional certificate worldwide. It assesses reading, writing, speaking & listening skills in a fast adaptive format lasting about 1 hour. It is an online exam monitored by AI and therefore credible. Universities broadly accept the score range from 10-160.

Update in DET 2025:

● AI-Powered Adaptive Testing: The strain level adapts by performance
● Express Results are available in 48 hours.
● Test from Home No need to visit a test center.

Preparation Tips:

● Focus on fast and correct responses in listening and speaking sections.
● Increase and improve vocabulary and grammar with interactive language apps.

Conclusion

Overseas education is becoming crucial in 2025; getting in touch with the best study abroadconsultant can assist you in preparing for your study abroad entrance test with digital advancements, brief formats, and more flexible testing options. Whether you are preparing for the SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo exam, staying informed on the latest updates and changes is important. By following strategic preparation methods, using official resources, and maintaining consistent study, a student can achieve their goal of studying abroad
at a top international university.