Standardised Tests Explained: GRE, GMAT, IELTS and TOEFL

Deciding to study abroad is one thing. Figuring out which tests you need to get there is another. GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL — these acronyms turn up in admissions requirements everywhere, and if you're applying to a postgraduate programme, you'll almost certainly need at least one of them.

This guide breaks down what each test covers, who it's for, and how to decide which one to take.

The two types of tests

There's a useful distinction to start with. These four tests fall into two broad categories.

Academic aptitude tests measure your readiness for graduate-level study: your verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and quantitative skills. GRE and GMAT sit in this group. English proficiency tests confirm that your language skills are strong enough to study and succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. IELTS and TOEFL do this job.

Most international students need one from each category. Your exact requirements depend on your programme, your chosen university, and your educational background. It's worth checking early.

The Gre: A broad academic test

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is designed for students applying to a wide range of postgraduate programmes. Social sciences, humanities, engineering, business — it covers them all. The test is run by ETS (Educational Testing Service) [https://www.ets.org/gre.html] and accepted by thousands of universities across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Three areas are tested:

- Verbal reasoning (reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence)

- Quantitative reasoning (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis)

- Analytical writing (two essays: one on an issue, one on an argument)

Verbal and quantitative sections are each scored from 130 to 170. The analytical writing section is scored from 0 to 6. Most programmes look for 150–165 on each scored section, though this varies by school and discipline.

The test takes around three hours and 45 minutes. You can sit it at a test centre or online from home. Scores are valid for five years.

The Gmat: Built for business

The Graduate Management Admission Test is built specifically for students applying to MBA programmes and other business-focused master's degrees. It's administered by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) [https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat] and used by over 7,000 business school programmes worldwide.

The current version is the GMAT Focus Edition, launched in 2023. It tests three areas:

- Verbal reasoning (reading comprehension and critical reasoning)

- Quantitative reasoning (problem solving with data)

- Data insights (interpreting and analysing data across different formats)

Scores range from 205 to 805. Most competitive MBA programmes look for scores in the 650–730 range. The test takes about two hours and 15 minutes, and scores are valid for five years.

Gre Vs Gmat: Which should you take?

Here's how to think about it: start with your target schools, not the tests.

Some business programmes still prefer the GMAT for MBA applications, even when they officially accept both. Check each school's admissions guidance directly. If all your programmes accept either test, then it comes down to format. The GMAT's data insights section is quite specific. Students who prefer verbal reasoning or writing over data analysis tend to find the GRE a better fit.

If you're applying to a mix of business and non-business programmes, the GRE is the more flexible option. One test covers everything. You can also take both — admissions committees consider whichever score you choose to report.

IELTS: The most widely accepted english test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly managed by IDP Education, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English [https://www.ielts.org/]. It's one of the most recognised English proficiency tests in the world, accepted by universities across the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US.

Two versions exist. Academic IELTS is for students applying to postgraduate programmes. General Training IELTS covers work experience, secondary education, and some migration requirements. As a master's applicant, the Academic version is what you need.

The test covers four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each is scored from 0 to 9, and your overall band score is the average. Most postgraduate programmes ask for a band of 6.5 to 7.5, with some also setting minimum scores in individual sections.

The full test takes about two hours and 45 minutes. The speaking component is a face-to-face conversation with a trained examiner. Results arrive within 13 days, and scores are valid for two years.

TOEFL: Popular with US universities

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) is also administered by ETS [https://www.ets.org/toefl.html]. It's the most widely used English proficiency test at US universities, and most English-speaking institutions worldwide now accept it.

TOEFL tests the same four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored from 0 to 30, giving a total out of 120. Universities commonly require scores between 80 and 100 for postgraduate admission, with higher thresholds for competitive programmes.

The test takes around two hours and is delivered online, at a test centre or from home. Results arrive within four to eight days. Scores are valid for two years.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which should you take?

Both are widely accepted. Start the same way: check what your target universities require.

For applications to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, IELTS Academic is the more common requirement. For US applications, TOEFL is often the default, though most US schools now accept IELTS too.

A few format differences are worth knowing. IELTS speaking involves a live conversation with an examiner. TOEFL speaking means recording responses to on-screen prompts. If a real conversation comes more naturally to you, IELTS may be the easier setting. TOEFL reading and listening passages tend to be longer and more academic in style. IELTS Academic writing also includes a task where you describe visual data (a chart, graph, or table) that TOEFL doesn't have.

Look at sample questions for both before you decide. The skills being assessed are the same — it's really about which format plays to your strengths.

How many tests do you need?

Most international students applying for a postgraduate degree abroad will need two tests: one English proficiency test and one academic aptitude test, if the programme requires it.

That means IELTS or TOEFL for the language requirement, and GRE for most disciplines or GMAT for business. Some programmes in Europe and elsewhere don't require the GRE or GMAT at all. Some universities will also waive the English proficiency requirement if your previous studies were taught entirely in English.

Check the requirements for every programme on your list. They vary more than you'd expect, and booking the wrong test is an expensive mistake.

Start preparing early too. Consistent practice over weeks or months is what moves scores. Official materials are available directly from each provider: ETS offers GRE and TOEFL prep resources, GMAC provides official GMAT prep, and the IELTS website has free sample tests to get you started.

Funding your studies abroad

Once you've sorted your test preparation, the next step is funding. Prodigy Finance offers student loans for international postgraduate students who've been accepted to a supported university, with no collateral required and no co-signer needed. Eligibility is based on your future earning potential, and funds are sent directly to your school. Students from 120+ countries have used Prodigy Finance to fund postgraduate degrees in business, STEM, public policy, law, and more.

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