IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE & SAT
Compare the purpose, structure, timing, scoring and preparation considerations for the main tests used in international university applications.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System
IELTS Academic is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate study. It assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS also has General Training for other purposes.
Duration
2 hours 45 minutes for IELTS Academic.
Score
Band 0–9
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
The TOEFL iBT measures Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking in academic and practical contexts. Since January 21, 2026, the test uses an updated format and 1–6 score scale.
Duration
Approximately 2 hours; adaptive testing means item counts and timing can vary.
Score
1–6 overall and section scale; comparable 0–120 overall score during the transition period
GMAT
Graduate Management Admission Test
The GMAT is a graduate business-school admissions assessment covering Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.
Duration
2 hours 15 minutes, plus one optional 10-minute break.
Score
Total 205–805; section scores 60–90
GRE
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE General Test)
The GRE General Test measures Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing skills relevant to graduate-level study.
Duration
About 1 hour 58 minutes.
Score
Verbal 130–170; Quantitative 130–170; Analytical Writing 0–6
SAT
SAT college-admissions test
The digital SAT has two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section has two timed modules, with the second module adapting based on performance in the first.
Duration
2 hours 14 minutes of testing time, plus a 10-minute break.
Score
Total 400–1600; each section 200–800
How to choose the right test
IELTS and TOEFL are English-language proficiency tests. The accepted test, minimum score and section requirements are set by each institution/programme.
GMAT is focused on graduate business admissions; GRE is used across many graduate programmes; SAT is primarily an undergraduate admissions test.
There is no single score that applies to every university. Always verify the current admissions page of your target institution and programme before registering.