English & Admissions Tests Compared
This page covers test selection — which test to take and how the scales compare. For IELTS preparation itself, our specialist sites below have free practice tests and band-calibrated coaching.
English language tests
IELTS remains the most widely accepted for UK, Commonwealth and scholarship applications — Chevening, Commonwealth and most UK universities publish IELTS-first requirements. TOEFL iBT dominates US admissions; PTE and Duolingo are growing as faster, cheaper alternatives but check acceptance before booking — scholarship schemes are often stricter than universities.
| Test | Provider | Score scale | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) | Cambridge English | 142–210 (scale score) | Visit |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) | Cambridge English | 162–230 (scale score) | Visit |
| Duolingo English Test | Duolingo | 10–160 (score) | Visit |
| IELTS | British Council / IDP / Cambridge | 0–9 (band) | Visit |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | CBLA | 0–500 (score) | Visit |
| PTE Academic | Pearson | 10–90 (score) | Visit |
| TOEFL iBT | ETS | 0–120 (score) | Visit |
Admissions tests
Separate from language proficiency: the GRE and GMAT are required by some graduate and business programmes, the SAT by US undergraduate admissions. Many programmes in our subject guides require none of these — check each programme map row's official link.
Preparing for IELTS?
Our specialist sites cover preparation end to end — free real-exam practice, then band-calibrated writing and speaking coaching.
Score requirements vary by university, programme and scholarship — always confirm on the official page. Global Study Prep is independent and not affiliated with any test provider.