List of Top Scholarship Exams for Study Abroad in 2025-2026

Introduction 

We must have heard about “scholarships” in our academic careers. Scholarships are financial aid awarded to students based on several criteria, including academic achievement, economic background, and more. Lakhs of students in India aspire to build a stunning academic career. They take scholarship exams to study abroad. Not only does qualifying these make them eligible for scholarships in prestigious institutions across the globe, but it would also be a strong step towards their future.  If you are a student interested in a full scholarship to study abroad, this blog is for you. We are covering the top scholarship exams that could be lucrative for you. The top study abroad scholarship exams are GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, and SAT. In the segment below, we have covered some scholarships you can apply for. In the later segments of the blog, we cover more details about these exams, including their eligibility criteria and how to prepare for them.  So, keep reading to explore more. 

List of Top Scholarship Exams for Study Abroad

Competitive exams are the key to getting admission to famous international institutions. They also open the gates to lucrative scholarship opportunities. In the list below we cover scholarships to study abroad.     

Name of exam	Name of scholarship	Award amount	Duration
TOEFL	Research Grant for Graduate Students	Rs 1,66827	The scholarship is for a 15-month period
TOEFL	Samuel J. Messick Memorial Lecture Award	Rs 8,34,136	The award does not have a duration in terms of time during which the applicants hold the award. It is a lifetime achievement recognition.
TOEFL	Jacqueline Ross TOEFL Dissertation Award	Rs 2,08,534	This award is offered to students who have pursued acceptable research within the last three years.
IELTS	British Council Award	Between £ 3,000 to £10,000, depending on the tuition fee of the institutions	The awards are available annually and the projects last for 6 to 24 months.
IELTS	Great Scholarship India	£10,000 for one-year postgraduate courses at affiliated universities	This abroad scholarship covers the full tuition fees for one-year post graduate programs or the tuition fees for the first year of master’s degree
IELTS	Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Program	A monthly stipend worth £1,116 that can go up to £1,369 for those living in metropolitan areas	The duration of the scholarship varies depending on the courses The benefit duration is 2 years for Master’s degree program  For Ph.D. level program the duration is 4 years
GRE	Inlaks Scholarship	Award of up to Rs 83,41,365	The duration of Inlaks scholarship is 1 year
GRE	Fulbright-Nehru Masters Scholarship	This scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees as well as the travel and living expenses.	Depending upon the type of grant awarded, this scholarship is 6 to 9 months long.
GRE	J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship	Travel grant and monetary award for Masters,PhD or post-doc studies. The amount ranges between Rs1 lakh to Rs 10 lakh	This is a loan given to students for a period of 7 years. Between the third and seventh year, it can be repaid in 5 equal installments.
SAT	Gill Elliot Scholarship	Rs 1,66,827	This scholarship supports a student throughout a single academic year. However, the exact duration might vary depending on the terms set by the scholarship committee.
SAT	Actuarial Diversity Scholarship	Rs 3,33,654	The duration of the scholarship benefit is almost 4 years.
SAT	Colorado Christian University Honours Scholarship	Rs 5,83,895	This scholarship guaranteed a maximum of eight semesters or the completion of an undergraduate degree program whichever occurs first.
GMAT	Horace W. Gildan Fellowship	First-year students of MBA courses are eligible for a $10,000 grant	The total duration of the scholarship is five years and there is no further provision of extension.
GMAT	ESMT Diversity Scholarship	For GMAT score above 700 the scholarship amount will be €4,000 For GMAT score between 650 to 690 the scholarship amount will be € 2000	The duration of the scholarship is aligned with the duration of the program.  For a full-time MBA the scholarship is for 12 to 15 months  For Master’s in Management Program the scholarship lasts for 24 months  For an Executive MBA the duration is 18 months
HEST	Higher Education Scholarship Test	Each scholarship can go up to 3 lacs. The exact value of each scholarship depends on the quality and quantity of scholarship applications received after the season	This scholarship to study abroad has a duration of 12 months.
ACT	Colorado Christian University Honours Scholarship	Up to $7000	The duration of the scholarship is a maximum of 8 semesters
ACT	Gill Elliot Scholarship	Up to $4000	The scholarship supports the students throughout the course
ACT	Actuarial Diversity Scholarship	Up to $2000	The duration of the scholarship varies; it depends on the specific terms.

 

Top Scholarship Exams to Study Abroad

In this article, we are discussing scholarship exams for studying abroad. To help you develop a detailed understanding of the exams, we will discuss some of the most popular study abroad scholarship exams that can be taken by students worldwide, including India. 

• TOEFL

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a test taken to assess non-native English speakers' English proficiency. Conducted by the ETS, this exam checks your English proficiency by considering four areas including reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The test evaluates a candidate’s English strength on a scale of 0 to 120.  In fact, TOEFL is a widely accepted English proficiency exam in American and Canadian institutions.  About 12.5k institutions across the world accept TOEFL. There are two main types of TOEFL exams namely, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. ETS conducts TOEFL throughout the year; the TOEFL iBT gauges your English proficiency in an academic setting whereas TOEFL Essentials tests your everyday English. To get your desired slot for the exam, we suggest you apply at least 4 months in advance.     

• IELTS

IELTS is an acronym for International English Language Testing System. Developed and run by the British Council in collaboration with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English. The exam is ideal for people who want to pursue education, work in or immigrate to an English-speaking country. It is also ideal for people who want to get a job in their own country which requires English proficiency. Your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English are tested through this exam. Over 12000 organizations across 140 countries trust IELTS to assess an applicant’s capability. Youth can either take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training depending upon your requirement. This is a fair and reliable test for English Proficiency that is held globally. Its scores are valid for two years and are confidential to the test-taker. 

• SAT

Most colleges and universities in the United States of America consider the SAT (Standardized Entrance Exam) as the most standardized entrance test. These institutions make their decisions based on SAT exam results. Administered by CollegeBoard SAT follows an MCQ format. It focuses on your reading, writing, and math skills. Through this exam, high school students can check their college readiness; the colleges can use this information to gauge the applicants and estimate their eligibility. SAT is held in India 5 times annually. A good SAT score can secure your seat in some of the best colleges abroad.  

• GRE

The Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as the GRE, is important for you especially if you are applying for graduate or business schools. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based standardized exam. Many law colleges in the USA also grant admission based on your GRE scores. The exam measures your knowledge of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis, and college-level vocabulary. Developed and administered by ETS, the GRE helps graduate, business, and law schools measure the competence of the applicants. Depending on your GRE scores and academic methods your admission is decided. There are two types of GRE tests: the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Test. The GRE General Test is a standardized test which is taken to measure the overall academic readiness of the candidate. On the other hand, the GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidate’s grip over a particular subject; the subjects included in this list include Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. 

• PTE

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a computer-based English test that is hosted to evaluate your academic level of speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. PTE is the ideal exam for you if you want to study at an international university. It can also work if you are applying for a work or migration visa for Australia or New Zealand. Over 3,500 universities rely on PTE tests; most of these institutes are based in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the USA.  

• GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test, commonly known as GMAT, is widely used for admissions into graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, worldwide. It is designed to predict how well you might perform academically in a graduate business program. The exam tests your analytical and quantitative reasoning skills in a limited time. You can choose between the two formats of the GMAT: in-person at a testing centre and the online format. Your GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, so you can apply to schools within this period without having to retake the test.  

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship Exams

Each of the scholarships we discussed in the previous segment has certain eligibility criteria attached to them. We advise you to look into these criteria and apply for the scholarships that are appropriate for you. In this segment, we are going to discuss the criteria for Scholarship exams to study abroad. 

• TOEFL: 

  • Age Requirement

TOEFL does not have a specific age requirement. That said, it is usually recommended for individuals who have completed at least 11 years of education.

• Education 

The TOEFL is primarily aimed at non-native English speakers who are planning to study at an English-speaking institution, apply for a scholarship, or fulfill visa requirements for a country where English is the official language.  

• Academic Prerequisites

There are no academic prerequisites for taking the TOEFL, but individuals with English proficiency find the exam more beneficial.   

• IELTS 

  • Age

Applicants should be above the age of 16 years to be able to sit for the exam. 

• Education Background 

There is no specific educational requirement to take this test. 

• Others 
  • The attendee must have a government-issued identification document when registering for the test on the test day. 
  • There is no minimum level of English proficiency required for taking the exam. 

• SAT 

  • Age Requirement 

There is no official or maximum age limit to take the SAT. It is commonly taken by high school students in their junior (11th students) and senior years (12th students) 

• Education Background 

The exam is primarily intended for students who are planning to apply to colleges or universities. There are no specific educational prerequisites for applying for the SAT exam. 

• Others 
  • Citizenship and Residency 

Students across the globe are eligible for SATs. There are no citizen or residency requirements for taking the exam. 

• Identification Requirement 

On the test day, test-takers must present a valid photo ID that matches the name used during registration. 

• GRE 

  • Age Requirement

There are no age restrictions for GREs. That said, students completing their undergraduate exam usually appear for this exam.

• Education 

There is no strict education prerequisite for taking the GRE

• Others 
  • Retake Policy 

You can take the GRE once every 21 days up to 5 times within 365 days. This rule is applicable even if you cancel the scores on a test taken previously. 

• GRE is available to test-takers across the world. 

• PTE 

  • Age Requirement
    • Minimum Age 

Test-takers must be at least 16 years old to take the PTE Academic.    

• Parental Consent  

If you are between 16 and 17 years old, you will need to provide a signed parental consent form before taking the test 

• Education

There are no specific educational prerequisites for taking the PTE  Academic. The test is intended for non-native English speakers who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for academic, professional, or immigration purposes.   

• Others 
  • Retake Policy 

One can take the PTE Academic as many times as you wish. However, you must wait at least five days between test attempts.  

• Citizenship and Residency 

Any student across the world can take the exam. 

• GMAT

  • Age Requirement
    • You must be at least 18 years old to take the GMAT 
    • If you are between 13 to 17 years of age then you can still take the test, however, you will need written permission from a parent or a legal guardian.  
  • Educational Background 

Although the test is designed for individuals applying to graduate business programs, anyone can take the GMAT test regardless of their academic background. 

• Others  
  • Retake policy
    • You can take the GMAT once every 16 calendar days and up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period. The lifetime limit is 8 attempts
    • If you achieve the perfect score of 800 then you must wait five years before retaking the exam. 

List of Study Abroad Scholarships by different  Governments

Are you eager to prepare for scholarship examinations to study abroad?  Before starting the preparation you can check out the different scholarship opportunities across the world. The governments of several countries like India, the UK, Singapore, Germany, and more offer scholarships to eligible students to help them continue their studies. In this segment, we are covering the different prominent scholarships from different countries. 

• India 

Here are some scholarships offered by the government of India abroad for Indian students. 

• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 
• National Overseas Scholarship Scheme by the Government of India 
• Newton Bhaba, Ph.D Placement Program 
• SIA Youth Scholarship in Singapore 
• Lancaster University Management School Undergraduate Scholarship 
• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Global Skills Scholarships 
• Maulana Azad National Scholarship for Minority Students
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship 
• National Overseas Scholarship

Read More: Scholarships to Study Abroad for Indian Students

• UK

The government of UK offers the following scholarships 

• Chevening Scholarships 
• Commonwealth Masters Scholarships 
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• GREAT Scholarships 
• The Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship 
• Marshall Scholarships  

• Singapore 

Here are some prominent study-abroad scholarships awarded by the Australian Government. 

• Singapore University of Technology and Design Global Excellence Scholarship 
• Nanyang Scholarship 
• Singapore International Graduate Award 
• ASTAR Research Attachment Programme
• Lee Kaun Yew Scholarship 
• Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award 
• Lee Kong Chian Scholars’ Programme 

• Australia 

Stated below are some scholarships that the Australian Government offers. 

• Australia Awards Scholarships
• Master of Architecture Scholarship
• Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program
• NU’s Chancellor’s International Scholarship
• University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
• Monash University International Merit Scholarship
• University of Sydney International Research Scholarships
• Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI)
• University of Queensland International Scholarships

• Canada 

Some popular scholarships awarded by the government of Canada include the following: 

• University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship
• Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
• Carleton Prestige Scholarships 
• Canada Graduate Scholarship- Master’s Program 
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 
• Trudeau Foundation Scholarships 
• NSERC Postgraduates Scholarships 
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship 
• Humber College International Entrance Scholarships 
• UBC International Leader of Tomorrow Award 

• Newzeland 

Some of the popular scholarships for international students that NewZealand offers include the following:  

• Fulbright New Zealand General Graduate Awards 
• New Zealand's International Doctoral Research Scholarship
• NewZealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarships 
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan  

• Germany

The German government offers the following scholarships:

• DAAD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service)
• Deutschland Stipendium (Germany Scholarship)
• Erasmus+ Scholarships
• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
• Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
• Hans Böckler Foundation Scholarships
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Foreign Students Scholarship
• Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships

How to apply for scholarships 

In this article, we are talking about scholarship exams for studying abroad. Here, we are talking about not only the different types of exams that you can take but also the scholarships that are available to you. If you are considering attending this exam, do not skip this segment. We are going to discuss the step-by-step procedure for applying for scholarships. 

• Research Scholarships 

  • Begin your research early.
  • You can use websites like CollegeMarker.com, Scholarships.com, Chegg Scholarships and others to find scholarships that match your profile.
  • There are scholarships for specific demographics and interests. So, consider your background search for relevant scholarships. 
  • You can check the websites of different universities and colleges to see if financial aid or scholarships are being offered.  

• Meet Eligibility Requirements 

  • You must meet all the eligibility criteria, such as academic achievements, field of study, or extracurricular activities. 
  • Gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and proof of eligibility.  

• Prepare your applications 

Once you have chosen the relevant scholarships, it is time to apply. 

• Many scholarships require you to write an essay. Remember to tailor each essay according to the requirements of the institute. Show your personality and goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
• Fill out the application forms carefully; check for any errors and rectify them accordingly. 

• Submit Applications 

  • Submit your applications well in advance of the deadline 
  • Submit the applications by following all the guidelines mentioned

• Follow-Ups

  • After you have submitted your applications, remember to confirm if the authorities have received it. 
  • If you have received the scholarship, send a thank you note to the scholarship provider. 

• Prepare for Interviews 

Some scholarships require an interview. So, before the interview, prepare all the relevant questions. Also, be prepared to discuss your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. 

Tips for Acing Scholarship Exams

Securing a scholarship to study abroad needs you to pass the exam. A combination of strategic preparation, effective study habits, and test-taking skills can be helpful in this scenario. Here are some tips to help you perform your best. 

• Understand the Exam Format 

  • It would be best if you familiarized yourself with the syllabus 

Understand the topics to be covered in the exam and their weightage. 

• Review Past Papers 

Review previous year’s exams to understand the question types, difficulty level, and recurring topics.  

• Know the time limits. 

Practice managing your time effectively during the exam. This will ensure that you can complete all sections. 

• Create a Study Plan 

  • Start early 

Start preparing early for the exam to cover all the topics thoroughly. 

• Set daily/weekly goals. 

Break the syllabus into small, manageable chunks. Try to allocate specific study dates for completing each of these portions. 

• Include review sessions 

Regularly review the knowledge you have learnt to reinforce your memory.

• Focus on Core Subject 

  • Prioritize high-scoring areas

Identify the subjects or sections where you can score the most and prioritize them in your study plan. 

• Strengthen weak areas 

Pay attention to your weak areas. Spend sufficient time to understand these sections and practice them, so that you do not forget them again. 

• Develop Test-Taking Strategies 

  • Answer easy questions first 

While taking the test start with the questions you are confident about to secure quick points and build momentum 

• Manage your time

Allocate specific time limits for each section and strictly stick to them. Prevent spending too much time on a single section. 

• Use the process of elimination 

For multiple-choice questions, you can eliminate obvious wrong answers to improve your chances of making the right choice. 

• Stay calm under pressure 

If you get stuck with one question, then move to the next one. You can return to solving the tough questions after finishing the easy ones. 

• Focus on Physical and Mental Well-Being

  • Get Adequate Rest 

Ensure you are well-rested before the day of your exam. If you have a tired mind, you might struggle to focus and recall the information.

• Eat Healthy 

A  nutritious diet can boost brain function. You should consider eating light-balanced meals before your exam. 

• Stay Positive 

Maintain a positive mindset. You should remain confident during the preparation and examination phase.  

• Exam Day Preparation 

  • Arrive early 

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam venue to avoid unnecessary stress. 

• Bring Necessary Materials 

Make sure you bring all the essential tools required for the exam. This includes materials like pens, pencils, a calculator, and your admission ticket. 

• Read Instructions Carefully 

Always pay attention to the instructions for the exam. In case you are having a problem understanding the instructions, get help from the authorities. 

Conclusion

A scholarship is a financial aid that can help many students realize their academic aspirations. Studying abroad is quite expensive and many students find it difficult to bear the expenses. Achieving good scores in things like GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, and others can increase your chances of getting a scholarship. Although securing a scholarship is the most lucrative, you are required to put in a lot of effort to prepare for it. Right from tracking the scholarships that you are eligible for to prepare for them, there is a lot of work. To help you with it we crafted this blog, listing some of the most prominent scholarship exams to study abroad. We have also listed some of the scholarships that you can apply for along with other details like the reward amount and duration. Finally, you will also find assistance regarding the application process along with some tips on how to prepare for them. This article is a wholesome guide that will help you navigate the details about abroad scholarships for Indian students.  If you want to get more information about higher studies then you can consider checking out our website at https://collegemarker.com/.    

FAQ

1.What are the fees for the TOEFL exam in India (for 2024)?

The TOEFL exam fee in India is Rs 16,900 as of 2024. The fees vary across countries. For example, the charges in Australia are Rs 22,349, in Germany, it is Rs 21931, and in South Korea, it is Rs 18207.

2. Where should I register for the SAT?

You can visit the website www.collegeboard.org to register for the SAT exam. You will have to create an account on the website and provide the required details to successfully apply.  

3. When are the GREs held? 

GREs are held all around the year. So, you will find exam dates on most days of the year. 

4. What is the qualifying GMAT score accepted by most business schools? 

A GMAT score of 700 or above is usually accepted by most business schools. That said, in addition to the GMAT scores, the institutes consider other factors like your academic performance to evaluate your competency.  Source: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/exams/gmat/cut-off#:~:text=A%20GMAT%20score%20of%20700,is%20not%20the%20only%20criteria.

5. What are the types of scholarships that an Indian student can ask for after the 12th grade?

Here are some types of scholarships that are available for Indian students who are interested in studying abroad. 

• Merit-based Scholarships 
• Need-based Scholarships 
• Government-funded Scholarship 
• External Scholarships 

6. Where can I get the form for the GRE?

You can register for the GRE by filling up their online form available at the official website of ETS. Here is the link to the website: https://ereg.ets.org/ereg/public/jump?_p=GRI

7. What are the fees to apply for the SAT? 

The fees for SAT can be split into three parts: base fare, regional fees, and taxes. The overall fee for the SAT exam in India is Rs 10,102. 

8. Is ACT harder than the SAT? 

If you look at the syllabus of ACT and SAT, then you will see that both examinations have similar topics. Both tests are used by colleges to judge the competencies of the applicants. Usually, most colleges put equal weightage on the ACT and SAT. 

9. What are the documents required for the ACT registration process?

You are required to upload a photograph while you are registering for the ACT exam. The requirement of the photographs includes the following 

• Headshot photo (with the face only)
• A clear background 
• Size less than 5MB 
• Pixels greater than 480x640 px 
• Format - JPG, JPEG, PNG 

10. What are the fees for the GRE? 

There are two parts of GRE test fees. 

• The GRE General Test fee is Rs 22,550.
• The GRE Subject Test fee is Rs 14,500.