Top English Proficiency Exams for Studying Abroad in 2025

Planning to study in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or Australia in 2025? One of the biggest steps in your journey is proving your English proficiency. Universities and visa offices require official test scores to make sure you can communicate effectively in an academic setting.

There are several English proficiency exams available, but the most popular ones are TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. Let’s look at what makes each test unique and how you can choose the right one for your study abroad goals.

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Best for: Students applying to U.S. and Canadian universities.

Overview:
The TOEFL evaluates how well you can use and understand English in university-level settings. It focuses on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The test is conducted online as TOEFL iBT and is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions worldwide.

Key Features:

Duration: Around 3 hours.
Total Score: Out of 120 points.
Format: Multiple-choice questions, short answers, and spoken responses.
Test Dates: Available almost every week globally.

Why Take It:
TOEFL is widely recognized by U.S. universities, and its academic focus makes it ideal for students who prefer structured, research-oriented programs.

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Best for: Students applying to the U.K., Australia, or Canada.

Overview:
The IELTS exam tests your English proficiency for academic and general purposes. It is available in two types — IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Most students take the Academic version for university admission.

Key Features:

Duration: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Total Score: Band score from 1 to 9.
Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.
Test Mode: Paper-based or computer-based.

Why Take It:
IELTS has a face-to-face speaking test, which is perfect if you want to demonstrate strong conversational skills. It’s also accepted by over 11,000 institutions in 140+ countries.

3. Duolingo English Test (DET)

Best for: Students who prefer flexible, affordable testing options.

Overview:
The Duolingo English Test is a modern, fully online exam you can take from home. It uses AI to assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It’s becoming increasingly accepted by U.S. universities as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS.

Key Features:

Duration: About 1 hour.
Total Score: 10–160 scale.
Format: Adaptive test with interactive question types.
Cost: Around $59 USD (much cheaper than TOEFL/IELTS).

Why Take It:
Duolingo is perfect for students looking for a budget-friendly and convenient option. Results arrive within 2 days, and you can send them to multiple universities for free.

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)

Best for: Students applying to the U.K., Canada, or Australia.

Overview:
The PTE Academic is another computer-based English test recognized by thousands of institutions. It focuses on real-life academic English using integrated tasks — for example, reading a passage and summarizing it in writing.

Key Features:

Duration: 2 hours.
Total Score: 10–90 scale.
Format: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
Test Dates: Available year-round.

Why Take It:
PTE delivers fast results (within 48 hours) and is accepted by major immigration authorities, including the U.K. Home Office.

5. Choosing the Right Test for You

Goal	Recommended Test	Why
Applying to U.S. universities	TOEFL or Duolingo	Strong academic focus, widely accepted
Applying to U.K. or Australia	IELTS or PTE	Required by most universities and visa programs
Want an affordable, online test	Duolingo	Fast, convenient, and inexpensive
Need immigration approval	IELTS or PTE	Accepted by most visa authorities

Each test has its advantages. Choose based on your target country, budget, and preferred testing experience.

6. How to Prepare for English Proficiency Exams in 2025

Start early: Give yourself at least 3–4 months of consistent practice.
Use official materials: Download practice tests from TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo websites.
Focus on weak areas: Take mock exams to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Improve daily English: Watch English videos, read newspapers, and practice speaking regularly.

For more guidance on exam preparation, check out our post:
👉 How to Prepare for TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Tests in 2025

Conclusion

English proficiency exams are your ticket to studying abroad in 2025. Whether you choose TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE, prepare strategically and start early. The right score can open doors to world-class education and life-changing opportunities.