DreamAcademy

Exams

The exams most often required to study abroad: format, score scale and preparation tips.

IELTS Academic

The most widely accepted English test; UK, European, Canadian and Australian universities.

Score scale
0–9 (in 0.5 steps)
Duration
about 2 h 45 min
Valid for
2 years

Format

  • Listening: 4 parts, about 30 minutes
  • Reading: 3 passages, 60 minutes
  • Writing: 2 tasks (describe a chart, write an essay), 60 minutes
  • Speaking: live interview with an examiner, 11–14 minutes

Tip from our teachers

Writing Task 2 is where most points are lost. Writing at least two essays a week and getting feedback pays off more than extra hours of Reading.

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TOEFL iBT

The English test most recognised by US universities; fully computer-based.

Score scale
1–6 (new scale from 2026), 0–120 also shown during the transition
Duration
about 1.5–2 hours
Valid for
2 years

Format

  • Reading and Listening: adaptive sections
  • Writing: short written responses
  • Speaking: recorded responses
  • Entirely on computer, at a centre or at home

Tip from our teachers

In Speaking, prepare your answer structure in advance: time is short and there is no room to think.

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Digital SAT

The standard test for US undergraduate admission; many top universities require it again.

Score scale
400–1600
Duration
about 2 h 14 min
Valid for
Universities usually accept scores from the last 5 years

Format

  • Reading and Writing: 2 modules, 64 minutes
  • Math: 2 modules, 70 minutes, calculator allowed
  • Digital and adaptive: module 2 difficulty depends on module 1
  • Taken in the Bluebook app

Tip from our teachers

In the adaptive format the first module decides a lot. Cutting mistakes there matters most for a high score.

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Duolingo English Test

An online English test taken from home; accepted by thousands of programmes in the US and Europe.

Score scale
10–160
Duration
about 1 hour
Valid for
2 years

Format

  • Adaptive question types: reading, listening, writing, speaking
  • A video interview and writing sample are sent to universities
  • Results usually within 2 days

Tip from our teachers

Check that your university accepts Duolingo first: some top programmes only take IELTS or TOEFL.

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GRE General Test

The general test for master’s and PhD programmes abroad.

Score scale
Verbal 130–170, Quant 130–170, Writing 0–6
Duration
about 1 h 58 min
Valid for
5 years

Format

  • Analytical Writing: 1 essay
  • Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections

Tip from our teachers

Vocabulary alone is not enough for Verbal: practise inferring meaning from context on real passages.

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GMAT Focus Edition

The exam for MBA and business master’s programmes.

Score scale
205–805
Duration
about 2 h 15 min
Valid for
5 years

Format

  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Data Insights
  • 45 minutes per section

Tip from our teachers

Data Insights tests reading charts and tables. Give it dedicated practice time.

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Exam formats and rules can change. Check the official website before registering.

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