Have you just completed your 12th and dream of studying abroad?
Congratulations — you’re about to start one of the most exciting journeys of your life! But with excitement comes important decisions, and one major step is clearing the right exams to study abroad.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything — from which exams you need to take, to how to prepare smartly and make your dream of global education a reality.
Why Study Abroad After 12th?
Studying abroad after 12th opens a world full of opportunities:
- Access to world-class education
- Exposure to diverse cultures
- Better career prospects globally
- Chance to develop independence and life skills
Whether it’s the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, or Europe — the right move now can set your future up for success.
Top Exams You Need to Know About
Depending on the country and course you’re aiming for, different exams are required. Here’s a list of the most popular exams after 12th for studying abroad:
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Purpose: Tests your English proficiency (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- Accepted by: Universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
- Score Range: 0–9 Band; aim for 6.0–7.5 for top universities.
✅ Pro Tip: Start practicing early! Even daily English conversations and writing essays help.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- Purpose: Another major English test preferred mainly by US universities.
- Format: Internet-Based Test (iBT).
- Score Range: 0–120; top universities look for 90+.
✅ Fun Tip: Listen to English podcasts and TED talks to sharpen listening skills!
3. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
- Purpose: Required by many US and some Canadian universities for undergraduate admissions.
- Subjects: Reading, Writing, and Math.
- Score Range: 400–1600.
✅ Pro Tip: Strong vocabulary and math basics are key. Make flashcards your best friend!
4. PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- Purpose: An alternative English proficiency test accepted by universities in Australia, New Zealand, and some parts of Europe and Canada.
- Score Range: 10–90.
✅ Tip: PTE tests real-life English, so practice in real conversations, not just textbooks.
5. Other Specialized Tests (For Specific Courses)
- NEET (for MBBS Abroad): If you’re dreaming of becoming a doctor abroad, NEET is mandatory along with other country-specific requirements.
- UCAT/MCAT: Entrance exams for medicine in UK/USA.
- Portfolio Tests (for Arts/Fashion Courses): Some design/fashion colleges abroad require creative portfolios or extra assessments.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare for Study Abroad Exams
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry! Here’s a simple step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Choose Your Destination & Course
Where you go and what you study will decide which exams you need to take.
✅ Example: Planning Engineering in the USA? You’ll need SAT and TOEFL.
Step 2: Know the Exam Dates
Most exams like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, etc., have multiple dates throughout the year. Book your slots early to avoid last-minute rush.
Step 3: Get a Preparation Plan
- Join coaching if needed (especially for SAT or TOEFL).
- Practice daily: reading, mock tests, and writing essays.
- Focus on weak areas with special effort.
Step 4: Practice Mock Tests
Mock tests are the secret weapon! They help you manage time, understand the pattern, and build confidence.
Step 5: Stay Consistent and Motivated
Consistency wins the race! Create a small routine — even 2-3 hours a day can make a big difference over 3-4 months.
Top Tips to Crack Exams and Boost Your Profile
📝 Work on Your Academic Scores: Your 12th-grade marks still matter a lot for admissions and scholarships.
🌟 Build a Strong Profile: Participate in extracurriculars, sports, community service, or creative projects to shine in your university applications.
🛂 Prepare for Visa Process Early: Start understanding the visa requirements alongside exams to avoid last-minute surprises.
💬 Consult Study Abroad Experts: Working with consultants like Jetset VAdvisor Overseas can make the process 10X easier! From exam preparation advice to application help — we’ve got your back.
Countries and Their Preferred Exams After 12th
| Country | Preferred Exams |
|---|---|
| USA | SAT, TOEFL/IELTS |
| Canada | IELTS, TOEFL |
| UK | IELTS, UCAT (Medical) |
| Australia | IELTS, PTE |
| New Zealand | IELTS, PTE |
| Germany | IELTS, TestDaF (for German language courses) |
Bonus: Scholarships After 12th
Good news! If you ace your exams and have a strong academic record, you can apply for scholarships abroad.
Many universities offer merit-based scholarships, which can reduce your tuition fees by up to 50–70%!
Pro Tip: Start searching for scholarships early and always keep your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR) ready.
Conclusion: Make Your Study Abroad Dream Come True!
Studying abroad after 12th is one of the biggest and most exciting decisions you’ll ever make.
It all starts with the right exams, the right preparation, and the right guidance.
At Jetset VAdvisor Overseas, we specialize in making your study abroad journey smooth and successful — from exam prep to application success to visa approvals.
🚀 Ready to kickstart your dream?
👉 Schedule your FREE Consultation with Jetset VAdvisor Overseas today!
📩 Let’s make your global dream a reality — one step at a time!