GRE vs IELTS vs TOEFL (2026): Which Tests You Actually Need for Studying Abroad

Updated August 2026 · Fees, formats and policies are indicative — verify on the official test websites

GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of ETS; IELTS™ is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment; the Duolingo English Test is a trademark of Duolingo. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of them.

The most common confusion in study-abroad prep: treating GRE, IELTS and TOEFL as three versions of the same thing. They are not. The GRE is an aptitude test (math + verbal reasoning); IELTS and TOEFL are English proficiency tests. Most US applications need one from each category; most other countries need only the English test.

This page tells you which tests your target countries actually require, in what combination, and what the realistic total budget is. Requirements are set by each university — treat the tables below as the pattern, and verify per program.

The two categories — never confuse them

Category	Tests	What it proves	Who asks for it
Aptitude / admissions test	GRE	Quantitative + verbal reasoning ability	Mainly US masters programs (some Canadian, Singaporean, a few EU)
English proficiency test	IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test (budget option), PTE Academic	You can study in English	Every English-taught program everywhere (waivers exist but are university-specific)

What each country typically needs

Practical consequence: if your list is US-heavy, plan GRE + one English test. If your list is Germany/UK/Canada, one English test is usually the whole game — put the saved 10 weeks into your profile and SOP.

Destination	English test	GRE?
USA	TOEFL or IELTS (both universally accepted)	Required or optional depending on program — check each
Germany	IELTS or TOEFL	Mostly no (a few TU9 programs recommend it)
UK	IELTS most common; TOEFL accepted for admission at most universities	No
Canada	IELTS or TOEFL	Rarely (some CS/engineering programs)
Australia / Ireland	IELTS most common; TOEFL widely accepted	No

The realistic test budget from India

Add score-report fees, one likely retake, and application fees, and a US-bound student realistically budgets ₹50,000–80,000 for the testing phase alone. Fees are revised periodically — verify each on the official test sites.

Test	Indicative fee	Validity
GRE	~₹22,000–23,000	5 years
IELTS Academic	~₹18,000	2 years
TOEFL iBT	~₹17,000	2 years
Duolingo English Test	~US$65 (≈ ₹5,500)	2 years

Choosing your English test

Widest acceptance and a human interviewer → IELTS. Fully computer-based and US-focused → TOEFL. Tight budget and universities that accept it → Duolingo English Test (verify acceptance per university — it is common in the US, patchier elsewhere).
Take the English test seriously even if your English is good — running out of time on IELTS Reading or freezing on TOEFL Speaking are format problems, not language problems. One practice test tells you where you stand.
Sequence: English test first (shorter prep, needed everywhere), GRE second if your list demands it. Both scores should be in hand ~10–12 months before your intake.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need both GRE and IELTS?

For most US masters programs: yes, one aptitude test (GRE, where required) plus one English test (IELTS or TOEFL). For Germany, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland: usually just the English test. GRE and IELTS are different categories — one never substitutes for the other.

Which is easier — IELTS or TOEFL?

Neither; they test the same skills in different formats. IELTS has a human speaking interview and mixed accents; TOEFL is fully computer-based with template-friendly tasks. Take one free practice test of each and pick the format that suits you.

Can I skip English tests with a Medium of Instruction certificate?

Some universities waive the English test for students whose bachelor's was taught in English (an MOI letter), but policies vary widely and visa rules can still require a test. Never assume a waiver — confirm in writing per university. Our English test waivers and MOI guide covers what the letter must contain, how to get a waiver confirmed, and when to sit the test anyway.

Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for masters admissions?

Increasingly in the US and at a growing number of universities elsewhere, but acceptance is per-university and sometimes per-program — and separate visa English requirements can apply in some countries. Verify before you rely on it; see our full DET guide.

Which test should I take first?

The English test — it needs less prep, every country requires it, and an early band/score tells you if you need more runway. Add the GRE only if your (mostly US) target list requires or rewards it.