Ultimate Guide to Study Abroad Exams: GRE vs TOEFL vs IELTS

Introduction

Every year, thousands of Indian students begin their study abroad journey with a big question mark hanging over their heads: Which exam should I take? Between the GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, the choices can feel confusing, especially when universities in different countries have different requirements.

The truth is, GRE vs TOEFL vs IELTS isn’t about which test is “better,” but about which test aligns with your study goals. Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s in the US, migration to Australia, or a scholarship in Europe, knowing the role of each exam is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences, country preferences, costs, scoring, and even how Lorien Finance’s Study Abroad Essentials can help you with test bookings so you can plan smart and avoid last-minute panic.

GRE vs TOEFL vs IELTS: Quick Snapshot

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to get you started:

Understanding the GRE: Format, Sections & Scoring

• Who needs it? Students applying for MS, MBA, or PhD programs.
• Structure: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing.
• Duration: ~2 hours for the General Test.
• Attempts: Up to 5 times in 12 months, with a minimum 21-day gap.
• Score Range: 260–340.
• Validity: 5 years.
• Where it matters most: US, Canada, and UK universities weigh GRE heavily.
• Why it matters: GRE scores can also influence scholarships and assistantships.

Understanding the IELTS: Format, Sections & Scoring

• Who needs it? UG/PG students, professionals, or those seeking migration.
• Structure: Listening, Reading, Writing, and a face-to-face Speaking test.
• Duration: ~2 hrs 45 mins.
• Score Range: Band 1–9.
• Validity: 2 years.
• Where it matters most: UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland.
• Why it matters: IELTS is often used for both admission and visa requirements.

Understanding the TOEFL: Format, Sections & Scoring

• Who needs it? Students applying for undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Structure: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing.
• Duration: ~3 hours.
• Score Range: 0–120.
• Validity: 2 years.
• Where it matters most: US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France.
• Why it matters: TOEFL is highly academic and widely recognized in the US.

Which Exam Do Countries Prefer Most?

• GRE: Strongly preferred in the US, Canada, and UK for Master’s and PhD.
• IELTS: A must-have for UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany visas.
• TOEFL: Highly trusted in the US, accepted widely in AU/NZ.

Knowing this early helps you align your target country with the right exam.

How Much Score Gets You Where?

• GRE:
  • 320+ → Ivy League and top US universities (MIT, Stanford, Harvard).
  • 300–315 → Strong universities in US, Canada, and Europe.
• IELTS:
  • 7.5–8+ → Top-tier universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League.
  • 6.5–7 → Competitive unis in Australia, UK, Canada.
• TOEFL:
  • 110+ → Top US schools.
  • 90–100 → Competitive mid-tier universities.
  • 70–85 → Safe options with moderate entry requirements.

Costs, Frequency, and Retakes

• GRE: $220–230, up to 5 attempts/year, 21-day gap.
• IELTS: ₹15,000–16,000 in India, unlimited retakes.
• TOEFL: $190–200, unlimited retakes with a 3-day gap.

Planning early ensures you budget for retakes if needed.

How Lorien Finance Study Abroad Essentials Helps

Preparing for exams is stressful, but logistics shouldn’t be. Through Study Abroad Essentials, Lorien Finance helps with:

• GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL test bookings.
• Verified partners for forex, accommodation, insurance, and SIM cards.
• A student-first ecosystem so nothing slips through the cracks.

How Lorien Finance Supports Your Loan Journey

Once the exams are done, the next big step is securing finances. Lorien Finance helps you:

• Compare 17+ global lenders.
• Access no-collateral and no-cosigner loan options.
• Get quick loan sanction and disbursal, provided documentation is complete.
• Avoid last-minute panic with structured, stress-free financial planning.

The Bottomline….

Choosing between GRE vs TOEFL vs IELTS is not just about picking an exam but it’s about choosing the right path for your study abroad journey. Each test has its strengths and is tied closely to country requirements, visa rules, and university preferences. Planning ahead means you’ll know which exam works for your dream program, how much to score, and how to budget for the process.

With Lorien Finance by your side, you don’t just get help with test bookings but also complete support for study abroad loans and essentials like forex, insurance, and accommodation. Start early, stay prepared, and make sure both your exam scores and finances are aligned for Spring 2026.

FAQs

Which exam should I take between GRE vs TOEFL vs IELTS?
It depends on your academic goals and destination. The GRE is for graduate-level admissions (MS, MBA, PhD) and is heavily valued in the US and Canada. TOEFL and IELTS are English proficiency exams required for admissions and visas worldwide. IELTS is more popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, while TOEFL is widely accepted in the US. Students aiming for top programs may need both GRE and an English test.

How many times can I attempt these exams in a year?

• GRE: Up to 5 times in 12 months, with a mandatory 21-day gap.
• TOEFL: Unlimited retakes, but you must wait 3 days between attempts.
• IELTS: Unlimited retakes, depending on test slot availability.
  Planning early ensures you have room for a second attempt if required. Lorien Finance helps students with exam bookings as part of its Study Abroad Essentials, so scheduling is stress-free.

What scores are considered good for admission abroad?

• GRE: 320+ is competitive for Ivy League and top global universities, 300–315 works well for strong mid-tier schools.
• TOEFL: 100+ is considered excellent, while 90–100 is safe for most competitive universities.
• IELTS: Band 7.5–8+ is top-tier, Band 6.5–7 is generally acceptable across the UK, AU, and Europe.
  Universities may also combine exam scores with academic performance for scholarship eligibility.

Can I use a study abroad loan to cover exam fees?
Yes. Many lenders allow exam fees, application fees, and even travel costs to be included under education loan coverage. Through Lorien Finance, students can compare 17+ global lenders and pick options where such expenses are covered along with tuition and living costs.

Is IELTS mandatory for a UK student visa?
Yes. For most UK institutions, IELTS is mandatory not only for admissions but also for the visa process. Some universities may waive it if you studied in an English-medium institution, but the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) body still expects IELTS in most cases.

Does Lorien Finance only help with loans or also exam-related support?
Lorien Finance goes beyond loan funding. With Study Abroad Essentials, students can also book GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS exams directly through trusted partners, while also securing accommodation, forex, SIM cards, and insurance. This means one platform covers both financial readiness and logistical preparation, saving students valuable time.

Do universities prefer TOEFL or IELTS?
Both are widely accepted, but preferences differ:

• US universities generally lean towards TOEFL.
• UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Europe prefer IELTS.
  Always check the official admission requirements of your target university before booking.

When should Spring 2026 aspirants book exams?
Ideally 6–8 months before the intake (June–August 2025). This timeline gives enough buffer for retakes, loan processing, proof of funds, and visa filing. Waiting until the last minute can lead to missed deadlines. Lorien Finance ensures you not only book your exams on time but also align your loan disbursal timelines with university and visa deadlines.