Before we talk about how to prepare — let's talk about whether you need this test at all.
We regularly meet students who spent months preparing for a test their target university doesn't require. Or who picked the wrong test entirely for their destination.
Step one at Sanz: we look at your target countries and universities and tell you exactly which tests are required, what scores you need and when to take them. Then we prepare you for that — and only that.
IELTS — International English Language Testing System
The most widely accepted English proficiency test globally. Required by most universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland — and often required for the visa itself, not just university admission.
- Academic format for university admission, General Training for migration
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
- Validity: 2 years from test date
- Computer-based and paper-based options available
- Speaking component is a live face-to-face interview — many Indian students find this more natural than screen-based formats
TOEFL iBT — Test of English as a Foreign Language
The go-to test for US universities and many in Canada. Fully internet-based with a strong emphasis on academic English. If you're targeting STEM or research-focused programmes in the USA, TOEFL is often the stronger choice over IELTS.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Validity: 2 years
- Online — testing centre or at home
GMAT — Graduate Management Admission Test
Standard requirement for MBA and management postgraduate programmes at business schools worldwide. Assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, data insights and critical thinking. A strong score carries real weight.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes (Focus Edition)
- Validity: 5 years
- Computer-based — test centre or online
GRE — Graduate Record Examination
Accepted for master's and doctoral programmes across engineering, sciences, humanities and social sciences. Also accepted by many business schools as a GMAT alternative. If you're targeting an MS in the USA or a research programme in Europe, you likely need this.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 58 minutes
- Validity: 5 years
- Computer-based — test centre or at home
Still not sure which test you need?
Field verification with our guidance systems is structurally safer than preparing for the wrong matrix.
