Study abroad
What happens after the exam
Which certificate you get, where it is accepted and when to start applying.
This section is informational. The centre prepares you for the exam: it does not process documents, arrange visas or guarantee admission. The figures below are a starting point for a conversation, not entry requirements.
An international certificate
The course ends with the official exam: IELTS, TOEFL iBT or SAT. The certificate comes from the exam board; the preparation comes from us.
The language requirement, met
At most universities an English score is a required part of the application. Without it, the application is not reviewed.
Choosing a programme
Your score decides the shortlist: at 6.0 it is shorter than at 7.0. The target has to be clear from the start.
Timing
Results take about two weeks, and application deadlines close in autumn. The exam date is counted backwards from there.
Certificates
How they differ
The three do not measure the same thing: the SAT measures academic readiness, IELTS and TOEFL measure language.
IELTS Academic
Academic English: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. Speaking is a live interview. You get a score per section and an overall band.
- Scale
- 0–9, step 0.5
- Sections
- 4
- Length
- 2 h 45 min
- Valid for
- 2 years
Accepted by: The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and English-taught programmes across Europe
TOEFL iBT
Fully computer-based. Speaking is recorded to a microphone — there is no live interview. Some tasks combine skills: you read, you listen, then you write.
- Scale
- 0–120
- Sections
- 4
- Length
- 2 h
- Valid for
- 2 years
Accepted by: Most universities in the US and Canada, and many programmes in Europe
SAT
Not a language exam: reading and writing, plus maths. In the digital format the second module's difficulty is chosen from your first module result.
- Scale
- 400–1600, step 10
- Sections
- 2
- Length
- 2 h 14 min
- Valid for
- 5 years
Accepted by: US universities, many universities in Türkiye and some European programmes
Destinations
Where the certificate works
The score usually asked for on undergraduate programmes.
United Kingdom
A three-year bachelor's, a one-year master's. Most applications go through UCAS, and the personal statement carries real weight.
- IELTS
- 6.0–7.0
- TOEFL iBT
- 80–100
- SAT
- Usually not required
United States
A four-year bachelor's, the first years without a declared major. Some universities have brought the SAT requirement back.
- IELTS
- 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT
- 80–100
- SAT
- Optional, but it helps
Canada
Admission rules differ by province. There is a post-graduation work permit programme.
- IELTS
- 6.5
- TOEFL iBT
- 86–90
- SAT
- Optional, but it helps
Germany
Public universities charge no tuition, or a nominal fee. English-taught programmes need IELTS; German-taught ones need TestDaF.
- IELTS
- 6.0–6.5
- TOEFL iBT
- 79–90
- SAT
- Usually not required
Netherlands
Many English-taught bachelor's programmes. On some courses places are allocated by lottery.
- IELTS
- 6.0–6.5
- TOEFL iBT
- 80–90
- SAT
- Usually not required
Türkiye
Close and familiar: many universities accept SAT results directly, and English-taught programmes are common.
- IELTS
- 6.0–6.5
- TOEFL iBT
- 72–80
- SAT
- Required at most universities
These are typical thresholds for the 2025–2026 admission cycle. The actual requirement varies from programme to programme and is updated every year — check the university's own site for the final condition.
Calendar
When to start
The path, counted backwards from an autumn intake.
- 1
Measure your level
A diagnostic test in the real format, and a target score to work towards.
Week 1
- 2
Preparation
The course and mock exams. Your score is tracked section by section after each mock.
2–6 months
- 3
The official exam
Register weeks in advance. Results take about two weeks — leave room for a retake.
January–March
- 4
Applying
Certificate, school records, personal statement and references. Deadlines differ by country.
March–July
Find out your level in a single lesson
A diagnostic test, your target score and a preparation plan — at a free trial lesson. No commitment.