Which Test Is Required to Study Abroad From Nepal?

Good news for Nepali students: most of you need only 1 test, an English test, and you can often choose which one. IELTS and PTE are the most common choices in Nepal. A second test, such as the SAT, GRE or GMAT, comes up mainly for universities in the USA. This guide shows what each country asks for, so you book the right test the first time.

The right test depends on your country, school and level of study. If you already know where you want to go, start with study in Canada from Nepal or study in Australia from Nepal.

Which Test Is Required to Study Abroad From Nepal?

Most students need an English test, and some USA applicants also need an academic test.

There are 2 kinds of test, and they do different jobs:

• English tests: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo prove you can read, write, listen and speak in English.
• Academic tests: the SAT, GRE and GMAT measure reasoning and problem solving. They are mostly linked to universities in the USA.

Your school’s page decides which one you need. Check it before you pay for any test in Nepal, because each test has its own fee and dates. Our English test guide for Nepal covers the main choices.

Which Test Does Each Country Ask For?

Canada leaves the score to your school, Australia sets a visa minimum, and the UK and USA have their own rules.

This table gives the short version for a student from Nepal.

For real scores from official pages, read minimum IELTS and PTE for Canada and minimum IELTS and PTE for Australia. UK students can see minimum scores for the UK.

Which English Test Should You Choose?

Choose IELTS if you speak confidently, PTE if you like set task types, and TOEFL or Duolingo only if your school accepts them.

Here are the main differences, with lengths and results taken from each provider where published:

IDP says IELTS on Paper is no longer offered in Nepal after 27 June 2026, so practise typing for it too. To decide between the two main tests, read IELTS vs PTE: which is easier. Our PTE and IELTS score chart compares the two scales.

Which Test Do You Need for a UK or USA Visa?

The UK depends on your study level and how your university checks English, while in the USA your school sets the test.

Many students in Nepal hear that every UK visa needs IELTS for UKVI. That isn’t the full picture. At degree level, an eligible university may assess your English itself.

Below degree level, you generally need an approved test. Read IELTS Academic vs IELTS UKVI before you book.

In the USA, your school decides. A consular officer may ask for the scores your school requires, so keep the school’s rule in writing. Some schools there ask for 2 tests: an English test and an academic test.

Do You Need the SAT, GRE or GMAT?

Only if your school asks for them, and that is most common in the USA.

• SAT: used for undergraduate study. The SAT takes 2 hours and 14 minutes. A score around 1250+ is a rough target for scholarship chances.
• GRE: used for many master’s and PhD programs other than an MBA. A rough target is 300+.
• GMAT: used for MBA and business programs. A rough target is 600+ for stronger schools.

Some universities list these as optional, so a good score can still help your application. These are rough targets, not official rules, so check your program’s own page from Nepal before you start preparing.

What Mistakes Do Nepali Students Make When Choosing a Test?

The most common mistakes are taking the wrong test for your country and booking too late.

Avoid these 5 mistakes, because each one can cost you a fee and a deadline:

1. Taking a test your school doesn’t accept.
2. Picking the wrong version, such as IELTS Academic when your route needs IELTS for UKVI.
3. Forgetting that the visa rule can differ from the school’s rule.
4. Booking late, which leaves no time for a retake before your deadline.
5. Trusting old lists of scores without checking your school’s current page.

Hoping to skip IELTS altogether? Check with your school first, and read the countries guide linked above.

What Should You Do After Choosing Your Test?

Set a target score from your school’s page, practise until you reach it, then book your test with time to spare.

Your English score is 1 part of your application. You will also need documents such as an SOP for Canada or an SOP for Australia, so plan the two together.

Goreto runs IELTS classes in Kathmandu and PTE classes in Kathmandu. To work out which test fits your plan, talk to a Goreto counselor at our branches in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari and Pokhara.