SAT, IELTS, TOEFL - Which Certificate is Suitable for Which Country?

The first question facing those planning to study abroad: Which exam should I take?

SAT, IELTS, and TOEFL exams seem both confusing and very difficult to thousands of students who want to study abroad. We will tell you who each certificate is intended for, which countries they are valid in, and how exam requirements are changing.

What is SAT and who is it intended for?

What is SAT needed for?

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is an exam mainly intended for students applying to US universities for undergraduate level. This test measures students' logic, mathematics, and analytical skills.

SAT exam structure:

Reading, understanding, and analyzing texts
Writing & Language - grammar, language use
Math (Calculator and No Calculator sections) - basic mathematics knowledge
Optional Essay - most universities no longer require this section

Which countries is SAT valid in?

USA - Required by almost all universities
Canada - Accepted as an additional document by some universities
UK and Australia - Often not required, but can be accepted in rare cases

IELTS - Global proof of English proficiency

What is the IELTS exam?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is used to test the language level of students whose native language is not English. It has two types:

Academic IELTS - for education
General IELTS - for work and migration

IELTS requirements and scores:

Consists of Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections
Score range 0-9 for each section, average 6.5-7.5 result required

Which countries require IELTS?

United Kingdom - Required by almost all universities
Canada - In most universities and colleges
Australia - In all higher education institutions
European countries - Important in many universities, depending on the program
USA - While not as widespread as TOEFL, some universities accept it

TOEFL - Especially important for USA and technology-oriented universities

What is TOEFL and which countries is it needed for?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an international exam designed especially for the USA and technology-oriented programs that measures English language knowledge. It is usually conducted online (TOEFL iBT).

TOEFL exam structure:

Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing

30 points from each section, total maximum 120 points.

Most required scores: 80-100+

Which countries is TOEFL suitable for?

USA - Mandatory in most universities
Canada - Accepted as IELTS alternative
Also used in Germany, Netherlands, and other countries, but IELTS is more widespread

So, which exam should be taken?

Answer these 3 questions when deciding:

Which country do I want to study in?

For USA: SAT + TOEFL
For UK: IELTS
For Canada: IELTS or TOEFL, sometimes SAT
For Australia: IELTS is primary

Do I want to study a bachelor's or master's?

SAT for bachelor's, IELTS/TOEFL for language
IELTS or TOEFL for master's

What level is my language proficiency?

When choosing a language exam, taking a "practice test" is important.

How to Determine Which Certificate is Suitable for Which Students?

Who is SAT suitable for?

Those wanting undergraduate education in the USA and Canada
Universities with high GPAs and additional exam admission requirements
Students who think academically and trust their logical analysis

Who is IELTS suitable for?

Those wanting to study in UK and Australia
Countries requiring language certificates for visa applications
Programs requiring scores in four skills

Who is TOEFL suitable for?

Those applying to USA-oriented universities

Those using English in online and academic environments

Those who can comfortably take computer-based exams

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to be admitted to US universities without SAT?

Yes, but many top universities require SAT scores. Alternatives exist for not submitting the SAT (for example, test-optional programs).

Is it possible to apply to US universities with IELTS?

While some US universities accept IELTS, TOEFL is more widespread.

Have TOEFL requirements changed in 2025?

Yes. Starting from 2024, TOEFL offers a shorter version, and some universities have now lowered minimum requirements (for example, 75 instead of 80).

Looking for Support for Your Study Abroad Plan?

Choosing the right direction and certificate is important for realizing your educational dreams. We:

Analyze which exam is more suitable for you
Guide you in exam preparation and provide study materials
Provide professional advice on university and country selection

The right doors open with the right certificate

If you're planning to study abroad, choosing the right exam will save both your time and money. SAT is mainly for the USA; IELTS for the UK, Canada, Australia; TOEFL is more suitable for the USA and technical programs.