Which Exam Is Best for Scholarship? Top Tests That Open Doors to Full Funding

Getting a scholarship isn’t just about grades. It’s about proving you can handle the academic pressure of studying abroad - and that’s where standardized exams come in. Not all tests are created equal when it comes to unlocking full funding. Some open doors to scholarships in the U.S., others in the U.K., Australia, or even Germany. So which exam is actually best for scholarship? The answer depends on where you want to study, what level you’re applying for, and what your strengths are.

Why Standardized Exams Matter for Scholarships

Scholarship committees don’t just look at your high school transcript or undergraduate GPA. They need a way to compare students from different countries, different school systems, and different grading scales. That’s why they rely on standardized tests. These exams give them a common metric - a number they can trust.

Take the SAT, for example. A 1450 on the SAT means the same thing whether you took it in Lagos, Manila, or London. The same goes for IELTS: a Band 7.5 tells a university you can handle academic English, no matter where you’re from. These scores help scholarship panels quickly identify top candidates among thousands of applications.

But here’s the catch: not every scholarship requires the same test. Some only accept GRE scores. Others ignore the GRE entirely and focus on IELTS or TOEFL. And if you’re applying for undergraduate scholarships, the SAT or ACT might be your only ticket.

The Top 5 Exams for Scholarships - Ranked by Impact

Let’s cut through the noise. Here are the five most powerful exams for scholarships worldwide, ranked by how often they’re used to award full funding.

1. GRE - The Master’s Scholarship King

If you’re applying for a master’s degree - especially in STEM, economics, or public policy - the GRE is your best friend. Over 70% of fully funded master’s programs in the U.S. require or strongly recommend the GRE. Top scholarships like the Fulbright Program, the Chevening Scholarship, and the DAAD Scholarships in Germany all use GRE scores as a major deciding factor.

What’s a good score? For competitive scholarships, aim for 320+ (out of 340), with a quantitative score above 165 if you’re in engineering or computer science. A verbal score under 155 will hurt your chances in humanities or social sciences.

And here’s the thing: many scholarships don’t just look at your GRE score - they look at how it compares to other applicants from your country. A 325 might be average in India but exceptional in Nigeria. That context matters.

2. IELTS - The Global English Standard

Every scholarship that requires English proficiency uses either IELTS or TOEFL. But IELTS is the one most tied to actual scholarship awards. Why? Because it’s accepted everywhere: the U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and even many European universities.

The Commonwealth Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, and Australia Awards all require IELTS. Most require a minimum of 6.5 overall, but top-tier scholarships want 7.5 or higher - especially in writing and speaking.

Unlike TOEFL, IELTS has a paper-based version. That’s important if you’re in a region with unreliable internet. It’s also more conversational - you actually talk to a real person during the speaking test. That helps if you’re strong in spoken English but nervous about multiple-choice formats.

3. TOEFL - The U.S. University Favorite

TOEFL is the most common English test for U.S. universities. But here’s the twist: while many U.S. schools accept TOEFL, fewer scholarships specifically require it. Most U.S. scholarships (like the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship) use TOEFL as a baseline, but they focus more on GRE or GMAT scores.

Still, if you’re applying to American universities and you’re not a native English speaker, TOEFL is non-negotiable. A score of 100+ (out of 120) is the minimum for most scholarships. Anything below 90 will make it hard to compete.

TOEFL is entirely computer-based. If you’re not comfortable typing quickly or listening to American accents for 20 minutes straight, you might struggle. Practice with real TOEFL audio - not just sample tests.

4. SAT - The Undergraduate Scholarship Gateway

If you’re still in high school and aiming for a full undergraduate scholarship, the SAT is your main weapon. The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, Agnes Scott College Scholarships, and University of Michigan International Scholarships all use SAT scores as a core filter.

A score of 1400+ puts you in the top 10% of international applicants. 1500+? You’re in scholarship territory. Many schools don’t even look at your GPA if your SAT is below 1300.

But here’s the reality: the SAT is fading in popularity. More U.S. colleges are going test-optional. However, for international students applying for scholarships, the SAT is still king. Why? Because it’s the only test that gives American admissions officers a reliable way to compare you to students from countries with wildly different grading systems.

5. GMAT - For Business Scholarships Only

If you’re going for an MBA or a master’s in finance, marketing, or management, the GMAT is the only exam that matters. The Forté Fellowship, Rotman MBA Scholarships, and INSEAD Scholarships all use GMAT scores as the primary filter.

Top programs want 700+. A 650 might get you into a program - but not a scholarship. A 750+? You’re likely to get a full tuition waiver.

Unlike the GRE, the GMAT has a strong focus on data analysis and critical reasoning - skills that business schools value. If you’re applying for a business scholarship, don’t even think about using the GRE. It won’t carry the same weight.

Which Exam Should You Take? A Quick Decision Guide

Still unsure? Here’s a simple flow to help you pick the right test:

1. Are you applying for an undergraduate degree? → Take the SAT (or ACT if the country accepts it).
2. Are you applying for a master’s in STEM, engineering, or social sciences? → Take the GRE.
3. Are you applying for an MBA or business master’s? → Take the GMAT.
4. Are you applying to universities in the U.K., Australia, or Canada? → Take IELTS.
5. Are you applying only to U.S. universities? → Take TOEFL.

Pro tip: If you’re applying to multiple countries, take the GRE and IELTS together. That combo opens doors to over 80% of fully funded scholarships worldwide.

What About Other Exams? (PTE, Duolingo, etc.)

You might have heard about PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test. They’re cheaper, faster, and easier to book. But here’s the truth: most major scholarships still don’t accept them.

The Fulbright program doesn’t accept Duolingo. The Chevening scholarship only accepts IELTS and TOEFL. The DAAD only accepts IELTS or TOEFL. Even if your target university says they accept PTE, the scholarship committee might not.

Don’t risk it. If you’re going for a full scholarship, stick with the big five: GRE, GMAT, SAT, IELTS, TOEFL. The others might work for admission - but not for funding.

When to Take the Exam - Timing Matters

Scholarship deadlines are strict. Most close between October and January for programs starting the next fall. That means you need your scores in hand by September.

Here’s the ideal timeline:

• 12-14 months before your start date: Register for your exam.
• 9-10 months before: Take the test. Give yourself time to retake if needed.
• 7-8 months before: Start your scholarship applications.
• 5-6 months before: Submit everything.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Test centers fill up. Scores take 10-15 days to send. And if you bomb your first attempt, you’ll need 4-6 weeks to prepare and retake.

What If You Can’t Afford the Exam Fee?

Exam fees can be brutal. GRE costs $205. IELTS is $245. TOEFL is $210. That’s a lot for students in developing countries.

Here’s the good news: most testing organizations offer fee waivers or discounts.

• ETS (GRE, TOEFL) offers fee waivers for low-income applicants. Apply through your university’s international office.
• IELTS has a hardship waiver program in over 40 countries. Contact your local test center.
• Some NGOs and foundations (like the British Council) cover exam fees for scholarship applicants.

Don’t assume you can’t afford it. Ask. There’s often help available - if you know where to look.

Final Word: There’s No Single ‘Best’ Exam - But There’s a Best One for You

The exam that’s best for scholarship isn’t the one with the highest pass rate or the easiest format. It’s the one that matches your goals.

If you’re headed to the U.S. for a PhD? GRE. To the U.K. for a master’s? IELTS. To Canada for undergrad? SAT. To Germany for an MBA? GMAT.

Don’t chase the most popular test. Chase the one that opens the door to the scholarship you actually want. That’s the only thing that matters.

Next Steps: What to Do Today

Don’t wait. Here’s your action plan:

1. Find out which countries and universities you’re targeting.
2. Check their scholarship pages - look for the exact exam requirements.
3. Register for the right exam - don’t pick based on what’s easier, pick based on what’s accepted.
4. Set a study schedule. 8 weeks of focused prep beats 6 months of half-hearted effort.
5. Apply for fee waivers if cost is an issue. Don’t assume you can’t afford it.

Scholarships aren’t handed out. They’re earned. And the right exam score is your first step.