Which Exam Is Best for Scholarship? Top Global Tests to Win Full Funding

If you’re looking for a scholarship to study abroad, the exam you take can make or break your chances. Not all tests are created equal. Some open doors to full rides at top universities. Others barely get you a footnote on your application. So which exam is best for scholarship? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on where you want to go, what you want to study, and how much funding you need.

What Scholarship Exams Actually Matter

There are hundreds of scholarship programs worldwide, but only a handful of exams carry real weight. Universities don’t just look at your grades. They want proof you can handle their coursework in English - and that you’re not just another applicant with a high GPA and a dream. The right test tells them you’re serious, prepared, and capable.

Take the SAT, for example. If you’re aiming for a full scholarship in the United States, especially at elite private schools like Harvard, Stanford, or MIT, your SAT score is often the first filter. A score below 1450? You’re likely screened out before anyone reads your essay. A 1550 or higher? Now you’re in the conversation for full tuition, housing, even books.

But if you’re targeting the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, the SAT barely registers. Instead, they care about IELTS or TOEFL. These prove you can survive in an English-speaking classroom. But here’s the catch: a 7.5 in IELTS won’t get you a scholarship. You need an 8.0 or higher - and even then, it’s only half the battle. You need top grades, strong recommendations, and a standout personal statement.

The Big Four Scholarship Exams

Four exams dominate the global scholarship landscape. Mastering one of these can unlock funding worth $50,000 to $200,000 over four years.

• SAT - The go-to for U.S. undergraduate scholarships. Top universities like Princeton and Yale use it to identify students who can handle their rigor. A score of 1500+ is the sweet spot. Many merit-based scholarships automatically kick in at 1550+.
• ACT - Less common than the SAT, but still accepted by most U.S. schools. A 34+ on the ACT is equivalent to a 1550+ SAT. Some schools prefer it because it’s more curriculum-based. If you’re strong in science, this might be your edge.
• IELTS - The gold standard for non-native English speakers applying to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. For scholarships, aim for an overall 8.0, with no band below 7.5. Many fully funded programs like the Chevening Scholarship require this.
• TOEFL - Preferred by U.S. institutions. A score of 110+ out of 120 is what top scholarship committees look for. Unlike IELTS, TOEFL is entirely computer-based and tests academic English more heavily.

Then there’s the GRE - not for undergrads. This is for master’s and PhD applicants. If you’re going for a fully funded graduate program in engineering, economics, or computer science, a GRE score of 325+ (165+ in Quant, 160+ in Verbal) can get you a research assistantship with full tuition and a monthly stipend. Top schools like MIT, ETH Zurich, and the University of Toronto use GRE scores to award funding before you even apply.

Which Exam Gives You the Best Shot?

Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s who should take what:

Notice something? The top scholarships don’t just want you to pass. They want you to crush it. A 7.0 in IELTS might get you into a university. An 8.0 gets you a scholarship. A 1400 SAT might get you into a mid-tier U.S. college. A 1580 gets you a full ride at a top 20 school.

What About Other Exams?

You’ve probably heard of the GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT. These are for specific fields - business, law, medicine. They’re not general scholarships. If you’re applying for a business master’s, the GMAT matters. But if you’re studying environmental science, it’s useless. Don’t waste time on tests that don’t match your path.

Some countries have their own exams. China’s HSK for Mandarin, Japan’s JLPT for Japanese - these help with local scholarships but rarely open doors to Western funding. If you’re targeting scholarships from the U.S., UK, or Australia, stick to the big four: SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, GRE.

And what about AP exams? They’re great for U.S. college credit, but they don’t directly win scholarships. A few schools might give you a small award if you have five 5s, but it’s not a game-changer. Focus on the SAT first.

Timing Matters More Than You Think

Most scholarship deadlines are 10-12 months before your program starts. If you’re applying for fall 2026 entry, you need to take your exam by early 2025. Why? Because scores take time to send, applications take months to review, and some scholarships have rolling deadlines.

Here’s a realistic timeline:

1. Start studying 6-8 months before your target exam date.
2. Take your first practice test to find your baseline.
3. Register for the real test 3-4 months ahead.
4. Retake if needed - most students improve by 100+ points on SAT with focused prep.
5. Send scores to universities 6 months before the deadline.

Waiting until the last minute is the #1 reason students miss out. I’ve seen students with perfect grades lose full scholarships because they took the IELTS in March and missed the January deadline. Don’t be that person.

What If You Can’t Afford the Exam Fee?

SAT and ACT fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income. IELTS and TOEFL don’t offer waivers, but some NGOs and educational nonprofits in your country might cover the cost. Check with your local British Council, U.S. Embassy, or education ministry. Many offer free test prep and even free test vouchers for high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds.

Don’t let cost stop you. A $200 test fee is a tiny investment compared to the $100,000+ you could save on tuition.

Final Rule: Score High, Then Build the Rest

Here’s the truth: no scholarship committee picks someone because they’re nice. They pick the person who stands out in a pile of 5,000 applications. Your test score is your first filter. It’s your ticket to the next round.

Once you have that score - 1550 SAT, 8.0 IELTS, 325 GRE - then you focus on the rest: essays, interviews, projects, leadership. But without that score, you don’t even get to the table.

So if you’re serious about a scholarship, pick the right exam. Study like your future depends on it - because it does. And don’t just aim to pass. Aim to dominate. That’s what separates the scholarship winners from the rest.

Next Steps: What to Do Right Now

Here’s your action plan:

1. Decide which country and level of study you’re targeting.
2. Find out which exam they require (SAT, IELTS, GRE, etc.).
3. Take a free practice test online to see where you stand.
4. Set a target score based on the scholarship cutoffs above.
5. Register for your first official test - don’t wait.
6. Start studying 6 months out. Use free resources like Khan Academy (SAT) or IELTS.org (practice tests).

There’s no magic exam. But there’s a clear path. Pick the right test. Score high. Apply early. That’s how you win a scholarship - not by luck, but by strategy.