The exams you need to study abroad depend on the country, course, and level, but they usually fall into two types, an English language test and a course or admission test.
Almost all universities require an English language test to prove you can study in English. The most common are IELTS and TOEFL, and some accept alternatives like PTE or Duolingo.
For undergraduate admission, some countries and universities, especially in the United States, require the SAT. For postgraduate study, common tests include the GRE for many masters courses and the GMAT for MBA and management programmes.
Check the exact requirements of your target universities and courses, since they vary. Some do not need a standardised admission test at all, only the English test.
Plan and prepare for these exams well in advance, because scores are needed at application time, and you may want to retake a test to improve your result.
Example: A student applying for a masters abroad took IELTS for English and the GRE for admission, prepared for both a few months ahead, and had her scores ready before the deadlines.
One practical tip: Check each target university’s exact exam requirements early, because they differ, and preparing for the right tests on time avoids last minute stress and missed deadlines.