All AnswersWhat is the difference between GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT?
Asked by A.K Chaturvedi about 2 months ago
Experienced Study abroad consultant | Specializing in sales and Project Management | Expert in Sustainable sales practices
GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and GMAT are all entrance tests, but they’re meant for different goals. GRE and GMAT are used for academic programs, while TOEFL and IELTS are English language tests.
The GRE is accepted for most master’s and PhD programs across fields like science, engineering, economics, and more. It checks your reasoning, English, and basic math skills. The GMAT, on the other hand, is mainly for MBA programs and has a more business-oriented style of testing.
TOEFL and IELTS are used to prove your English skills, especially if you're applying from a non-English-speaking country. They test your reading, writing, speaking, and listening—but not math or logic.
So, your test depends on what you’re applying for. For an MBA, you’ll usually take the GMAT (or sometimes GRE). For other master’s degrees, the GRE is more common. And for studying abroad in general, TOEFL or IELTS is required to show your English proficiency.
Business analyst
GRE, GMAT Focus Edition, TOEFL, and IELTS are all used for studying abroad, but they test different things and are accepted by different types of programs.
GRE and GMAT Focus Edition are entrance exams. GRE is used for a wide range of master’s degrees—like MS, MA, and even some MBAs. It tests quant, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. It’s a good option if the degree isn’t strictly business-focused.
GMAT Focus Edition, which has fully replaced the old GMAT, is accepted mainly for MBA and business master’s programs. It has fewer sections now but focuses more on problem-solving and data analysis.
TOEFL and IELTS are English language proficiency tests. TOEFL is fully computer-based and preferred by many U.S. schools. IELTS is popular in the UK, Canada, and Australia—it includes a face-to-face speaking test and offers both paper-based and computer-based options.
Each test has its own format and purpose, so the choice depends on where and what you’re applying for.
These four exams are not interchangeable, they’re meant for different things, and choosing the right one depends on the program and country.
- GRE is used for a wide range of master’s programs. It includes quant, verbal, and analytical writing.
- GMAT Focus Edition (the only GMAT version now) is accepted mostly by business schools. It tests reasoning and data analysis and is shorter than the older GMAT.
- TOEFL checks English language skills. It's computer-based, and in the speaking section, answers are given into a microphone.
- IELTS is another English test, preferred in countries like the UK and Australia. Its speaking section is in-person, and the writing part has two tasks—one is data-based (like describing a chart), and the other is essay-style.
Also, remember: GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years, but TOEFL and IELTS expire in 2 years, which can impact future applications.