Studying abroad with a language certificate
Quick answer: The certificates most widely accepted for English-taught study abroad are IELTS (0–9), TOEFL iBT, the Duolingo English Test (10–160) and PTE Academic (10–90). Many universities ask for IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent for a bachelor’s. In Baku, IELTS Academic at the British Council costs 575 AZN, and the online Duolingo test costs $70.
A language certificate is one of the core documents in any application abroad: the university uses it to confirm you can study in the language of instruction, and some countries also require it for a visa. The right exam depends on what your target university accepts, your budget and your timeline.
Still choosing between tests? Read our IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo comparison.
The four main exams compared
| Exam | Score scale | Results | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 0–9 in half-band steps | Computer: 1–5 days; IELTS Online: 6–8 days | Computer at a test centre (face-to-face speaking) or online from home |
| Duolingo English Test | 10–160 in 5-point steps | usually 48 hours | Online from home |
| PTE Academic | 10–90 | most within 2 working days | Test centre, about 2 hours |
| TOEFL iBT | new scale from 2026 | — | — |
Source: ielts.org, ielts.org, englishtest.duolingo.com, pearsonpte.com — checked 11/2026.
For university admission you need IELTS Academic; General Training is mainly for work and immigration, and the online format exists only for Academic. ielts.org has announced that paper-based IELTS is being withdrawn from mid-2026, so prepare for the computer format. The overall band is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band. Duolingo reports sub-scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking plus integrated scores, and because you sit it at home you need a quiet room, a working camera and a microphone.
What it costs
| Exam | Fee |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / General Training (British Council, Baku) | 575 AZN |
| IELTS for UKVI (Baku) | 625 AZN |
| Duolingo English Test | $70 (official blog, September 2026) |
| PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT | check the official site; prices vary by country |
Source: ielts.org, englishtest.duolingo.com — checked 11/2026.
Budget for a paid second attempt as well, because missing the required score first time is common.
Scores real universities ask for
| University | Bachelor’s requirement |
|---|---|
| Constructor University (Germany) | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, Duolingo 110 |
| Corvinus University of Budapest | IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72, Duolingo 100 |
| GISMA (Germany) | IELTS 6.0, at least 5.5 in each section |
| Bilkent University (Turkey) | IELTS 6.5 (5.5 per section) or TOEFL iBT 87; otherwise its own exam |
Source: constructor.university, uni-corvinus.hu, gisma.com, bilkent.edu.tr — checked 11/2026.
Choosing and preparing
- Applying to several countries: IELTS is the most widely recognised exam.
- Short on time: Duolingo and PTE return results fastest, but confirm your university accepts them.
- UK visa: the UKVI version is sometimes required.
- State Programme: a C1-level certificate is required.
- Timing: sit the exam at least 1–2 months before the deadline so a second attempt is possible, and remember universities usually accept results from the last 2 years.
- Section minimums: many universities set one per section as well as overall (5.5 at GISMA).
Without a certificate, or with a low score, some universities offer their own exam or a preparatory year: in-house English tests. EDDE Academy runs IELTS courses with at most four students per group and a free placement test (academy.eddeglobal.az).
Frequently asked questions
Which certificate is best for studying abroad?
IELTS is the universal choice; Duolingo and PTE are quicker, but not every university accepts them, so check your target list first.
How much IELTS do I need for a bachelor’s?
It depends on the university: in the official examples above it ranges from 6.0 (Corvinus, GISMA) to 6.5 (Constructor, Bilkent).
When do PTE Academic results arrive?
Pearson says most results arrive within 2 working days; the test itself takes about 2 hours at a centre.
Can I study abroad without a certificate?
Some universities offer their own exam or a preparatory year, but the State Programme and many visa processes require an international certificate.
Plan it with us
Tell EDDE Global where you are applying and we will pin down exactly which certificate and score you need. Book a free consultation.