Study in Europe 2026: Exams You Need and How to Prepare

Europe is one of the most exciting destinations for international students. It offers world-class universities, diverse cultures, and tuition that is often lower than in the USA or UK. From Oxford and Cambridge in the UK to ETH Zurich in Switzerland and KU Leuven in Belgium, European institutions rank among the best in the world. If you are aiming to apply in 2026, exam preparation is your first step. Strong test results can secure admission and scholarships, and they often define whether you end up at a good university or a great one. At BrighterPrep, we specialise in exam coaching that connects your scores to real study-abroad success.

Exams for Undergraduate Admission

High-school graduates aiming for Europe in 2026, several exams are commonly required:

• IELTS / TOEFL / PTE: These English proficiency exams are almost always mandatory. Most universities in the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Germany ask for IELTS 6.5 or higher. Leading institutions may set the bar at 7.0 or even 7.5. TOEFL 90–100 and PTE 65–70 are also widely accepted.
• SAT / ACT : Many Dutch and German universities use SAT scores for entry. A 1300+ score on the SAT or 28+ on the ACT makes you competitive at top universities.
• UCAT or BMAT : Medical applicants in the UK or Ireland must sit the UCAT or BMAT. Law students in the UK may also need the LNAT.

Exams for Master’s Admission

If you are planning postgraduate studies in 2026, expect stricter exam requirements:

• GRE : Especially important for STEM programs in Germany, Switzerland, and Scandinavia. A score of 320+ is often expected by highly ranked universities.
• GMAT : Top European MBA programs, such as INSEAD in France, IESE in Spain, and Bocconi in Italy, expect GMAT scores of 650+. For scholarships, a score of 700+ makes a major difference.
• IELTS / TOEFL : English test scores are mandatory even for Master’s programs, with IELTS 6.5–7.5 being standard.

Why Strong Scores Matter for 2026

High scores do more than tick an admissions box. They:

• Strengthen scholarship applications, especially for awards like DAAD in Germany or the Eiffel Scholarship in France.
• Prove academic readiness, which is crucial for rigorous courses
• Give you an edge over thousands of applicants from across the world.

BrighterPrep’s Exam Preparation Approach

At BrighterPrep, we believe in strategic preparation:

• We start with diagnostic testing to map your strengths and weaknesses.
• Our tutors design personalised study plans tied to your target universities.
• We run adaptive mock exams to mimic real test conditions.
• We provide scholarship guidance linked directly to exam results.

Conclusion

Studying in Europe in 2026 is more than a dream—it is an achievable plan. Exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and UCAT are not hurdles but stepping stones. With structured coaching, they open doors to admissions and scholarships. At BrighterPrep, we ensure students approach these exams not with fear, but with confidence and clarity.

Learn more at BrighterPrep.