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IELTS, GRE, and The Rest: What You Need (and Don’t Need) to Japa

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IELTS, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL exams

You just woke up, scrolled through your timeline, and saw Yetunde post a photo captioned “First winter, zero regrets ❄️” and now your chest is tight. Again.

The Japa bug has bitten you hard, and now you’re googling things like “IELTS booking near me” or “is GRE compulsory to leave Nigeria?” But before you go and register for every exam known to man, calm down, warrior. 

Not all of us need to do the British accent exam.
Not everyone needs to start solving GRE math like it’s Further Maths WAEC.
Your route is not their route.

This is a guide to figuring out what exams you actually need (and don’t need) to Japa, and how not to waste your time and money trying to escape this country.

Let’s break it down.

READ ALSO: Planning to Japa? 5 Steps to Save in Naira and Earn in Dollars

1. IELTS

IELTS is the poster child of the Japa movement. It stands for International English Language Testing System and is required by many countries for school, work, or immigration.

But do you actually need it? Maybe. Maybe not.

You Need IELTS if:

  • You’re going to the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand for school or skilled work
  • You’re applying for permanent residency (PR) in Canada via Express Entry
  • The school or embassy specifically asks for it (emphasis on specifically)
IELTS, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL exams

You Don’t Need IELTS if:

  • You’re going to a country that accepts your Nigerian degree as proof of English proficiency (many European schools, like those in Germany, Sweden, or the Netherlands, often do this)
  • Your chosen school says “waiver accepted” (email them to ask, don’t be shy)
  • You just want to visit abroad, not relocate. Breathe. Nobody’s asking you to write an essay for a tourist visa.

So please, stop giving the British Council MONEY if you don’t need to. That money can buy a bag of rice and some emotional support turkey.

2. GRE

If you’re planning to study in the US, GRE might come up. It tests your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Basically, they want to know if you can read, write, and calculate your rent.

You Need GRE if:

  • You’re applying for STEM or business-related graduate programs in the US.
  • The school says so. (Again, check the school’s requirements, don’t assume!)

You Don’t Need GRE if:

  • You’re applying to a school that has waived it (many schools dropped it post-COVID and never looked back)
  • You’re not going to the US (UK, Canada, Germany don’t care about GRE)
  • You’ve never liked maths, and you’re going to study Creative Writing.

READ ALSO: 5 Ways to Fund Your Japa Plans

3. TOEFL 

Same job, different flavour. If the school asks for TOEFL instead of IELTS, that’s what you give them. But don’t write both “just in case.” Life is already hard enough.

IELTS, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL exams

4. GMAT

You only need the GMAT if you’re applying for an MBA or some business-related programs. And even then, plenty of good schools have waived it. Ask questions. Confirm things. Don’t let LinkedIn folks pressure you into something you didn’t plan for.

Other Exams You Think You Need but You Actually Don’t:

  • SAT – For undergraduates going to the US. If you’re 27 and just frustrated with Nigeria’s wahala, leave SAT for the Gen Zs, please.
  • Duolingo English Test – Some schools accept it as a cheaper alternative to IELTS/TOEFL. Just be sure yours does.
  • PTE, CELPIP, OET – Other English tests, but mostly country-specific. Only take them if your visa route or school asks for them.

So, What Do You Actually Need to Japa?

  • A valid international passport
  • A clear Japa route: school, work, PR, visiting, etc
  • Proper school/course/work research
  • Savings or proof of funds (or a generous uncle in Canada)
  • A good plan for visa application
  • A functioning brain and a lot of emotional strength

READ ALSO: 7 Places To Japa If You’re Broke

Know Your Route. Don’t Copy People.

Someone wrote GRE, IELTS, and GMAT in one month and still didn’t travel. Another person wrote none and is now watching snow fall from their apartment window in Manitoba. Know your path. Know your level. And know your budget.

And if you’re still trying to figure out the best route for you, join the Japa Community on Fusion. It’s a safe space for sharing info, rants, questions, school recs, and finding Japa accountability partners.

Because no one should face the immigration website alone.

Join Here!
Nesiama Fasola
Nesiama Fasola
Nesiama (Ness) Fasola is a community manager, tech enthusiast, writer and full time hopeless romantic. She loves to scribble words in a bid to make sense of the jumble of thoughts, ideas and emotions that constantly plague her mind. At her leisure, you can either find her nose-deep in a book, brewing coffee or poking around in her garden.

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