How to pack a suitcase: what to consider when moving to another country
Service payment
Fill out the form and continue to payment via Stripe
In short, yes. Now your main resources will be time and systematics. Self-study requires much more discipline than studying in a group with a teacher.
Now studying has become easier. Test developers ETS or College Board themselves open access to the right materials. It is important for them that candidates understand the format of the exam, so they post full-fledged simulators for free, for which earlier it would be necessary to pay hundreds of dollars.
You can choose one of two strategies:
If you search for “where to prepare for IELTS for free,” you’ll find hundreds of websites. However, 80% of them contain outdated tasks or subjective advice.
Official materials are considered reliable for three reasons:
IELTS remains one of the most popular tests for migration and study. The main provider of free knowledge here is the British Council.
This resource combines free training tests for all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The introductory materials are available immediately after registration, even if you have not yet paid for the exam itself. Be sure to watch the video tips from experts, which provide detailed analysis of common mistakes made by candidates.
It’s pointless to start preparing for IELTS without a solid foundation. If your level is below Intermediate, use the LearnEnglish platform. Here, you can improve your grammar and expand your vocabulary for free. All reading and listening exercises are divided by level (CEFR).
For admission to American universities, the SAT is a key stage. Here, the College Board and Khan Academy project is leading.
Official SAT Prep on Khan Academy
This is the best example of what free SAT preparation should be. The platform is created in direct partnership with the College Board. The system analyzes mistakes in mock tests and makes a study plan itself, throwing in tasks on exactly those topics where you have gaps.
Practice and Preparation by the College Board
Adaptive tests in the Bluebook app are available on the official developer website. This is important, as the SAT has become digital. You need to get used to the built-in Desmos calculator and the specifics of navigating through the modules.
Free SAT Bootcamps
Free 4-week intensive courses are offered through the Schoolhouse.world platform. This is a great way to get support from mentors and to practice in a group for absolutely free.
The GRE requires specific logic and a strong vocabulary.
Start with the ETS website. In the free gre practice test ets section, you will find “Math Review,” a comprehensive document that covers all the math required for the test.
ETS provides free POWERPREP Online software. This is two full-length adaptive tests that predict your real score as accurately as possible. The program also includes examples of scored essays with examiner comments.
ETS holds free virtual prep sessions every month. These are real-time webinars where experts break down difficult problems. Daily mini-quizzes are also available on the website to keep you on your toes.
Free TOEFL preparation in 2026 requires special attention to details.
ETS TOEFL Sample Tests 2026
Since January 2026, the TOEFL format has been undergoing changes. ETS has already published updated tests. Using materials from 2024-2025 is useful for skill training, but the structure of sections and timing need to be checked against the new samples.
Why is it important to use up-to-date materials
Preparing with old patterns may result in incorrect time allocation on the actual exam. Look for the “New Format 2026” label on the official ETS portal.
If you’re planning to apply to a business school, use the GMAT Official Starter Kit, which includes two full-length practice tests. To prepare for the Duolingo English Test, the official website offers a free 15-minute simulator that can be used multiple times. Start by studying the materials provided by the developers, and then move on to other resources.
To make the free resources for preparing for international exams useful, follow the algorithm:
Beginner level. First, get familiar with the format. To do this, watch introductory guides and brief video reviews on official websites.
Intermediate level. Move on to training. Use step-by-step exercises on Khan Academy or LearnEnglish to practice specific types of tasks.
Advanced level. Practice on time. At this stage, it is important to give the correct answers, and manage to invest in the tight timings of the exam.
An example of a weekly work plan that will help you build a learning system and monitor your progress:
The 2026 exam environment is a world of digital and adaptive tests. Exams are changing: the SAT has become digital, the TOEFL has been reduced, and the types of recordings in the IELTS have changed. Check carefully and do not use past year’s assignments.
Priority:
Official platforms (ETS, College Board, British Council/IDP).
Major educational giants (Khan Academy, Coursera, edX).
Expert blogs with relevant publication dates (2025-2026).
Avoid: questionable Telegram channels with leaked answers and forums with outdated strategies.
Independent preparation requires discipline and the ability to avoid hidden pitfalls. We have compiled the main mistakes that students make.
Trying to use 20 websites at the same time, downloading dozens of tutorials. As a result, your attention is scattered, and your preparation methods begin to contradict each other.
Solving problems at a steady pace is one thing, but answering questions under stress and a strict time limit is another. In 2026, the tests became adaptive: if you take too long to answer in the first block, it can directly affect the difficulty and outcome of subsequent tasks.
Taking ten tests in a row doesn’t mean you’re prepared. If you look at the final score and move on, you’re not progressing; you’re just solidifying your current level. Without in-depth analysis, you’ll continue to make the same mistakes.
You can watch webinars on how to write the perfect GRE essay or pass the Speaking section of the IELTS, but it’s useless without practice.
You can’t practice with 2022 or 2023 materials, as the exams have become shorter and the tasks have become integrated. You need to listen and write at the same time, and the grading system is more focused on real language proficiency rather than memorized patterns.
To prepare for international exams for free and get a high score:
An independent path saves money, but requires clear navigation. If you feel that there is too much information, or you don’t know where to start preparing for the updated TOEFL 2026 or the Digital SAT, we will help.
Make an appointment for a consultation to create a personal preparation strategy. We will help you choose the right exam for your deadlines, evaluate your current level, and compile an individual list of free tools that will save you months of work and thousands of dollars.
Your path to international education begins with one right step!
Leave your contacts — our consultant will get in touch
