IELTS vs TOEFL: Choose the Right Test for Your Success
IELTS and TOEFL are popular English proficiency tests for students planning to study abroad. Choosing the right test can be confusing. Read on to learn which option suits you best.
Choose between IELTS and TOEFL — get expert guidance on the right test for you
What you'll learn in this article
International students planning to study abroad often face one key question: IELTS vs TOEFL. Both are popular English proficiency tests accepted by universities worldwide. However, students usually take only one of them when applying. So, understanding what is IELTS and TOEFL is the first step in choosing the right test.
On this page, we break down the main aspects of IELTS and TOEFL, giving you a clear and balanced comparison for students applying to study abroad universities.
Choose between IELTS and TOEFL — get expert guidance on the right test for you
IELTS vs TOEFL Overview
The IELTS and TOEFL are both key tests for assessing English proficiency, but they vary quite a bit in terms of format, cost, and how accessible they are. Here is a detailed IELTS versus TOEFL comparison.
| Aspects | IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Academic and General Training (for immigration/work) | Primarily for academic purposes |
| Global Acceptance | Recognised in over 150 countries | Widely accepted, especially in the USA |
| Test Formats | Computer-delivered and Paper-based | Internet-based Test (iBT) and Paper-based Test (PBT) |
| Versions | Two versions: Academic and General Training | One main version (iBT and PBT are essentially the same) |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes | Under 2 hours (approx. 1 hour 56 minutes) |
| Scoring | Scored on a 9-band scale | Scored out of 120 |
| Accent Variability | Variety of English accents (British, Australian, etc.) | Primarily American English |
| Speaking Test Format | Face-to-face interview with an examiner | Recorded responses via computer |
| Frequency & Availability | Available up to 48 times a year | Frequent test dates, primarily on weekends |
TOEFL vs IELTS: Comparison Table
The TOEFL vs IELTS comparison needs a detailed analysis of various aspects of both exams. Now, comparing these two language proficiency tests comes down to two major questions: TOEFL vs IELTS score and TOEFL vs IELTS cost. Knowing more about these two exams should help you make the right decision for you. So, here is complete comparison table between TOEFL vs IELTS.
| Criteria | IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Frequency of Exams | Up to 48 times a year | More than 50 test dates per year |
| Exam Mode | Computer-delivered and Paper-based | Internet-based Test (iBT) and Home Edition |
| Fees | $215 – $310 USD (Varies by country) | $205 – $275 USD (Varies by country) |
| Usage | Widely accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, and over 150 countries | Preferred by universities in the USA and Canada |
| Eligibility | No specific eligibility criteria | No specific eligibility criteria |
| Validity Period | 2 years | 2 years |
| Result Declaration | 13 days for paper-based, 3-5 days for computer-delivered | 4–8 days for iBT (typically 4 days) |
Both IELTS and TOEFL measure English proficiency, but they have some key differences. IELTS offers two formats: Academic and General Training, while TOEFL is primarily focused on academic English. IELTS is shorter and available in both computer and paper formats, with a face-to-face speaking test.
TOEFL, which is mainly internet-based, has a longer duration and conducts the speaking section via computer.
Additionally, each test has different fees and result timelines, reflecting their unique administrative processes.
Top Universities Accepting IELTS and TOEFL
When deciding between IELTS and TOEFL for studying abroad, it’s crucial to check which test your chosen universities accept. Each university might have specific score requirements and preferences, so understanding TOEFL vs IELTS score comparison helps you choose the right test and align your preparation with your academic goals.
| Universities | Accepted IELTS Score | Accepted TOEFL Score |
|---|---|---|
| University College London | 6.5 or higher | Typically requires a minimum TOEFL score of 110 overall, with at least 25 in each section. |
| University of South Alabama | 6.5 or higher | Generally accepts a minimum TOEFL score of 79 overall, with at least 18 in each section. |
| Northern Arizona University | 6.5 or higher | Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 61 overall for undergraduate programmes and 79 for graduate programmes. |
| Southern Alberta Institute of Technology | Minimum 5.5 | Accepts a minimum TOEFL score of 60 overall, with at least 18 in each section. |
| NorQuest College | Minimum 5.5 | Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section. |
| Trinity Western University | 6 or higher | Generally requires a minimum TOEFL score of 88 overall, with at least 20 in each section. |
| Thompson Rivers University | 6.5 or higher | Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section. |
| Yorkville University | 6 or higher | Accepts a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section. |
| Dalhousie University | 6.5 or higher | Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90 overall, with at least 20 in each section. |
| Vancouver Community College | 6 or higher | Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section. |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Exam Format
Both exams evaluate English proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, but they do so in different ways. Knowing the differences in the IELTS vs TOEFL exam formats can help you choose the test that best fits your needs.
| Test Section | IELTS Academic | Number of Questions | TOEFL iBT | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 3 passages with various types of questions (e.g., multiple choice, matching) | 40 questions | 2 passages with 20 questions | 30-40 questions |
| Listening | 4 recordings, including monologues and conversations | 40 questions | 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations with multiple-choice questions | 28 questions |
| Speaking | Face-to-face interview with an examiner, consisting of 3 parts | 3 tasks | 4 tasks, including independent and integrated speaking tasks, recorded responses | 4 tasks |
| Writing | 2 tasks: Task 1 (150 words) describes a graph, table, or diagram; Task 2 (250 words) is an essay | 2 tasks | 2 tasks: Integrated task (reading/listening and writing) and Writing for an Academic Discussion task | 2 tasks |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Section-wise Comparison and Question Types
While IELTS is known for its face-to-face speaking test and diverse question formats, TOEFL emphasises integrated tasks and is entirely computer-based.
| Sections | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | The IELTS Reading section consists of 3 passages with a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, and sentence completion, totalling 40 questions. | The TOEFL Reading section includes 2 passages with 20 multiple-choice questions (10 per passage). |
| Listening | The IELTS Listening section features 4 recordings, including monologues and conversations, with 40 questions that encompass multiple choice, matching, and labelling tasks. | The TOEFL Listening section has 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations, resulting in 28-39 multiple-choice questions, emphasising academic and campus-related scenarios. |
| Speaking | In the IELTS Speaking section, candidates participate in a face-to-face interview divided into 3 parts: a general introduction and interview, a long turn where the candidate speaks on a topic, and a discussion. | The TOEFL Speaking section includes 4 tasks: one independent task and three integrated tasks that combine speaking with reading and listening, with responses recorded by computer. |
| Writing | The IELTS Writing section comprises two tasks: the first task requires describing visual information in 150 words, and the second task is an essay of 250 words. | The TOEFL Writing section also includes a "Writing for an Academic Discussion" task (10 minutes). |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Scoring System Level
When comparing IELTS vs TOEFL difficulty, it's important to see how TOEFL vs. IELTS scores translate into various levels of language ability. The table below shows the corresponding proficiency levels for each test's scoring system.
| Degree level | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 5 | 35-45 |
| Undergraduate | 6 | 60-78 |
| Postgraduate | 7 | 94-101 |
For a detailed IELTS vs TOEFL band score comparison, the following table illustrates how the band score ranges for IELTS align with TOEFL score ranges.
| IELTS Band Score | TOEFL Band Score |
|---|---|
| 0-4 | 0-31 |
| 4.5 | 32-34 |
| 5 | 35-45 |
| 5.5 | 46-59 |
| 6 | 60-78 |
| 6.5 | 79-93 |
| 7 | 94-101 |
| 7.5 | 102-109 |
| 8 | 110-114 |
| 8.5 | 115-117 |
| 9 | 118-120 |
Preparation Tips: IELTS vs TOEFL
Be it IELTS or TOEFL, both are crucial language proficiency tests, and scoring high on either of them is important for students to study abroad at a university of their choice and get student visa.
So here are some of the key IELTS and TOEFL preparation tips for you to use:
Preparation Tips: IELTS
Preparing for the IELTS exam requires a thorough approach:
- Understand the Test Structure: Familiarise yourself with the format of each section—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to improve your pacing and performance.
- Build Language Skills: Work on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills through targeted practice.
- Focus on Academic English: Since the test assesses academic language proficiency, practise reading and writing academic texts.
- Develop Speaking Skills: Practise speaking fluently on various topics, and seek opportunities for structured speaking practice.
- Manage Time Effectively: Learn to manage your time during the exam, allocating appropriate time to each section.
- Get Feedback: Receive feedback on your practice tests and speaking performances to identify and address weaknesses.
Preparation Tips: TOEFL
Preparing for the TOEFL exam involves the following tips:
- Understand the Format: Familiarise yourself with the TOEFL structure, including all sections and types of questions.
- Practice Regularly: Take full-length practice tests to build stamina and get used to the test’s timing.
- Improve Typing Speed: Since the TOEFL is computer-based, enhancing your typing speed can help in the writing section.
- Build Vocabulary: Expand your academic vocabulary to excel in the reading and listening sections.
- Develop Note-taking Skills: Practise taking concise and effective notes during listening tasks.
- Use Official Study Materials: Utilise resources like TOEFL practice tests and prep books from ETS.
- Enhance Speaking Skills: Record yourself speaking on various topics and get feedback to improve fluency and coherence.
- Work on Integrated Tasks: Focus on combining reading, listening, and writing tasks, as TOEFL emphasises these skills.
Countries that Accept IELTS Vs TOEFL
IELTS is widely accepted in over 140 countries, including key English-speaking nations and various other regions. It is recognised for both academic and immigration purposes, making it a popular choice among international students and professionals.
IELTS Acceptance
Number of Countries: Over 140
Top 10 Countries:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States
- Ireland
- South Africa
- Singapore
- Germany
- Netherlands
TOEFL is accepted in over 150 countries, primarily focusing on academic institutions. It is especially prevalent in the United States and Canada but is also recognised globally, making it suitable for students aiming to study in English-speaking countries.
TOEFL Acceptance
Number of Countries: Over 150
Top 10 Countries:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
- Germany
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India.
Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding their unique features can help you make the right decision.
IELTS is accepted in over 140 countries and is particularly favoured in places like the UK, Australia, and Canada. It includes a face-to-face speaking test, which some people find more personal and interactive. The scores range from 0 to 10, offering a detailed look at your English skills.
On the other hand, TOEFL is accepted in more than 150 countries and is especially popular with many institutions in the US and Canada. It’s mainly computer-based, with integrated tasks that test your ability to use English in an academic context. TOEFL scores range from 10 to 160.
For international students, the choice between these tests should be guided by your destination country, your preference for test format, and your specific academic or immigration needs.
Don’t let the test process overwhelm you, contact AECC today to start your journey towards academic success and make your international study dreams a reality.
IELTS vs TOEFL FAQs
As of early 2026, the TOEFL iBT has transitioned into a significantly shorter, adaptive format that typically takes about 90 to 116 minutes to complete. In contrast, the IELTS Academic remains a linear test with a consistent duration of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. While TOEFL focuses on integrated tasks (e.g., reading and listening before writing), IELTS assesses each of the four language skills as independent, distinct modules.
The choice often depends on your comfort with human interaction. IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner, which can be conducted in person or via a video call. This allows for natural conversation and clarification. Conversely, TOEFL Speaking is entirely computer-based; you record your responses into a microphone following digital prompts, which is then scored using a combination of AI and human raters.
While both are globally recognized, they have regional strengths. TOEFL is the traditional preference for U.S. universities, accepted by over 13,000 institutions. IELTS is the primary choice for the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, especially when a "UKVI" version is required for visa purposes. For Canada, both tests are widely accepted for university admissions, though IELTS is frequently utilized for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and immigration.
IELTS uses a 9-band scale, reporting scores in whole or half bands (e.g., 6.5 or 7.0). Most competitive universities require an overall 7.0. TOEFL iBT scores range from 0 to 120, with each of the four sections worth 30 points; elite programs typically seek scores above 100. While official concordance tables exist, 2026 updates to TOEFL's scoring mean you must verify the specific "band" or "total score" requirements directly with your university’s admission office.
In 2026, the registration fees for both exams have remained competitive, averaging around INR 18,000 to ₹20,000 (approx. $215–$250 USD) depending on your location. For students on tight deadlines, TOEFL offers faster results, typically available within 3 to 6 days. IELTS results for the computer-based version take 3 to 5 days, while the traditional paper-based test can take up to 13 days for results to be released.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Bindu Mary Idicula
Test Prep, Courses & Application Expert | 20 Years in International Education
Bindu Mary Idicula has spent over 20 years in international education, writing on three areas that students navigate across every study abroad destination: standardised tests, course selection and application documents. She covers TOEFL, SAT, ACT, OET, GRE and GMAT, writes on standalone course guides across disciplines, and covers the application documents students need including Letters of Recommendation, Statements of Purpose, academic essays and CVs.
What connects these three areas is the same practical angle. She does not write about tests, courses or application documents in the abstract. She writes about what students need to know when they are actively deciding: which test is required for a specific course and destination, what a particular discipline looks like across different countries, and what makes an SOP or LOR work for a student with a specific academic background. That specificity comes from two decades of student consultations.
Her articles across the AECC platform have been read over 650,000 times. The breadth of topics she covers reflects the range of questions students bring to consultations, from which exam to take first to how to write a CV that works for an international university application. She holds an MBA in Marketing and is based at AECC's Tamil Nadu offices.
