General Guide
TOEFL vs IELTS: Which Test Makes More Sense for You?
Both are globally recognised. The right choice depends on your destination, study style, and specific institution requirements.
5 min read · Updated April 2025
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | IELTS | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Mixed (paper/computer + face-to-face speaking) | Fully computer-based |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with a real examiner | Recorded responses to computer prompts |
| Listening accents | British, Australian, American, others | Primarily American English |
| Reading style | Mix of text types | Long academic passages |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe a visual (Academic) / Write a letter (General) | Integrated: read + listen + write |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Cost | ~$250–$300 | ~$200–$255 |
| Results | 3–5 business days | 4–8 business days |
Which Countries Prefer Which Test
| Destination | Preferred Test | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA (universities) | TOEFL or IELTS | Most US universities accept both equally |
| Canada (immigration) | IELTS only | IRCC does not accept TOEFL for immigration |
| Canada (universities) | Both accepted | Preference varies by institution |
| UK (universities + visa) | IELTS Academic | TOEFL accepted for study, not Tier 4 visa |
| Australia (immigration) | IELTS or PTE | TOEFL accepted for study, not for visa |
| Europe | IELTS often preferred | TOEFL accepted at many institutions |
Which Test Suits You Better?
- Take IELTS if: you prefer a live speaking interview, you're targeting UK or Australian immigration, or you want to apply to a wider global range of institutions
- Take TOEFL if: you're more comfortable with a fully digital format, you're primarily targeting US universities, or you prefer North American English accents in Listening
- Take both if: you have time, your top-choice institutions differ on preference, and you want to submit your stronger score
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Estimate my IELTS or TOEFL score →Frequently Asked Questions
Is TOEFL or IELTS accepted more widely?
IELTS has a slight edge globally — 11,000+ institutions vs TOEFL's 12,000+ (though the count methods differ). For practical purposes, both are accepted at almost all major universities. The deciding factor is usually your destination country and visa requirements.
Do US universities prefer TOEFL over IELTS?
Most US universities are neutral — both are equally accepted and neither is preferred. A few older institutions historically preferred TOEFL, but the gap has closed completely. Submit whichever score is stronger.
Are TOEFL and IELTS scores equivalent?
Roughly. TOEFL 79 ≈ IELTS 6.5. TOEFL 100 ≈ IELTS 7.0. TOEFL 110 ≈ IELTS 7.5. ETS and IELTS jointly publish a score comparison table, though exact equivalence varies per score range.