For most international students, passing an English proficiency exam is not optional. It is a non-negotiable step on the path to university admission, and the test you choose can affect your application strategy, your preparation timeline, your visa eligibility, and ultimately your score.
IELTS and TOEFL are the two dominant options. Both are accepted by thousands of universities across the world, both test the same four core skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), and both require meaningful preparation to score competitively. But they are built around fundamentally different philosophies, and the experience of sitting each exam is quite distinct.
2026 adds a specific wrinkle worth knowing about: ETS has introduced a significantly revised TOEFL iBT format starting January 21, 2026, with adaptive testing, shorter total duration, and modernized content. IELTS has made no major structural changes and continues with its established format. If you have been preparing for the TOEFL based on older materials, you need to update your strategy.
This guide covers everything you need to make the right choice: the full format breakdown for both exams, the 2026 TOEFL changes, scoring systems, country-by-country acceptance patterns, exam fees, difficulty considerations, and a practical decision framework based on your destination and test-taking style.
What Each Test Is and Who Runs It
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
IELTS was established in 1980 and is co-owned and administered by three organizations: the British Council, IDP Education (IDP: IELTS Australia), and Cambridge Assessment English. It is available in two formats: Academic, for students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate university programmes, and General Training, designed for immigration, work, or vocational purposes. If you are applying to a university, you need the Academic version.
IELTS is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations in 140 countries and is the required or preferred test for UK and Australian student visas, as well as most Commonwealth country immigration pathways.
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL was established in 1964 and is administered exclusively by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a U.S.-based nonprofit. The current standard version is the TOEFL iBT (internet-based test), which tests the same four skills as IELTS but is conducted entirely online. TOEFL has no general-purpose equivalent to IELTS General Training; it is designed exclusively for academic purposes.
TOEFL is accepted at more than 12,000 institutions worldwide and is the dominant standard at U.S. universities. It has a slight edge over IELTS in American university acceptance and a strong presence in Canadian institutions as well.
Quick Insights
- IELTS and TOEFL test the same four skills but differ significantly in format, speaking environment, question variety, and the English variety they emphasize.
- The TOEFL iBT introduced a major format update on January 21, 2026: adaptive testing, a shorter two-hour duration, and a new Academic Discussion writing task. IELTS made no major changes in 2026.
- IELTS is required for UK student visas. TOEFL is not accepted for UK visa purposes, regardless of whether a UK university lists it for admission.
- IELTS carries a slight global edge in reach and is the better default choice for students applying to multiple countries, particularly if the UK is among their targets.
- TOEFL is the dominant standard for U.S. university admissions and is the safer choice for students targeting American institutions exclusively.
- Typical minimum scores for postgraduate admission: IELTS 6.5 overall; TOEFL 90 overall. Elite programmes commonly require IELTS 7.0 to 7.5 or TOEFL 100 to 110.
- The benchmark conversion is IELTS 6.5 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 79 to 93. This is an estimate, not an official exchange rate.
- Choose based on your study destination, your speaking preference (face-to-face vs. recorded), and your familiarity with British or American English, not based on which test sounds easier.
- Both scores are valid for two years.
The 2026 TOEFL Update: What Has Changed
Starting January 21, 2026, ETS introduced a substantially revised TOEFL iBT format. If you are preparing for the TOEFL in 2026, these changes directly affect your study plan and test experience.
Adaptive testing. The new TOEFL iBT adjusts the difficulty of questions in real time based on your performance. This is designed to create a more accurate and personalized measure of your ability rather than presenting every test-taker with an identical question set.
Shorter total duration. The test now takes approximately two hours, reduced from the previous three-to-four-hour format. The mandatory mid-test break has been eliminated.
Modernized content. Test content now reflects real university contexts more directly. The previous format included some classical academic topics; the updated version draws on contemporary academic materials, including modern lectures, emails, and practical academic discussions.
Writing task change. The independent writing task has been replaced with a Writing for an Academic Discussion task, where you must respond to an online classroom discussion prompt, a format that more closely mirrors actual U.S. university coursework.
Score continuity. During a two-year transition period, ETS will continue to provide a comparable 0 to 120 score alongside the new adaptive scoring, so universities receiving your scores can interpret them on the familiar scale.
IELTS has made no equivalent structural changes in 2026. Its format, scoring system, and section structure remain exactly as they were.
Full Format Comparison: Section by Section
Listening
| Feature | IELTS Academic and General Training | TOEFL iBT (2026 Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Four sections: social/academic conversations and monologues; varied accents | Academic lectures and campus conversations in American English |
| Number of questions | 40 questions | Varies under adaptive format |
| Duration | 30 minutes plus 10 minutes transfer time | Approximately 41 to 57 minutes |
| Accents | British, Australian, American, and other English varieties | Primarily American English |
| Answer format | Multiple choice, matching, completion, diagram labelling | Multiple choice and other formats |
The IELTS listening section exposes you to multiple English accents and a broader range of social situations alongside academic content. The TOEFL listening section is narrower in scope and accent, focusing specifically on American university academic environments: lectures, seminars, and campus conversations.
If you are more comfortable with American English and academic lecture-style content, the TOEFL listening format is likely to feel more natural. If you have been exposed to a wider range of English varieties, IELTS may suit you better.
Preparation tips for both:
- Practice active listening with note-taking, since you are expected to answer questions from memory without replaying audio.
- For IELTS, expose yourself to a range of English accents: BBC, ABC (Australia), and Canadian broadcasts all help.
- For TOEFL, focus on academic lecture podcasts and university lecture series available on YouTube.
Reading
| Feature | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026 Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of passages | Three long academic passages | Three to four academic passages |
| Number of questions | 40 questions | Ten questions per passage |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 54 to 72 minutes (adaptive) |
| Question variety | Multiple choice, matching, diagram labelling, true/false/not given, sentence completion, and others | Primarily multiple choice; some fill-in-the-table and summary tasks |
| Content | Scholarly and academic texts; non-fiction | Strictly academic, university-level texts |
IELTS offers considerably more variety in question types than TOEFL. The “true/false/not given” question type, in particular, catches many test-takers off guard the first time they encounter it, because it requires making careful distinctions between information that is stated, contradicted, or simply absent from the text.
TOEFL reading is more predictable in format, which makes structured preparation more straightforward. However, its texts are more consistently demanding in academic register and complexity.
Preparation tips for both:
- Skim texts for structure before reading in detail.
- Practice identifying the main argument and supporting claims in academic paragraphs.
- For IELTS, specifically practice true/false/not given and matching headings question types, which have no direct TOEFL equivalent.
Writing
| Feature | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026 Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Describe or summarize visual data (graph, table, chart, map, diagram) — 20 minutes | Integrated writing: Read a passage, listen to a lecture, then write a response — 20 minutes |
| Task 2 | Discursive or argumentative essay — 40 minutes | Academic discussion writing: Respond to an online classroom discussion prompt — 10 minutes |
| Total duration | 60 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Word count guidance | Task 1: minimum 150 words; Task 2: minimum 250 words | Varies by task |
The IELTS Academic writing section requires you to describe visual data in Task 1, a skill that TOEFL does not test at all. IELTS General Training replaces Task 1 data description with letter writing, which is relevant for students taking the immigration version but not the academic one.
The new TOEFL 2026 writing format has moved away from the long independent essay toward the Academic Discussion task, a shorter response in an online forum format. For students who struggle with producing lengthy, structured essays under time pressure, this change may make TOEFL writing feel more accessible.
Preparation tips for both:
- For IELTS Task 1, practice describing all five major visual types: bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, and process diagrams.
- For IELTS Task 2 and TOEFL independent writing, build essays around a clear thesis, two to three developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
- Prioritize accuracy and coherence over length. Examiners reward organized, relevant writing.
Speaking
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL iBT (2026 Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Face-to-face interview with a trained examiner | Recorded responses into a microphone; no live examiner |
| Structure | Three parts: interview, individual long turn (1-2 minutes), two-way discussion — 11 to 14 minutes | Four tasks: one independent and three integrated — 17 minutes |
| Timing | Natural conversational pacing | Strict time limits per response with countdown timer |
| Examiner feedback | Immediate interactive environment | None during the test |
The speaking section is where the two tests diverge most dramatically in the test-taking experience.
IELTS speaking feels like a structured conversation. You can ask for clarification, pause naturally, and build on the examiner’s follow-up questions. Many test-takers, particularly those who perform better in conversational settings, find this format more comfortable.
TOEFL speaking requires you to respond to questions into a microphone within strict time windows, seeing a countdown clock as you speak. For students who become anxious when speaking to a machine rather than a person, this format adds pressure. For students who are more comfortable without the social dynamics of a live interview, the TOEFL speaking environment can feel easier.
Preparation tips for both:
- Record yourself speaking regularly. Play back and evaluate your pacing, pronunciation, and whether you have addressed the question fully.
- For IELTS Part 2, practice the one-minute preparation plus two-minute extended response format until it feels natural.
- For TOEFL, practice responding to integrated tasks: read a short passage, listen to an audio clip, then summarize or comment in 60 seconds. The constraint is tighter than IELTS.
Scoring Systems: What You Need to Know
IELTS Scoring
IELTS uses a band score system from 0 to 9. Your overall band score is the average of your four section scores (listening, reading, writing, speaking), rounded to the nearest half band. Each section is scored independently.
| Band Score | Skill Level Description |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | Expert user |
| 8.0 to 8.5 | Very good user |
| 7.0 to 7.5 | Good user |
| 6.0 to 6.5 | Competent user |
| 5.0 to 5.5 | Modest user |
| Below 5.0 | Limited to non-user |
Many universities set both an overall band score requirement and minimum section scores. A common postgraduate requirement might be IELTS 6.5 overall with no section below 6.0. Meeting the overall band but falling short on a single section will not satisfy the requirement.
TOEFL Scoring
TOEFL scores each section from 0 to 30, giving a total score from 0 to 120. Section proficiency ranges are:
| Score Range | Level |
|---|---|
| 22 to 30 | High |
| 15 to 21 | Intermediate |
| 0 to 14 | Low |
Most universities requiring TOEFL for postgraduate admission set a threshold of 90 to 100 overall, with some more selective programmes requiring 100 to 110.
IELTS to TOEFL Score Conversion (Approximate)
| IELTS Band | Approximate TOEFL iBT Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 5.0 | 35 to 45 |
| 5.5 | 46 to 59 |
| 6.0 | 60 to 78 |
| 6.5 | 79 to 93 |
| 7.0 | 94 to 101 |
| 7.5 | 102 to 109 |
| 8.0 | 110 to 120 |
The widely accepted benchmark is IELTS 6.5 equals approximately TOEFL 79 to 93. This represents the minimum threshold for most postgraduate programmes and the UK student visa route.
These conversions are unofficial estimates. If a university requires a TOEFL score of 90, do not assume that IELTS 6.5 will automatically satisfy that requirement without checking the institution’s specific policy.
IELTS and TOEFL to CEFR Levels
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a universal proficiency scale used by many European universities and employers. The mapping to IELTS and TOEFL scores is approximate:
| CEFR Level | IELTS Band | TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|---|
| C2 (Mastery) | 8.5 and above | 111 to 120 |
| C1 (Advanced) | 7.0 to 8.0 | 95 to 110 |
| B2 (Upper Intermediate) | 5.5 to 6.5 | 72 to 94 |
| B1 (Intermediate) | 4.0 to 5.0 | 42 to 71 |
| A2 (Elementary) | Below 4.0 | 35 to 41 |
Most undergraduate programmes require at least B2 (IELTS 5.5 to 6.5). Most competitive postgraduate programmes require C1 (IELTS 7.0 and above, TOEFL 95 and above).
University and Country Acceptance: Where Each Test Is Preferred
United States
Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted at U.S. universities, but TOEFL has historically been the default standard. Most U.S. institutions require TOEFL 90 to 110 for graduate admission, with elite programmes at Harvard, MIT, and Stanford typically requiring 100 or above. IELTS scores of 6.5 to 7.5 are generally accepted equivalently.
If your applications are exclusively to U.S. institutions, TOEFL is the safer and more straightforward choice.
United Kingdom
IELTS is the dominant standard and is required for the UK student visa (formerly Tier 4). While many UK universities formally accept TOEFL for admission purposes, only approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) can be used for visa applications, and TOEFL is not on the SELT list. This is a critical distinction: if you plan to study in the UK, you almost certainly need IELTS, not TOEFL.
Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Imperial College London, and LSE all accept IELTS as the standard. Typical requirements range from IELTS 6.5 to 7.5, with some programmes requiring higher section minimums.
Australia and New Zealand
IELTS is the dominant test and is accepted for student visa applications through the Department of Home Affairs. Most Australian universities require IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate admission and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate programmes. New Zealand institutions typically require IELTS 6.0 to 6.5.
Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted for university admission in Australia, but IELTS carries a clear practical advantage when visa applications are involved.
Canada
Canada accepts both tests with equal institutional recognition. Most Canadian universities require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 for undergraduate admission, with graduate programmes typically requiring IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100. Students pursuing permanent residency through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programmes may also need IELTS (or the Canadian-specific CELPIP test) rather than TOEFL for immigration purposes.
If you are considering staying in Canada after your studies, IELTS has a practical advantage for the immigration pathway.
Europe
Most European universities accept both tests equally and have no strong institutional preference. The typical threshold for English-taught programmes is TOEFL 80 to 100 or IELTS 6.0 to 7.0, corresponding to the CEFR B2 to C1 range. In practice, choose whichever test you are likely to score higher on.
The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and France all treat both tests equivalently. There is no meaningful reason to choose one over the other based on destination alone for continental Europe.
Exam Fees by Region (2026)
Fees are set locally and vary by country due to operating costs, local taxes, and currency exchange rates. The table below reflects approximate current rates:
| Region | IELTS Fee | TOEFL Fee |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $245 to $255 | $225 |
| Canada | CAD 319 | CAD 245 to CAD 330 |
| United Kingdom | £165 to £195 | £180 to £230 |
| Australia | AUD 340 to AUD 395 | AUD 300 to AUD 375 |
| India | INR 16,250 | INR 16,900 |
| Europe | EUR 220 to EUR 240 | EUR 245 to EUR 255 |
In most markets, the cost difference between the two tests is minimal. Do not choose between IELTS and TOEFL based on price alone. The more significant financial consideration is whether you will need to retake the exam. Both tests allow retakes, but some institutions limit the number of scores they will consider, and each retake costs the full exam fee.
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Which Is Easier? An Honest Assessment
There is no universally easier test. The answer depends on your specific English language background, your comfort with the exam format, and how much you have prepared.
IELTS tends to suit students who:
- Are more comfortable with British English or a range of international accents
- Prefer face-to-face interaction for the speaking section rather than speaking into a microphone
- Enjoy variety in question formats rather than a predominantly multiple-choice approach
- Are applying for UK or Commonwealth country visas, where IELTS is required
TOEFL tends to suit students who:
- Are more comfortable with American English and academic American university contexts
- Prefer a fully computer-based, structured test environment with clear multiple-choice formats
- Find the adaptive format of the new 2026 TOEFL less intimidating than IELTS’s broader variety
- Are applying primarily to U.S. institutions
For students applying to both U.S. and UK universities, IELTS covers more ground: it is accepted everywhere TOEFL is accepted, and it satisfies the UK visa system where TOEFL does not.
What Scores Do You Need?
The table below shows typical minimum score requirements by country and level:
| Destination | IELTS (Undergraduate) | IELTS (Postgraduate) | TOEFL (Undergraduate) | TOEFL (Postgraduate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 6.0 to 6.5 | 6.5 to 7.5 | 80 to 90 | 90 to 110 |
| UK | 6.0 to 6.5 | 6.5 to 7.5 | Not valid for visa | Not valid for visa |
| Australia | 6.0 to 6.5 | 6.5 to 7.0 | 80 to 90 | 90 to 100 |
| Canada | 6.0 to 6.5 | 6.5 to 7.0 | 80 to 90 | 90 to 100 |
| Europe | 6.0 to 6.5 | 6.5 to 7.0 | 80 to 90 | 90 to 100 |
These are typical thresholds. Always verify the exact requirements on your target university’s official programme page, since many departments set section-by-section minimums that differ from the overall score threshold.
Practical Preparation Tips
Allow enough time. If you are starting from scratch, plan for at least eight weeks of focused preparation. If your target score is significantly above your current level, 12 to 16 weeks is more realistic.
Use official preparation materials. For IELTS, use the official Cambridge IELTS Practice Test series (currently up to Series 19). Both the British Council and IDP offer free online practice materials. For TOEFL, ETS sells official preparation materials at ets.org/toefl, and the Official TOEFL iBT Tests volumes are the most reliable resource. Use materials updated for the 2026 adaptive format.
Take a full-length practice test early. Take a complete timed practice exam under realistic conditions within your first two weeks of preparation. This identifies your weakest sections before you invest time studying the wrong things.
Focus on your weakest section first, then maintain the others. A student who scores 8.5 in listening and 5.5 in writing will not meet a 6.5 overall requirement. Section balance matters as much as overall strength.
Practice the exact speaking format. For IELTS, practice speaking extended responses on unfamiliar topics. For the new TOEFL adaptive format, practice integrated tasks that require you to synthesize a reading passage and audio clip into a spoken response within a strict time limit.
A Quick Decision Guide
Apply to UK universities only: Take IELTS. It is required for the student visa and is the standard at every UK institution.
Apply to U.S. universities only: Take TOEFL. It is the dominant standard and familiar to U.S. admissions committees.
Apply to both UK and U.S. universities: Take IELTS. It covers both destinations and satisfies visa requirements where TOEFL cannot.
Apply to Australian or New Zealand universities: Take IELTS. Both are accepted for admission, but IELTS is required for the student visa pathway.
Apply to Canadian universities: Either works. If you plan to stay in Canada afterward, IELTS may be more useful for the immigration pathway.
Apply to European universities (non-UK): Either works. Choose based on where you are likely to score higher, or take a practice test for both and compare.
You prefer face-to-face speaking and varied question formats: IELTS.
You prefer a fully computer-based test with a consistent structure: TOEFL, particularly the revised 2026 format.
Understanding which exam fits your goals is one piece of the picture. If you are targeting master’s programmes in the USA specifically, a detailed breakdown of available programmes, application requirements, and what to expect as an international student is covered in our guide to master’s programmes in the USA for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit both an IELTS and a TOEFL score to the same university? Most universities will accept either and will typically use whichever score you submit. Some institutions specify one test only, so check the application requirements carefully. Submitting both is generally not required or advantageous.
How many times can I retake the exam? IELTS can be taken as many times as needed, with a minimum gap of five days between attempts. TOEFL can also be retaken multiple times, with a minimum gap of 12 days between sittings. Some universities consider only your most recent score; others consider your highest. Check your target institution’s policy.
Do scores expire? Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. If you are applying to a programme that begins more than two years after you took the test, you will need to retake it.
Can I convert my IELTS score to TOEFL or vice versa for a university? No. Universities require the specific test they list in their requirements. Score conversion tables are useful for estimating your approximate equivalent, but they are not accepted by universities as a substitute for the actual test.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted as an alternative? An increasing number of universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as a more affordable and accessible alternative, though acceptance is not yet as universal as IELTS or TOEFL. If cost or test center access is a barrier, check whether your target institutions accept Duolingo before investing in IELTS or TOEFL preparation.
Which test is better for non-native speakers who learned British English? IELTS, in most cases. British English learners are more likely to be comfortable with the accents, vocabulary conventions, and question formats used in the IELTS listening and reading sections. The TOEFL’s strong American English orientation can disadvantage students whose exposure has been primarily to British English.
How do I send my scores to universities? IELTS scores are sent through the IDP or British Council portal. TOEFL scores are sent through ETS. Both allow you to designate a set number of free score recipients when you register for the exam, with additional sends available for a fee. Some universities now also accept self-reported scores for initial application purposes, with official score verification required only upon admission.
Final Words:
There is no universally superior test between IELTS and TOEFL. Both are credible, globally respected, and accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. The right choice comes down to three practical factors: where you are applying, how you perform in each format, and whether visa requirements narrow your options.
For most students applying outside the United States, IELTS is the safer default. It covers more visa systems, satisfies UK, Australian, and Canadian immigration requirements, and is accepted everywhere TOEFL is accepted. For students applying exclusively to U.S. institutions, TOEFL’s alignment with American academic English and its familiarity to U.S. admissions staff gives it a practical edge.
If you are genuinely unsure, take a free practice test for both under timed conditions and see where your scores naturally land. The test on which you perform better, given equivalent preparation, is almost certainly the right one to take.
