IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which Exam is Best for Studying Abroad?

For students aspiring to pursue higher education in an international institution, English language proficiency is a key requirement. Two of the most widely accepted English proficiency exams to study abroad (IELTS vs. TOEFL) are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). While both serve a similar purpose, they differ in format, scoring, and acceptance by universities. This article will help you understand the differences between IELTS and TOEFL to determine which exam suits your study abroad goals best.

 

Understanding IELTS and TOEFL

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS is a globally recognized English proficiency test, primarily used by universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and some European institutions. It evaluates candidates in four key areas:

• Listening (30 minutes)

• Reading (60 minutes)

• Writing (60 minutes)

• Speaking (11-14 minutes)

IELTS is available in two formats:

1. IELTS Academic – Required for students applying for higher education abroad.

2. IELTS General Training – Used for work or migration purposes.

The test is scored on a band scale of 0 to 9, with most universities requiring a score between 6.0 and 7.5.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL is widely accepted in the United States and some Canadian and European universities. Like IELTS, TOEFL assesses four main skills:

• Reading (60-80 minutes)

• Listening (60-90 minutes)

• Speaking (20 minutes)

• Writing (50 minutes)

Unlike IELTS, TOEFL is an internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), although a paper-based version exists in some locations. It is scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with most universities requiring scores between 80 and 100.

Key Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL

Feature	IELTS	TOEFL
Test Format	Paper-based & Computer-based	Internet-based (TOEFL iBT)
Speaking Test	Face-to-face with an examiner	Recorded responses via a computer
Scoring System	Band score (0-9)	Scored out of 120
Preferred Countries	UK, Australia, Canada, Europe	USA, Canada, some European countries
Writing Section	Task 1 (Graph/Letter) & Task 2 (Essay)	Integrated Writing & Independent Writing
Listening Section	Conversations & Academic lectures	Academic-style lectures & conversations

Which Exam Should You Choose?

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL depends on your academic goals, personal strengths, and university requirements.

• Consider IELTS if:

  • You are comfortable with face-to-face speaking exams.

  • You prefer a mix of academic and conversational English.

  • You are applying to universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, or Europe.

• Consider TOEFL if:

  • You prefer a computerized test format.

  • You are comfortable answering questions in an academic lecture format.

  • You are applying to universities in the USA or select Canadian institutions.

Conclusion

Both IELTS and TOEFL are excellent options for proving English proficiency for international education. It is essential to research the specific language requirements of your desired university before deciding. If you are planning to take one of these exams to study abroad (check more details here). Evaluate your strengths, test format preference, and university requirements to make the best choice for your future studies.