IELTS vs TOEFL: Which One is Best For You in 2025?

Currently, over 13 lakh Indian students are studying abroad, driven by rising global opportunities. Since 2024, TOEFL takers in India have increased by 59% and IELTS by 15%, reflecting this growing trend. With more students studying abroad, knowing the format, country focus, and university requirements helps you choose the right exam.

Choosing the right exam impacts study plans in the U.S. and immigration to Canada or the UK. It will help you prepare efficiently, save costs, and meet university or visa requirements. This blog breaks down IELTS vs TOEFL to help you decide.

IELTS vs TOEFL: A Comprehensive Overview

IELTS and TOEFL are the two most widely taken English proficiency exams. IELTS has over 4 million test-takers annually, while TOEFL has been taken over 40 million times globally since its launch.

TOEFL is accepted by over 12,500+ institutions worldwide, including top universities in the U.S. like Harvard and MIT. IELTS is widely preferred for the UK, Canada, and Australia.

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL depends on your career goals and regional preferences. 

For example, TOEFL primarily features American English accents, making it more aligned with U.S. universities. IELTS includes British, Australian, and Canadian accents, which may be preferable for those targeting the UK, Canada, or Australia.

Below is a breakdown of the IELTS vs TOEFL examinations:

What is IELTS? Key Insights

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that measures English proficiency. It is required for university admissions and immigration in countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

The British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge English Language Assessment conduct IELTS. IELTS tests real-world English skills, with the Academic version suited for university admissions and the General Training version used for migration and work.

Below are the details of IELTS exam:

Criteria	Component	Details
Test Format and Skills Tested	Listening (30 minutes, 40 questions)	4 sections with different accents.  Includes conversations & monologues.
	Reading (60 minutes, 40 questions)	Academic: Texts from books & journals General: Ads, articles, official documents
	Writing (60 minutes, 2 tasks)	Task 1: Describe data (Academic) / Write a letter (General) Task 2: Opinion-based essay
	Speaking (11–14 minutes, face-to-face interview)	Introduction and general questions 2-minute speech Discussion on ideas related to Part 2
Availability and Cost	Exam Conduction	Offered up to 4 times a month.
	IELTS Exam Fees	INR 17,000
Location of Test Centers	Countries	United States United Kingdom Canada Australia India
	IELTS Test Centres in India	Mumbai Delhi Bengaluru Chennai Kolkata

Also Read: Types of IELTS Test: Which is Right IELTS Academic or General Training

TOEFL is another standardized English test widely accepted by universities in the US and Canada. Let’s take a closer look at its details.

What is TOEFL? An In-Depth Review

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) assesses English proficiency with an academic focus, emphasizing lecture-based listening and formal writing that reflect university settings. 

It is recognized by over 11,000 U.S. institutions, including MIT and Stanford. TOEFL is preferred for academic-specific goals like research or PhD programs. In Canada, universities like the University of Toronto and McGill accept TOEFL for admissions.

Administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), TOEFL includes listening to lectures, reading academic texts, writing essays, and speaking on academic topics.

Here are the details of the TOEFL exam:

Criteria	Component	Details
Test Format and Skills Tested	Listening (36 min, 28 questions)	University-style lectures and discussions, multiple accents.
	Reading (35 min, 20 questions)	Academic texts from books and journals, multiple-choice questions.
	Writing (29 min, 2 tasks)	Integrated task (read/listen/write) and independent essay writing.
	Speaking (16 min, 4 tasks)	Respond to questions, summarize lectures, and express opinions.
Availability and Cost	Exam Conduction	Available over 60 times a year at test centers and online (TOEFL iBT Home Edition).
	TOEFL Exam Fee	INR 16,900
Location of Test Centers	Countries	United States United Kingdom Canada Australia India
	Cities in India	Mumbai Delhi Bengaluru Chennai Kolkata

Also Read: TOEFL Exam Pattern 2025 – Format, Sections, Scoring & Preparation

Now that you’ve covered the exam structures, fees, and test centers, let's compare IELTS and TOEFL to help you decide which test is right for you.

Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL: Key Distinctions

IELTS is used for academics, work, and migration, whereas TOEFL is primarily accepted for academic admissions and some professional certifications. If you prefer direct interaction with an examiner, IELTS includes a face-to-face speaking test, while TOEFL records your answers. 

Also, IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based options, while TOEFL is primarily computer-based and conducted at test centers or as a home edition.

Here are the key differences between IELTS vs TOEFL:

Parameter	IELTS	TOEFL
Purpose	Used for academic, work, and migration.	Primarily for academic admissions.
Test Mode	Paper-based & computer-based.	Computer-based (iBT) & home edition.
Accent Exposure	Global accents like British and Australian.	Primarily American English accents.
Speaking Test	Face-to-face with an examiner.	Recorded responses assessed by raters.
Writing Style	Short, direct responses.	More structured, academic essay-style.
Test Adaptability	Offers General Training and Academic versions to match different needs.	Only has an Academic format, making it less flexible for migration purposes.
Type of Listening Material	Conversations and monologues in academic, social, and workplace settings, with global accents.	University-style lectures, discussions, and conversations, primarily in North American English.
Types of Questions	Fill-in-the-blanks, matching, and short-answer questions.	Primarily multiple-choice questions.

IELTS and TOEFL have distinct exam formats, with IELTS offering both paper-based and computer-based options, while TOEFL is entirely computer-based. Let’s explore these differences in detail.

Examination Structure

IELTS takes longer (2 hrs 45 min) than TOEFL (under 2 hrs). The break between sections in IELTS might reduce fatigue, but TOEFL requires students to focus for the whole 2-hour duration.

Both have four sections, but IELTS gives you more time for reading and writing. For speaking, IELTS lets you talk to a real examiner, while TOEFL records your responses for future grading.

Here’s how they differ based on examination structure:

Parameter	IELTS	TOEFL
Test Duration	Around 2 hours and 45 minutes with breaks. Better for those who prefer short breaks.	Around 2 hours, with no breaks. Suited for students who can sustain focus.
Listening	30 minutes: Different accents, real-life conversations.	36 minutes: University lectures, multiple-choice questions.
Reading	60 minutes: Mix of academic & general texts.	36 minutes: University lectures, multiple-choice questions.
Writing	60 minutes, 2 tasks (data description & essay).	29 minutes, 2 tasks (integrated & opinion-based essay).
Speaking	11–14 minutes: Face-to-face with an examiner.	16 minutes: Recorded responses.

Now, let’s explore the differences in evaluation, including score range and calculation.

Scoring and Evaluation

IELTS scores you on a 0–9 band, while TOEFL goes up to 120. IELTS takes the average of your four section scores, but TOEFL gives the sum of the four sections. Both scores remain valid for two years. Understanding scoring is important as institutions have specific requirements (e.g., 6.5+), and it helps you set clear goals.

Universities, like Stanford, require minimum TOEFL section scores, often prioritizing higher writing (22–25) and speaking (22–26) scores for coursework-heavy programs. IELTS is more flexible, but top schools often expect at least 6.0–6.5 in each section, with competitive programs requiring 7.0 or higher in writing and speaking.

Here’s how they differ based on scoring and evaluation:

Parameter	IELTS	TOEFL
Score Range	0–9 band scale (in 0.5 increments).	0–120 points (scaled per section).
Section Scoring	Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) has a 0–9 score.	Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) has a 0–30 score.
Overall Score	It is an average of four section scores, rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band.	It is the sum of four section scores (out of 120).
Evaluation Method	Human examiners assess writing and speaking.	Writing and Speaking are AI-graded with human ratings.
Score Validity	2 years	2 years
Result Time	1–13 days (Computer: 1–2 days, Paper: around 13 days)	4–8 days

Need to convert your TOEFL score to an IELTS equivalent for university applications? upGrad’s TOEFL to IELTS Score Calculator helps you convert your score, expanding your university options effortlessly!

After looking at how IELTS and TOEFL differ in their exam methods, let’s see how they apply to visa applications.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which One is Better for Visa Applications?

If you're applying for immigration, IELTS is the better choice, especially for countries like Canada, where it is accepted for permanent residency (PR) and work visas. TOEFL, on the other hand, is mainly accepted by universities for study visas.

Here’s how IELTS vs TOEFL differ in visa applications:

Parameter	IELTS	TOEFL
Visa Types Accepted	Study, work, and migration visas.	Mostly study visas. Additional tests are needed for migration.
Immigration Approval	Accepted for Canada PR (Express Entry), Australia, and New Zealand migration.	Not accepted for immigration, only for study.
Test Type for Visa	IELTS Academic or General Training.	TOEFL iBT for study purposes.
Government Recognition	Recognized by governments for permanent residency (PR).	Mainly recognized by universities.
UK Student Visa Requirement	IELTS for UKVI is mandatory for UK student visas unless applying to certain universities with alternative assessments.	Not accepted for UK student visa applications unless the university has given exemptions.

After exploring their features, structure, and role in migration, let’s see which countries accept IELTS and TOEFL.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Where Are These Tests Accepted?

IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted for university admissions and immigration worldwide. IELTS is popular in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, while TOEFL is commonly used in the U.S. universities and many European institutions.

Below are the countries where IELTS and TOEFL are accepted:

Which Countries Accept IELTS?

English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand widely accept IELTS for university admissions and immigration. Non-English-speaking nations like Germany, France, and the Netherlands also recognize IELTS for international students. 

Minimum score requirements vary, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 in the U.S. and 6.0 to 7.0 in Germany, depending on the university and program.

Here are some countries accepting IELTS:

Country Accepting IELTS	Minimum Score for Graduate	Minimum Score for Post-Graduate
United States	6.0 to 6.5	6.5 to 7.5
United Kingdom	6.0 to 6.5	6.5 to 7.0
Canada	6.0 to 7.5	6.5 to 8.0
Australia	6.0 to 7.0	6.5 to 7.0
New Zealand	6.0 to 6.5	6.5 to 7.0
Ireland	6.0 to 6.5	6.5 to 7.0
Germany	6.0 to 6.5	6.5 to 7.0
Singapore	6.0 to 6.5	6.5 to 7.0
UAE	5.5 to 6.0	6.0 to 6.5
France	6.0 to 6.5	6.5 to 7.0

Note: The minimum score depends on the university, specific program, and whether it is for undergraduate or postgraduate admission. Some top institutions may have higher requirements.

Also Read: What is a Good IELTS Score? Understanding Band Requirements for Study, Work, and Immigration in 2025

Which Countries Accept TOEFL?

TOEFL is required for university admissions in countries like the U.S and Canada, with top institutions like MIT and Harvard accepting it for competitive programs like computer science. 

Here are some countries accepting TOEFL:

Country Accepting TOEFL	Minimum Score for Graduate	Minimum Score for Post-Graduate
United States	70 to 100	80 to 110
United Kingdom	80 to 100	90 to 110
Canada	80 to 100	90 to 110
Australia	60 to 90	79 to 100
New Zealand	80 to 90	90 to 100
Ireland	79 to 90	90 to 100
Germany	80 to 100	90 to 110
Singapore	85 to 100	90 to 110
UAE	61 to 80	80 to 110
France	80 to 100	90 to 110

Note: The minimum score depends on the university, specific program, and whether it is for undergraduate or postgraduate admission. Some top institutions may have higher requirements.

Also Read: TOEFL Accepted Countries - Things to Know

After listing the countries that accept IELTS and TOEFL, let’s now explore the key factors that influence which exam might be easier for you.

Which One is Easier? IELTS or TOEFL

The ease of IELTS vs. TOEFL depends on your familiarity with the test's format and skills. If you’re comfortable speaking face-to-face, IELTS is better; if you prefer recorded responses, go for TOEFL. 

IELTS features a variety of question types, including fill-in-the-blank, matching, short answers, and essays. TOEFL primarily uses multiple-choice questions in reading and listening but also includes spoken responses and integrated tasks. Choose IELTS if you like flexibility in answering, and TOEFL if you’re comfortable with a fixed structure.

Here’s how you can choose between IELTS vs TOEFL based on difficulty:

• Face-to-Face vs. Recorded Responses
  • IELTS: Includes an in-person interview with an examiner or video call in certain cases. If you're comfortable with spontaneous discussions, this is an advantage. However, if you struggle with verbal fluency under pressure, this can be tough.
  • TOEFL: Requires speaking into a microphone, with responses recorded and graded by AI and human raters. This suits those who give structured answers, but can be stressful in the absence of human interaction.
• Handwritten vs. Typed Essays
  • IELTS: Offers both paper-based and computer-based options. If your typing speed is slow, the paper test may be a better fit.
  • TOEFL: Fully computer-based, which means you have to type both essays within the time limit. If you’re not fast at typing, this could affect your score.
• Variety vs. Multiple-Choice Focus
  • IELTS: Includes different question types (fill-in-the-blanks, matching, short answers), which suit students who struggle with multiple-choice logic.
  • TOEFL: Primarily uses multiple-choice questions in reading and listening, but also includes spoken responses and integrated tasks.
• Accents and Note-Taking
  • IELTS: Features different English accents (British, Australian, American, etc.), which can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with them.
  • TOEFL: Focuses mostly on American English, but needs detailed note-taking, as questions come after the audio.
•  Strict vs. Flexible Timing
  • IELTS: Allows you to shift between questions within a section, which is useful if you want to return to tough ones later.
  • TOEFL: Follows a fixed sequence, meaning you must answer each question before moving on, which can affect performance.

Now that you have a clearer idea of the differences between IELTS and TOEFL, it's time to decide which exam aligns with your skills and study goals.

Which One Should You Pick? Factors to Consider

Choosing between IELTS vs TOEFL depends on your study or work goals, country preferences, and available resources. For example, TOEFL is primarily used for academic admissions, especially in the U.S. and Canada. It is also accepted for some immigration and work visa applications, particularly in Australia.

Additionally, IELTS has more official preparation resources (like British Council resources), making self-study easier.

Here are the key factors to help you decide between IELTS vs TOEFL:

• Study, Work & Immigration Acceptance
  • IELTS: Accepted for study, work, and immigration in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Europe. Essential for PR applications in Canada and Australia.
  • TOEFL: Primarily used for academic admissions, especially in U.S. and Canadian universities. Not widely accepted for immigration or work visas.
• Test Preparation & Resources
  • IELTS: Has extensive free and paid practice resources, including official Cambridge IELTS books and British Council materials.
  • TOEFL: Provides multiple free official practice tests through ETS, alongside structured online courses and prep materials.. If you need structured study resources, IELTS offers more variety.
• Impact of Score on Admissions & Scholarships
  • IELTS: Some universities have section-wise minimum score requirements. For example, the University of Toronto requires an overall 7.0 but mandates at least 6.5 in writing. A high overall band doesn’t always guarantee admission.
  • TOEFL: Many universities, like Harvard University, require a minimum 100, but individual section scores are less restrictive. Additionally, some U.S. institutions, like Stanford University, use TOEFL scores as part of scholarship eligibility.
• Availability & Retake Strategy 
  • IELTS: Offered up to 4 times a month, but slot availability can be limited in some locations. Retaking means waiting for the next available test date.
  • TOEFL: Available over 50 times a year with more flexible rescheduling. You can retake the test sooner if you need to improve your score.
• Exam Fatigue & Stamina 
  • IELTS: The speaking test is conducted separately, sometimes on a different day, which can reduce test-day exhaustion. However, this means multiple trips to the test center.
  • TOEFL: The entire exam, including the speaking section, is completed in one sitting (around 2 hours). This requires strong concentration, as fatigue can impact later sections like writing.

After gaining practical insights into choosing between IELTS and TOEFL, let's explore alternative English proficiency tests available.

Is it Possible to Study Abroad Without IELTS or TOEFL?

Some top universities, including select programs at Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, may accept alternative English tests like PTE and Cambridge English Test. However, TOEFL and IELTS remain the primary choices for international students.

Some universities follow a "test-optional" policy, where English tests are not mandatory if applicants meet other criteria (e.g., prior education in English). The University of Colorado Boulder and California State University are among institutions adopting this approach for some programs.

Additionally, countries like Norway and Italy allow students to study in English without IELTS or TOEFL, especially if they provide proof of prior education in English.

Here’s how you can study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL:

Which Countries Accept Alternative Exams Instead of IELTS or TOEFL?

European countries like Germany, and English-speaking countries like Canada and the US, accept alternative exams such as the Duolingo English Test and Pearson Test of English (PTE). However, requirements vary by university and program, and some visa processes may still require IELTS or TOEFL.

Top universities like the University of Toronto (Canada) and Oxford University (UK) accept these alternative exams, making TOEFL and IELTS non-compulsory

Here are some countries that do not require IELTS or TOEFL:

Country	University	Alternative Exam
Germany	Technical University of Munich	C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency PTE
	University of Göttingen	C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency PTE
	University of Freiburg	English proficiency at a minimum B2 level.
France	École Normale Supérieure (ENS) Paris	B2 or C1 level in English
	Sciences Po	C1 English level
Australia	University of Melbourne	Certificate in Advanced English PTE
	University of Sydney	PTE Cambridge C1 Advanced Cambridge C2 Proficiency scores.
	University of Western Australia	PTE International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)  Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Norway	University of Oslo	Cambridge Assessment Test PTE International Baccalaureate (IB)
	University of Bergen	Cambridge Assessment Test PTE International Baccalaureate (IB)
	Norwegian School of Economics	B2 level of English proficiency.
Spain	Universidad Antonio de Nebrija	B2 level of English proficiency
	Pablo de Olavide University	B1 level of English proficiency
	University of Valencia	B1 and B2 level of English proficiency
Poland	University of Warsaw	Cambridge C1 Advanced Cambridge C2 Proficiency International Baccalaureate Diploma European Baccalaureate Diploma PTE
	Jagiellonian University in Kraków	Cambridge B2 First Cambridge C1 Advanced Cambridge C2 Proficiency International Baccalaureate Diploma European Baccalaureate Diploma
	University of Gdańsk	Cambridge B2 First Cambridge C1 Advanced Cambridge C2 Proficiency International Baccalaureate Diploma PTE
Italy	University of Milan	Oxford English Test International Baccalaureate Diploma PTE ISE Integrated Skills Examinations LanguageCert International ESOL
	Sapienza University	PTE ISE Integrated Skills Examinations Cambridge English Test
	University of Bologna	ISE Integrated Skills Examinations Cambridge English Test
United States	University of Arkansas	PTE Duolingo English Test Cambridge C1 Advanced ACT English Subscore SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Subscore
	California State University	PTE Duolingo
	Drexel University	Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam PTE Duolingo
Canada	University of Toronto	Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Duolingo English Test International Baccalaureate (IB) English PTE Caribbean Examinations Council English courses
	McGill University	Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Duolingo English Test PTE
	University of British Columbia	Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Duolingo English Test PTE
United Kingdom	Oxford University	European Baccalaureate C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency PTE Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Duolingo English Test Oxford Test of English International Baccalaureate (IB) English
	Imperial College London	Occupational English Test Duolingo PTE Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) LanguageCert International ESOL
	University College London	C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency PTE Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) LanguageCert International ESOL Occupational English Test

Note: While some US universities accept alternative exams, most top institutions and visa applications still require IELTS or TOEFL.

Also Read: Top 11 Countries to Study in Europe without IELTS

Although many countries have made TOEFL/IELTS optional, it remains one of the most widely accepted exams, making its preparation crucial to study abroad. Here’s how upGrad can help you score high in these exams.

How upGrad’s Counsellors Can Help You Prepare for IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS and TOEFL preparation need a structured approach for success. upGrad’s expert counsellors provide personalized support in the form of counsellors, which ensures efficient preparation and higher scores. Here's how upGrad can help:

• Career Counseling: Tailored advice to help you choose the right study path, aligning your English proficiency test with your academic and career goals.
• Exam Preparation: Comprehensive guide focused on test strategies, tips, and practice to help you excel in both IELTS and TOEFL. Some prep materials include:
  • IELTS Preparation Guide
  • TOEFL Exam Guide
• Courses: Specialized IELTS and TOEFL preparation programs designed to cover all sections. It focuses on personalized strategies, real exam simulations, and expert feedback to improve performance in key areas.
• Study-Abroad Programs: Expert guidance in selecting the best universities and programs, with personalized application support. It can help you in IELTS/TOEFL score alignment and country-specific admission insights to increase your chances of acceptance.

Confused about choosing between IELTS and TOEFL for studying abroad? upGrad’s free one-on-one counseling helps you choose the right exam or explore alternatives based on your target universities and scores. Get expert guidance to maximize your chances of admission!