IELTS vs TOEFL: Which One is Good for Study Abroad

The two main English language proficiency tests accepted at universities around the world are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Getting a special score on one of these exams can help you study in English at the institution of your choice, so it can be an essential part of the study abroad process.

Tests and their scoring systems vary, so it's good to understand a little more about them before deciding which one to take.

The main difference between TOEFL vs IELTS

  • The TOEFL generally requires that you use only US English or UK English during your exam and not mix the two, whereas IELTS seems to be a bit more flexible.
  • The TOEFL consists mainly of multiple-choice questions and the IELTS has a greater variation in how the questions are framed and required to be answered.
  • IELTS exam is shorter than TOEFL
  • IELTS speaking section is done face to face with an examiner

TOEFL IBT
Universities that require TOEFL scores usually ask you to obtain a specific iBT score. IBT stands for Internet-Based Testing and is the latest version of the TOEFL Assessment.

It is the preferred test for admission requirements of American universities, and the most widely accepted English proficiency test for higher education.

TOEFL Score
Although a university will ask for a composite TOEFL score, they may also require that you obtain a certain number of points in each section.

TOEFL iBT test section
The TOEFL iBT test is divided into different areas based on language ability. You will be tested in reading, listening, writing and speaking and will be given a score for each which combines to an overall score.

You must register and book the TOEFL test in advance as some regions may have a waiting list for availability. Registration for a test date closes seven days before that test, so always give yourself plenty of time.


The TOEFL iBT takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of four skill sections. A mandatory break is to be taken at the halfway point. The reading and listening sections can vary in length depending on the number of questions you will receive.

TOEFL Reading Section
This section is scored by a computer and consists of 36-56 assignments based on reading academic texts and answering questions on their comprehension.

TOEFL Listening Section
This section is also scored by a computer but consists of 34-51 assignments based on listening to lectures, in-class discussion and conversation, then answering questions on their understanding.

TOEFL Speaking Section
This section contains six tasks that have been created by a human evaluator. The section lasts 20 minutes.

TOEFL Writing Section
This section is scored with human and computer ratings to get the best understanding of the content and meaning. Two tasks are to be completed in about 50 minutes.

IELTS Academic
All UK universities accept IELTS academic test scores as a certification of English language ability, however, the level required varies according to each institution and their programs.

IELTS Academic is also widely accepted in Canada and Europe.

IELTS score
You are provided with a band between zero and nine, including half a score, to express your level of English language.

IELTS test section
IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing are all taken on a single day. You can choose to take your speaking test on the same day as the other sections or a week before or after.

IELTS Listening Section
In the listening section of the test, you will listen to four recorded monologues or conversations. It takes 30 minutes to 10 minutes to write your answer.


IELTS Reading Section
The reading section of the test takes an hour; It consists of three long reading passages with functions. The given text will be found in books, magazines, and newspapers which will probably include graphs and pictures.

IELTS Writing Section
In the writing section, you have to write at least 150 words on the given graph, table or diagram. Then you will have a short essay assignment of a minimum of 250 words.

IELTS Speaking Section
This section is relatively short and can only last about 15 minutes. You will have to elaborate on a familiar topic and answer questions. This section is one-on-one with an examiner who will determine your score.

IELTS vs TOEFL Scores
The overall score of TOEFL and IELTS can be roughly compared as follows:

CEFR Score Equivalent
Many European students will be more familiar with the CEFR scale, which measures European language proficiency across a range of letters and numbers.

In general, a student wishing to study abroad at the undergraduate level should study the language of instruction of the institution at the B2 level or above. The B2 level will be equivalent to an IELTS score in the range of 5.5-6.5, however, you generally cannot use the CEFR level in place of the requested IELTS or TOEFL score.

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