IELTS or TOEFL: Which Test Fits You?

Should I Take the TOEFL or the IELTS Test?

Short answer: Well… it depends!
Long answer: Taking the TOEFL test can be more beneficial than the IELTS if you’re aiming for specific opportunities in the United States. The TOEFL is more commonly accepted in North America, while the IELTS is often preferred in the UK, Australia, and some European countries. Many American universities, such as Stanford University for certain postgraduate programs, exclusively accept TOEFL scores. Additionally, some U.S. employers, especially in fields like healthcare and engineering, may prefer or require TOEFL scores to meet their language proficiency standards. If your target is studying or working in the U.S., taking the TOEFL could increase your chances of meeting specific entry requirements and ensure your application is considered.

You should consider taking the IELTS if you plan to move to countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, as it’s often a requirement for visa applications, especially for immigration purposes. For instance, if you’re applying for a skilled migration visa to Australia, a good IELTS score can be crucial in proving your English proficiency. Additionally, many universities in these countries accept IELTS scores for admissions, and it’s also widely recognized by employers, which can be beneficial if you’re seeking work opportunities abroad. The IELTS is designed to reflect the kind of English used in everyday life, which means it can better prepare you for real-world situations like interacting with colleagues, navigating social settings, and handling professional communication.

Which Universities Accept TOEFL & IELTS? What Are Their IELTS/TOEFL Score Requirements?

Short answer: Well… it depends!
Long answer: The long answer, however, is more nuanced, as acceptance and specific requirements can vary greatly depending on the country, the university, and even the program you are applying to.

Most universities in English-speaking countries, including the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency. For example, Harvard University in the U.S. accepts both tests for its undergraduate and graduate programs. However, some schools or departments within a university might have a preference. For instance, some U.S. institutions may lean towards the TOEFL, particularly for programs with a strong academic or technical focus.

The requirements also differ based on the level of study. Undergraduate programs often have lower English proficiency score requirements compared to postgraduate programs. For instance, at the University of Oxford, an undergraduate applicant might be required to score a minimum of 100 on the TOEFL or 7.0 on the IELTS, while a postgraduate applicant may need a score of 110 on the TOEFL or 7.5 on the IELTS. Similarly, the University of Toronto in Canada requires higher scores for competitive graduate programs than for undergraduate programs.

Moreover, within a single university, different programs might have different requirements. For example, a business school may require a higher IELTS or TOEFL score than a humanities department. At the University of Melbourne, an Engineering program might demand an IELTS score of 6.5, while a more communication-focused program might require a 7.0 or higher.

IELTS & TOEFL Scores for the Top 20 Universities in the US

Most top US universities accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores, but the specific requirements vary by institution and program. Generally, undergraduate programs have lower language proficiency score thresholds compared to postgraduate programs, where the expectations are often more rigorous.

IELTS Requirements

Undergraduate Programs: Most top-tier universities require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 for undergraduate admissions. Some examples include:

• Harvard University: 7.0
• University of Pennsylvania: 7.0
• Yale University: 7.0
• Princeton University: 7.0
• Cornell University: 7.0

Postgraduate Programs: Postgraduate programs, particularly competitive or specialized ones, typically demand a higher IELTS score, such as 7.5. For example:

• Cornell University: 7.5
• Northwestern University: 7.5 (for select programs)

TOEFL Requirements

Undergraduate Programs: TOEFL iBT scores for undergraduates generally range from 79-100. For example:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): 90
• Harvard University: 105
• University of Chicago: 104
• Stanford University: 109
• University of California, Berkeley: 90

Postgraduate Programs: Postgraduate programs usually have stricter TOEFL requirements, ranging from 100-109, especially in competitive fields like business, law, or engineering:

• Stanford University: 109
• Harvard University: 105
• University of Pennsylvania: 100
• Columbia University: 105

Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by top universities, but requirements vary depending on the institution and the program level. For undergraduates, a score of 7.0 (IELTS) or around 90-100 (TOEFL) will generally suffice, while postgraduate programs often demand higher scores, particularly in competitive fields.

IELTS & TOEFL Scores for the Top 20 Universities in the UK

IELTS Requirements

Undergraduate Programs: Most top-tier UK universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 for undergraduate admissions. Some examples include:

• University of Oxford: 7.0
• University of Cambridge: 7.5 (no less than 7.0 in each component)
• London School of Economics (LSE): 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each component)
• University of Edinburgh: 6.5
• University of Manchester: 6.5

Postgraduate Programs: Postgraduate programs at top UK universities typically demand higher IELTS scores, ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. For example:

• University of Oxford: 7.5
• University of Cambridge: 7.5 (no less than 7.0 in each component)
• London School of Economics (LSE): 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in each component)
• University of Edinburgh: 7.0
• University of Manchester: 7.0

TOEFL Requirements

Undergraduate Programs: For TOEFL, most top UK universities require a minimum score of 90 to 100 for undergraduate programs. For instance:

• University of Oxford: 100
• University of Cambridge: 110 (with no section below 25)
• London School of Economics (LSE): 100
• University of Edinburgh: 107
• University of Manchester: 90

Postgraduate Programs: Postgraduate programs generally have higher TOEFL requirements, ranging from 100 to 110. For example:

• University of Oxford: 110
• University of Cambridge: 110 (with no section below 25)
• London School of Economics (LSE): 100
• University of Edinburgh: 107
• University of Manchester: 90

Conclusion

Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by top universities, but requirements vary depending on the institution and the program level. For undergraduates, a score of 7.0 (IELTS) or around 90-100 (TOEFL) will generally suffice, while postgraduate programs often demand higher scores, particularly in competitive fields.

Paper-Based Tests (PBT), Internet-Based Tests (IBT), or Digital Tests?

There was a time when choosing the format was straightforward. If you wanted a computer-based test, you would go with TOEFL, and if you preferred paper-based exams, you would choose IELTS. However, both exams now offer options for computer-based and paper-based testing.

The TOEFL is primarily available as an internet-based test (iBT) at test centers, which is widely accepted by universities around the world. Recently, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition was introduced, allowing test-takers to complete the exam from home with the benefit of avoiding travel to a test center and offering greater flexibility in scheduling.

The IELTS is available in three formats: paper-based at test centers, computer-based at test centers, and digital from home. The paper-based test is useful for those who prefer traditional methods of answering questions, while the computer-based test can be advantageous for those who are comfortable with digital interfaces and prefer a quicker, more streamlined test experience. The digital IELTS from home offers the ultimate convenience, eliminating the need to travel to a test center and allowing test-takers to complete the exam in a familiar environment. Each format has its own benefits, catering to different preferences and needs.

What are the similarities and differences between IELTS & TOEFL?

Similarities

Differences

Speaking

IELTS: A good ol’ conversation! In the IELTS Speaking section, you’re invited to engage in a natural conversation with an examiner. Divided into three parts, this face-to-face interaction allows you to demonstrate your spoken English proficiency in various contexts. From discussing familiar topics in Part 1 to expressing opinions and ideas in Part 3, the IELTS Speaking test mirrors real-life conversations, providing a comfortable environment for you to showcase your language skills. With topics ranging from personal experiences to abstract concepts, the IELTS Speaking test aims to assess your ability to communicate effectively and fluently.

TOEFL: This is by far the biggest difference between the two exams, IELTS and TOEFL. Personally, I dislike the TOEFL’s speaking section. I find it to be somewhat irrelevant to a person’s speaking skills.

In contrast to the interactive and personalized format of the IELTS Speaking section, the TOEFL Speaking section often receives criticism for its standardized and somewhat artificial structure. Divided into four tasks, including reading passages and expressing opinions on academic topics, the TOEFL Speaking test can feel disconnected from real-life communication. Many test-takers express frustration with the limited opportunities for genuine interaction and the unnatural environment created by speaking into a microphone without any direct human interaction. This rigid format can lead to concerns about the accuracy of assessing speaking proficiency solely based on scripted responses rather than spontaneous conversation.

Learn more about each section of the TOEFL Speaking test:

• TOEFL Speaking Overview
• TOEFL Speaking Task 1 Sample Questions
• TOEFL Speaking Task 2 Sample Questions
• TOEFL Speaking Task 3 Sample Questions
• TOEFL Speaking Task 4 Sample Questions

Here is a video of me covering the TOEFL Speaking section, recorded after one of my students improved her score from an average of around 22 (after 8-9 attempts) to a perfect 30 out of 30 in just a few days of practice. Although this kind of progress is not guaranteed, and she was both very talented and hardworking, it is possible to achieve a top score if the student is open to learning, willing to follow effective methods, and ready to let go of bad habits like memorizing “templates” from unreliable websites.

Listening

IELTS: Quite straightforward. IELTS modules are not testing “integrated skills”. So the only skill being tested in this section is your listening. Section 1 and 2 typically cover topics related to everyday situations, such as travel, hotels, surveys, and other general topics. Sections 3 often features conversations and discussions among students, focusing on academic topics like homework, class projects, and campus activities. On the other hand, Section 4 tends to present more complex and specialized content, often involving scientific or academic lectures on topics like biology, physics, or environmental science. The question types in the IELTS Listening section include multiple-choice, matching, labeling diagrams or maps, completing summaries or notes, and sentence completion tasks. IELTS Listening module takes ~31 minutes. You do have time to look at the questions before each section. For a detailed breakdown of the IELTS Listening module visit this page.

TOEFL: The TOEFL iBT® Listening section encompasses conversations and lectures, mirroring the language used in English-medium universities and colleges. Each lecture (5-6 minutes) or conversation (2-4 minutes), presents authentic academic language with features like false starts and interactions typical of classroom settings. You can take notes during these segments, as the questions aim to assess understanding rather than memory retention, but you do not see the questions before listening.

Conversations include office hour discussions and service encounters, each followed by five questions, while lectures, approximately 5 minutes in length, cover introductory-level university course content and are accompanied by six questions. Topics range from “Arts” to “Life Science”, with lecture excerpts focusing on architecture, biology, and other disciplines. Questions come in various formats, including traditional multiple-choice and order-event inquiries, categorized into “Basic Comprehension”, “Pragmatic Understanding”, and “Connecting Information” question types. Each type assesses different aspects of listening comprehension, such as understanding the main idea, speaker attitude, and organizational structure.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the listening section of Cambridge IELTS 19 Test 2:

Reading

IELTS:The IELTS Academic Reading module has three sections, totaling 40 questions, and you are given 60 minutes to complete it. Each section features a lengthy 2-page text sourced from authentic academic materials, with question types including multiple-choice, matching headings, sentence completion, true/false/not given, summary completion, and short-answer questions. These question formats evaluate various reading skills such as skimming, scanning, identifying main ideas, understanding detailed information, and recognizing logical argumentation. Efficient time management is essential since the test doesn’t tell you when to move on from each passage to the next one.

TOEFL: The TOEFL iBT® Reading section includes 2 reading passages, each around 700–900 words in length, sourced from college-level textbooks and academic articles. Each passage has 10 questions. You are given ~35 minutes total.

Passages cover diverse subjects and are categorized into exposition, argumentation, and historical genres based on author purpose. While passages may present various perspectives, all necessary information for answering questions is contained within them. You should recognize common organizational structures such as classification, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, and problem/solution. Although passage lengths may vary slightly, the primary aim is to assess your ability to comprehend academic writing effectively.

For more information, you can visit the TOEFL Reading Overview page or try out real practice materials on the TOEFL Reading Practice Tests page.

Here is a video from one of my private lessons, recorded and shared with the student’s prior consent, in which we cover a passage the student had found especially challenging.

Writing

IELTS: In the IELTS Writing module, you are tasked with completing two distinct assignments: Task 1 and Task 2. Task 1 typically involves interpreting and describing visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams, in approximately 150 words. In this task, you must present key trends or comparisons accurately and concisely. Task 2, on the other hand, requires you to write an essay response of ~250 words on a given topic. You are expected to express your opinions, provide arguments, and support your views with relevant examples or evidence.

Time management is crucial in both tasks, with you advised to allocate approximately 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2. The aim is to produce well-structured and coherent written responses that demonstrate a command of English language and critical thinking skills.

TOEFL: The TOEFL iBT® Writing section consists of two tasks and takes approximately 29 minutes in total. The first is the Integrated Writing task, where you will read a short academic passage (around 250–300 words) and listen to a short lecture (2–3 minutes). You’ll then write a response (typically 150–225 words) explaining how the lecture supports or contradicts points made in the reading. You can practice this task using sample questions here.

The second task is called the Academic Discussion. In this 10-minute task, you’ll see a professor’s prompt and two student replies. Your job is to write a response (at least 100 words) that shares your opinion and responds directly to the points raised by the students. This is designed to simulate a realistic online class discussion. Examples and strategies are available here.

Each writing task is scored from 0 to 5 and then converted to a scaled score out of 30. Writing is assessed based on how well you organize ideas, develop arguments, support points with examples, and demonstrate control over grammar and vocabulary. While spelling and mechanics matter, clarity and coherence are most important. For more details about the writing section, visit the full overview here.

Here is a short video covering TOEFL Writing Task 1 (Integrated Writing):

IELTS Preparation

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

TOEFL Preparation

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking