Differences and comparison between the two tests: complete guide to understand which IELTS or TOEFL certification is best to take for studies and visas.
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Anyone dreaming of studying at a foreign university or living an international experience soon faces a choice: taking the IELTS or TOEFL. They are the two most requested English tests in the world and represent the entry ticket to academic courses, exchange programs, and in some cases, obtaining a study or work visa.
At first glance, they may seem similar: both assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking. But behind these tests lie substantial differences capable of influencing preparation and even the final outcome. IELTS involves a direct interview with an examiner, while TOEFL is conducted entirely online: two different modes that don't put everyone at ease in the same way.
So the inevitable question is: which test is worth taking? The answer depends on concrete variables such as your destination university, country, required scores, and your learning style. This guide offers a clear and practical comparison, with useful examples and advice, to help you identify the test truly suited to your path.
IELTS or TOEFL: Understanding Why These Tests Matter
IELTS and TOEFL are not ornamental certificates but tools that objectively attest to your English level. Universities, government agencies, and employers use them as a guarantee to evaluate candidates from different backgrounds.
For a university receiving hundreds of international applications, having a standardized score means being able to compare language skills without ambiguity. The same applies to exchange programs or visa requests: the certificate becomes a clear and shared filter.
A concrete case: a student aiming for a master's degree in California will often find TOEFL as a mandatory requirement, while someone wanting to enroll at an Australian university will almost certainly need to take IELTS. It's therefore not a personal choice, but rules set by institutions.
The decision between IELTS and TOEFL cannot be based on convenience or acquaintances' opinions. Without the correct test, your application risks not being considered. Understanding why these exams exist is the first step to orienting yourself consciously.
Main Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL
IELTS and TOEFL assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking, but with different methods that can affect your overall experience. Knowing these differences is essential for making the right choice.
IELTS Structure (listening, reading, writing, speaking)
IELTS is available in two versions: Academic and General Training. Listening and speaking are identical, while reading and writing vary depending on your objective. The speaking test is a direct interview with an examiner. Some candidates experience it as an opportunity to communicate authentically, others as a moment of greater pressure.
TOEFL iBT Structure and Online Mode
The TOEFL iBT is conducted entirely on a computer, including speaking responses recorded at the microphone. The duration is longer than IELTS and requires sustained concentration for several hours. For those accustomed to studying on digital platforms it may feel familiar, while those preferring shorter tests may find it tiring.
These differences impact your final performance as much as linguistic preparation does. Evaluating them carefully helps you choose the test most suited to your learning style.
Requirements and Minimum Scores Required by Universities
Passing the exam is not enough: many universities set precise thresholds and in several cases establish minimums for each section as well. A high overall result may not be sufficient if, for example, speaking or writing remains below the required threshold.
IELTS: Score Ranges and Common Thresholds
IELTS is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, expressed in "band score." For university courses, the most common threshold ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. Particularly selective faculties, such as medicine or law, may require higher scores even in individual sections. A student aiming for a master's degree in psychology, for example, may face the requirement of a 7.0 in writing and speaking in addition to the total score.
TOEFL: Minimum Scores and Interpretation
The TOEFL iBT is scored on a scale from 0 to 120. Top-tier universities often set the access threshold around 100 points, while others accept as low as 80. In many cases specific minimums are required for listening, reading, writing, and speaking. An engineering course in the United States, for example, may require at least 20 points in each section in addition to the overall TOEFL score.
Knowing your university's requirements in advance is essential for planning your preparation and reducing the risk of having to retake the exam.
Practical Factors That Influence Your Choice
Beyond structure and scores, there are concrete factors that impact the decision between IELTS and TOEFL. Costs, test centers, available dates, and certificate validity can weigh as much as language skills.
Someone living in a medium-sized city often finds more IELTS sessions in nearby authorized centers, while for the TOEFL test it may be necessary to travel to another province. The frequency of available dates is also determining: a student who must submit an application within a few weeks will tend to choose the test with available sessions in the useful period.
The price is similar, but differences of a few dozen euros can affect your budget. It's also worth checking refund policies and the possibility of retaking the exam: TOEFL allows you to take it again after three days, while IELTS applies rules that vary by center.
Another element concerns validity: both certificates last two years, so if you have a long-term plan you should carefully schedule your test date to avoid presenting an expired certificate.
Finally, the exam format can make a difference. Some candidates prefer speaking with an examiner, others feel more confident taking a computer-based test. Knowing these details in advance reduces uncertainty and allows you to prepare with greater awareness.
How to Choose the Right Test for You
The decision between IELTS and TOEFL is not about which is easier, but which better meets your objectives and the context in which you'll use the certificate. Analyzing some practical criteria allows you to orient yourself more confidently.
Academic Objectives and Destination Country
British and Australian universities almost always require IELTS, while many American ones indicate TOEFL as the main requirement. A student aiming for a master's degree in London should therefore focus on IELTS, while someone aiming for an American college will find TOEFL more suitable.
Learning Style and Exam Format
The format affects your exam performance. Some candidates do best in a direct interview, as provided by IELTS speaking, others feel more comfortable recording their responses on a computer, as happens in TOEFL. Knowing your study habits helps you choose the most suitable format.
Specific Requirements and Required Scores
Each university sets its own criteria. Some universities accept both tests but with different thresholds. A medical faculty may ask for IELTS 7.5, while an equivalent course in another country may set a TOEFL 100 as a requirement. Always checking official regulations is essential to avoid mistakes.
Costs, Test Centers, and Waiting Times
The price of the two tests is similar, but the availability of centers and sessions can guide your choice. Someone who must submit an application within a few weeks will prioritize the test with immediate dates, even if they would have preferred the other. Planning in advance allows you to reduce stress and have room for possible retakes.
Common Mistakes in Choosing Your Test
Many candidates think IELTS and TOEFL are equivalent, but they're not. Some recurring mistakes can compromise your application and result in wasted time and money.
The first is choosing based on popularity. There are those who sign up for IELTS simply because it's widely offered, only to discover that the American university mainly requires TOEFL. Checking official requirements would have avoided the problem.
Another mistake is ignoring your own learning style. Some students struggle with a long, entirely computer-based test like TOEFL, others freeze during the face-to-face speaking of IELTS. Not evaluating these aspects can reduce performance, even with good preparation.
There's also those who look only at price. IELTS TOEFL economic differences are small, but focusing on a few dozen euros causes you to overlook more relevant elements like frequency of dates, proximity of centers, and certificate validity.
Finally, a common mistake is not planning your timing. Both certificates last two years: taking them too early could mean arriving at your application with an expired document. Carefully scheduling your test session based on deadlines is essential to avoid having to retake the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS and TOEFL
Which is harder between IELTS and TOEFL?
Difficulty varies by candidate. IELTS is shorter and involves a direct interview, while TOEFL is entirely online and requires hours of continuous concentration.
How long is the validity of IELTS or TOEFL?
Both certificates are valid for two years from the release date. After this period they are no longer accepted by universities and institutions.
Which test do American universities prefer?
In the United States, TOEFL is historically more widespread, but many universities also accept IELTS. Checking the official requirements of your university remains the safest step.
Can I prepare on my own for IELTS or TOEFL?
Self-preparation is possible with official manuals and materials. Courses and tutors can speed up learning and strengthen weaker areas.
Which test is more expensive?
Prices are similar and vary by a few dozen euros depending on the center and country. The decision should not be based solely on cost but also on requirements and availability of test sessions.
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