If you need to prove your English level for university, immigration, or a professional certification, you've probably asked the same question thousands of students ask every year: should I take the TOEFL or the IELTS?
Both tests measure English proficiency. Both are accepted worldwide. But they are not the same — and choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and a lower score than you're capable of.
This guide breaks down the real differences so you can make the right decision fast.
What is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is produced by ETS and is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests in the world. It is taken entirely on a computer and focuses on academic English — the kind of language you'll use in a university classroom.
The TOEFL is scored from 0 to 120. It tests four skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The Speaking section requires you to record your answers into a microphone, which makes it feel more formal than a face-to-face conversation.
It is particularly popular among students applying to universities in the United States and Canada.
What is the IELTS?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English. It comes in two versions: Academic (for university applications) and General Training (for immigration and work visas).
The IELTS is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9. Unlike the TOEFL, the Speaking section is a face-to-face interview with a real examiner — a format that some students find more natural and others find more intimidating.
It is the preferred test in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries.
Key differences between TOEFL and IELTS
Format
The TOEFL is 100% computer-based. All four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing — are completed on a screen. The IELTS Reading and Writing sections are also computer or paper-based depending on the test center, but the Speaking section is always a live conversation with an examiner.
Scoring system
| | TOEFL | IELTS |
|--------------------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
| Scale | 0–120 | 0–9 (bands) |
| Passing score | Varies by institution | Varies by institution |
| Typical university requirement | 80–100 | 6.5–7.5 |
English variety
The TOEFL uses predominantly American English in its listening and reading materials. The IELTS exposes test-takers to a broader range of accents — British, Australian, American, and others. If you've studied mostly British English, the IELTS may feel more natural.
Test duration
The TOEFL takes approximately 2 hours. The IELTS Academic takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Both are demanding, but the TOEFL's shorter duration can be an advantage for students who find extended tests exhausting.
Which universities accept each test?
Most universities worldwide accept both. However, there are tendencies:
- **USA and Canada** — The majority of universities prefer or specifically list the TOEFL, though most also accept the IELTS.
- **UK, Australia, New Zealand** — IELTS is the standard. Some universities also accept the TOEFL but IELTS is more common.
- **Europe and Latin America** — Both are accepted at international programs. The TOEFL tends to be more common among students applying to US programs.
Before choosing, check the specific requirements of the institutions you're applying to. Some have minimum score thresholds for each test that differ significantly.
Which test is more common in Latin America?
Among students in Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and other Latin American countries applying to universities in the United States, the TOEFL is by far the most common choice. This is partly because US universities are the primary destination and partly because TOEFL preparation materials are more widely available in the region.
For students applying to programs in Europe, Canada, or Australia, the IELTS is often the more practical option.
If you're applying to a US university or graduate program and haven't been told otherwise, the TOEFL is the safer default.
Which test is harder?
Neither test is objectively harder than the other — but one may feel harder for you specifically depending on your strengths.
The TOEFL tends to be more challenging for students who:
- Struggle with academic reading and formal writing
- Find computer-based speaking (talking to a microphone) awkward
- Have had limited exposure to American English
The IELTS tends to be more challenging for students who:
- Find face-to-face speaking with an examiner stressful
- Are not comfortable with the variety of accents in the listening section
- Need more time to express themselves in writing
The best way to find out which suits you better is to take a practice test for each and compare how you feel after each one.
How to choose: 3 questions to ask yourself
If you're still not sure which test to take, answer these three questions:
**1. Where are you applying?**
If it's a US or Canadian university: TOEFL. If it's a UK, Australian, or European institution: IELTS. If both are accepted: move to question 2.
**2. How comfortable are you speaking to a microphone vs. a person?**
If recording your voice into a computer feels more natural: TOEFL. If a real conversation feels easier: IELTS.
**3. What English variety have you studied?**
If you've learned mostly American English: TOEFL. If you're more familiar with British English: IELTS.
In most cases, these three questions will give you a clear answer.
Start by knowing your English level
Before you decide which test to take — and long before you start preparing — the most useful thing you can do is find out where your English actually stands right now.
Most students skip this step and go straight to buying books or enrolling in courses. The result is weeks of preparation focused on the wrong areas.
Test Me! lets you take a free TOEFL-style diagnostic test and get your level instantly. You'll know whether you're starting from beginner, intermediate, or advanced — and that changes everything about how you should prepare.
[Download on iOS →](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/test-me-master-sat-act-toefl/id1299753743)
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Final thoughts
