Getting an English Language Proficiency Certificate is one of the first steps in securing a student visa if you plan to study abroad. Among all the language proficiency tests, Two of the most widely accepted tests for this purpose are IELTS and TOEFL. Both tests assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. However, there are differences in their formats, scoring systems, and country preferences. Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted by universities worldwide, but choosing the right one can have a great impact on your application process. While TOEFL is more common in the USA, IELTS is often preferred in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. But which test is better for your student visa? In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences, acceptance policies, and factors to consider when selecting the best exam for your academic journey.
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. This test is designed for non-native English speakers to determine English proficiency. It is commonly required for study, work, and immigration purposes, especially in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
Three organisations administer the IELTS: the British Council, the Australian testing organisation IDP: IELTS Australia, and the British testing organisation Cambridge Assessment English.
Key Features of IELTS
Test mode
The IELTS offers two different test modes, which candidates can choose based on their convenience and preference.
- IELTS on Paper: In this mode the listening, reading, and writing sections are completed on paper using a pen (pencils can not be used for the exam anymore) in the exam centre. The speaking session is conducted face-to-face with an examiner.
- IELTS on Computer: In this test mode, the listening, reading, and writing are completed on a computer at an official test centre. The speaking is conducted face-to-face with an examiner, just like in the previous mode.
It is important to note that there is another mode of IELTS called IELTS Online where the examinee can sit for the test at home instead of a certified IELTS exam centre. This mode is not accepted everywhere.
Test Format
The four main English language skills evaluated on the IELTS exam are speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The speaking test may be on the same day or within a week before or after the main test. The entire test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Listening (30 minutes)
- Sections: 4 (40 questions total)
- Audio Type: Conversations and monologues (accents may include British, American, Australian, etc.)
- Question Types: Multiple-choice, matching, form completion, note completion, etc.
Reading (60 minutes)
- 3 long, complex passages from books, journals, newspapers, or research papers.
- More academic and analytical content.
- Question Types: True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, Fill in the Blanks, Multiple Choice, etc.
Writing (60 minutes)
- Task 1: Describe a graph, chart, diagram, or map.
- Task 2: Write an essay on a given topic.
Are you worrying about getting a good score in the writing part? Check out the Effective IELTS Writing Tips to Improve Your Score.
Speaking (11–14 minutes)
- Conducted Face-to-Face with an Examiner
- There are three parts to the speaking test.
1. Introduction & General Questions (4–5 min) – Questions about yourself (hobbies, studies, work, etc.).
2. Cue Card (Long Turn) (3–4 min) – Speak for 2 minutes on a given topic.
3. Discussion (4–5 min) – Follow-up questions related to the cue card topic.
Passing score
There is no official passing score for IELTS. The scores are given from 1-9. The university you are applying to will determine the score you require. Typically, universities require scores in the range of 6 to 7.5.
Securing a good band score in IELTS takes a lot of practice and passionate learning. It is important to know why students fail in the IELTS exam to avoid mistakes. You can take the help of the IELTS preparation books for international students to get a good score.
What is TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language is known as TOEFL. It is an academic English language test that is standardised. Students who want to study in the United States therefore take the test in large numbers.
The TOEFL is administered by Educational Testing Services, a private testing organisation in the United States.
TOEFL is accepted in nine out of ten US universities. For children and older adults, there are two main differences. To assess potential students’ proficiency in English, educational institutions provide the TOEFL ITP. Furthermore, pupils under the age of sixteen can take the IELTS Junior exam.
Key Features of TOEFL?
Test mode
There are two variants of the TOEFL exam: online and paper-based. The variant that best fits the candidate’s personality can be selected.
Test format
The TOEFL evaluates English proficiency in four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The test lasts about 2 hours.
Reading (35 minutes)
- Passages: 2 long academic texts (700 words each).
- Questions: 10 per passage (total 20 questions).
- Skills Tested: Comprehension, inference, vocabulary, and summarization.
- Question Types: Multiple-choice, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Insertion, etc.
Listening (36 minutes)
- Audio: Lectures & Conversations (American English accent is dominant).
- Content: 3 lectures (3–5 minutes each, with 6 questions per lecture), 2 conversations (2–3 minutes each, with 5 questions per conversation).
- Question Types: Multiple-choice, Matching, Ordering, etc.
- Skills Tested: Understanding main ideas, details, speaker attitudes, and inferences.
Speaking (16 minutes)
- Task 1 (Independent Task): Express your opinion on a familiar topic.
- Task 2 (Integrated Task): Read a passage + listen to a conversation → Summarize.
- Task 3 (Integrated Task): Listen to a lecture → Summarize.
- Task 4 (Integrated Task): Listen to an academic discussion → Summarize.
- Response Time: 45–60 seconds per answer.
- Mode: Recorded responses evaluated by AI and human raters.
Writing (29 minutes)
- Task 1 (Integrated Writing – 20 min): Read a passage + listen to a lecture → Write a summary (150–225 words).
- Task 2 (Independent Writing – 10 min): Write an essay expressing your opinion (120+ words).
Passing score
There is no passing score on the TOEFL. The acceptable score range for any university is typically between 61 and 110.
Learn more about the TOEFL Exam Pattern to secure a good score.
IELTS or TOEFL Which one you should take?
The choice between IELTS and TOEFL depends on study destination, test preference, and comfort with different formats, assessing English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
The kind of institution I’m applying to favours which one
Although some nations have preferences, both the TOEFL and IELTS are commonly accepted for student visas. Both exams are allowed for study in the United States, however, American universities choose to use the TOEFL more. However, in recent years, IELTS has become well-known in the United States. While TOEFL is not approved for UK immigration, IELTS is the recommended exam in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Universities and immigration officials in Europe are more likely to require the IELTS.
Which Test is Easier IELTS vs. TOEFL?
The IELTS and TOEFL tests’ difficulty depends on individual strengths and preferences. IELTS is more suitable for face-to-face conversations, while TOEFL is computer-based and requires recording answers.
Your preference for accent
While IELTS includes a mix of global accents, TOEFL primarily features American English.
Result availability
IELTS results are available within 3–13 days, depending on whether you take the computer-based or paper-based version. TOEFL results are typically released within 4–8 days.
Retake option
You can retake the test of any section in IELTS. On the other hand, TOEFL does not offer any retake option.
Conclusion
Both IELTS and TOEFL are excellent tests for proving your English proficiency, but the best choice depends on your study destination, test preferences, and strengths. The best test for you will ultimately depend on your strengths and university requirements. Before deciding, make sure to review the particular requirements for admission to the school of your choice!
