Is IELTS or TOEFL better for visa applications?

IELTS is generally better for visa and migration applications because it is accepted by all four major immigration authorities: Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. TOEFL is not accepted for immigration in some countries such as Canada and the UK.

Which test is better for working abroad?

IELTS is often better for working abroad because it offers a General Training version designed to assess practical, workplace English skills. TOEFL focuses mainly on academic English and is more suited for university admissions.

How are IELTS and TOEFL scores different?

IELTS uses a band score ranging from 0 to 9, aligned with CEFR levels up to C2. TOEFL uses a narrower scoring scale from 1 to 6. Both systems are aligned to the CEFR but differ in score range and interpretation.

How do IELTS and TOEFL test formats compare?

Both IELTS and TOEFL assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. However, they differ in timing, number of questions, and delivery formats. For example, IELTS listening includes 40 questions over 30 minutes, while TOEFL includes 35 questions in 18–27 minutes.

Which test offers better preparation resources?

IELTS provides free access to comprehensive preparation materials, including practice tests, courses, and live classes through IELTS Ready Premium when you book a test. TOEFL offers some free familiarisation tests, but most preparation resources are paid.

How long do IELTS and TOEFL tests take?

IELTS takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete, while TOEFL is shorter, taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Which test is more widely accepted?

Both tests are widely accepted globally. IELTS is accepted by over 12,500 organisations, including all major immigration authorities. TOEFL is accepted by over 13,000 organisations, mainly for academic purposes.

What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need?

The required score depends on your destination, institution, or visa requirements. Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are aligned to the CEFR, but they use different scoring scales, so you should check the specific requirements of the organisation you are applying to.

What’s the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?

Q: What’s the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS and TOEFL are both trusted English proficiency tests that assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. However, they differ in format, scoring systems, global acceptance, and suitability depending on whether you plan to study, work, or migrate abroad.

Q: Which is better: IELTS or TOEFL?

The better test depends on your goals. IELTS is often preferred for visa and migration purposes as it is accepted by Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. TOEFL is mainly used for academic purposes and may not be accepted for immigration in some countries like Canada and the UK.

If you need to take an English test soon, you’ll want to know which is better, IELTS or TOEFL. Here, look at the differences between the tests, so you can decide which one better suits your needs.

Two students walking and talking happily after giving IELTS exam

What is better: IELTS or TOEFL?

IELTS and TOEFL are both well-respected English exams from trusted providers. They both assess listening, reading, writing and speaking. Here’s how they compare:

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Visa authority acceptance

IELTS is better than TOEFL as it is accepted for visas and migration by all four key governments – Australia, Canada, UK and US – but TOEFL is not accepted by Canada and the UK.

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Building a career overseas

When building a career overseas, IELTS is often the better choice because it offers a General Training format to assess your English skills for use in professional settings, while TOEFL has just one academic version, which is more suitable for university admission rather than professional or occupational settings.

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Results: band score ranges

IELTS uses a scale from 0-9, and TOEFL has introduced a similar, but narrower, scale of 1-6. For proficient users, the IELTS scale goes to C2 level.

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Best-value preparation resources

Book an IELTS test and you’ll get free access to a full suite of IELTS exam preparation materials, giving you everything you need to get the score you need.

At a glance: IELTS vs TOEFL

Take a quick look at how IELTS compares to TOEFL across key areas that matter to you:

	IELTS	TOEFL
Skills assessed	Listening, reading, writing and speaking	Listening, reading, writing and speaking
Time	2hr, 45 mins	1hr, 30 mins
Scoring system	Band scores 0-9, aligned to CEFR	Band scores 1-6, aligned to CEFR
Results delivery	28-39	30-40
Accepted by	13,500+ organisations; includes all four major immigration authorities	13,000+ organisations
Preperation	IELTS Ready Premium included (worth US$170)	Mock tests start from US$49

How do the IELTS and TOEFL test formats compare?

Both exams assess Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills, but there are some differences in how they are tested. Here we compare the formats to help you decide which test is right for you .

IELTS and TOEFL both offer a relevant range of contexts

Each test has four audio recordings, including a social conversation and an academic monologue. The other two tasks differ between the tests, but are equally relevant.

IELTS gives you 30 mins to answer 40 questions, compared to 35 questions in 18-27 mins for TOEFL.

How does the IELTS listening format work?

IELTS tests a broader set of skills with less time pressure

There are three tasks in the Reading sections of both tests. IELTS has a wider variety of task types, which more authentically reflect the range of reading skills you’ll need for your studies.

You’ll also get 60 mins to complete the IELTS Reading section, compared to just 27 mins for TOEFL.

How does the IELTS reading test work?

Go for IELTS to build your academic writing skills

IELTS gives you 60 mins to summarise a diagram, chart or graph, and write a 250-word essay. This approach rewards analysis, originality and expression, boosting your academic capabilities.

TOEFL asks for a shorter academic discussion response, along with two shorter tasks, to be completed in 23 mins.

Learn more about the IELTS writing test

A choice between human or machine testing

In both tests, you’ll answer questions and share your views in a one-to-one conversation.

The IELTS English speaking test assesses communicative skills via a face-to-face conversation with a real examiner. For TOEFL, you’d speak to an avatar, via computer in the main test room.

Test your speaking skills with IELTS

IELTS vs TOEFL: exam preparation

To get the score you need in any exam, you need to prepare well and familiarise yourself with the test format.

IELTS gives you access to IELTS Ready Premium, completely free, when you book your IELTS test . It has everything you need to help you succeed on test day, including 40 scored practice tests, online courses and live and on-demand English classes.

TOEFL offers a range of preparation packages, including two free familiarisation tests. Other resources are available for a fee.

Explore our free preparation Take a free practice test

Group of friends celebrating success after giving IELTS test

IELTS vs TOEFL: what score do I need?

Both IELTS and TOEFL use a band scoring system aligned to the CEFR, but operate on different scales. Take a look at the table below to see how they compare:

CEFR level	IELTS	TOEFL
N/A	0	N/A
N/A	0.5	N/A
N/A	1	N/A
N/A	1.5	1-1.5
A1	2	1-1.5
A1	2.5	2-2.5
A2	3	2-2.5
A2	3.5	3-3.5
B1	4	3-3.5
B1	4.5	4-4.5
B2	5	4-4.5
B2	5.5	4-4.5
B2	6	5-5.5
B2	6.5	5-5.5
C1	7	5-5.5
B2	7.5	6
B2	8	6
C2	8.5	6
C2	9	N/A