Many institutions accept all scores but some schools prefer one test over the other. International students aiming to study abroad must make sure they know the application requirements and must research well about the preferences of the schools they want to apply to.
Most colleges and universities abroad require or recommend that international applicants submit proof of their English language proficiency skills, in the form of a standardized test score.
The most popular English language proficiency tests are the IELTS and the TOEFL, though PTE is accepted by many universities across the globe.
Many institutions accept all scores, but some schools prefer one test over the other. International students aiming to study abroad must make sure they know the application requirements and must research well about the preferences of the schools they want to apply to.
[Read The DO'S And DON'TS For IELTS Writing Test]
If an institution accepts all language tests or doesn't have any specific preference, then students should consider whether the TOEFL or the IELTS play more to their strengths than weaknesses as they decide which one to take.
One major difference is the IELTS is a paper-based test while most test-takers face the TOEFL on a computer, though the paper version of TOEFL is available. However, IELTS has now started computer-delivered test in 20 countries. The computer delivered IELTS includes three sections; Listening, Reading and Writing. The IELTS Speaking test has not changed and will still be carried out by a trained IELTS Examiner. Now the candidates may choose to take the IELTS test on paper or computer. Now, with the computer delivered IELTS there are more test dates and the results are announced in 5-7 calendar days.
As per ETS, the TOEFL paper-based test has been replaced by TOEFL paper-delivered test and is currently offered only in areas where testing via the internet is not available.
The IELTS has a more real-world communication feel while TOEFL's structure and language are more academically focused. However, this doesn’t mean one is easier than the other. The students with strong typing skills may find the TOEFL to be a better fit, while those who prefer handwriting their responses might look forward to the IELTS.
We have listed down a few key factors to look at before starting your language proficiency test. Prospective students for abroad study can use the table below to compare the IELTS (both Academic and General) test and the TOEFL iBT test. The average minimum scores vary with each institution.
| IELTS (Academic / General) | TOEFL (IBT) | |
| Modules: |
IELTS Academic – For students planning for further study and professional registration IELTS General – For Job and Immigration |
TOEFL - For students planning for further study |
| Test delivery format: |
Paper-based Computer-based (limited locations) |
Computer-based |
| Cost: |
In India INR 12,650/- In India INR 13,300/- (computer-delivered) |
In India - $170 |
| Length: | 2 hours and 45 minutes | Approximately 4 hours |
| Test sections (in order): |
- Listening: 40 Questions, 40 minutes - Reading: 3 Long Passages (Academic), 60 minutes - Writing: 2 Writing Tasks, 60 minutes - Speaking: 3 sections, 11-14 minutes (Speaking test is conducted separately and can be taken before or after the other three sections) |
- Reading: 35-56 Questions, 60-80 minutes - Listening: 34-51 questions, 60-90 minutes - Speaking: 6 tasks, 20 minutes - Writing: 2 tasks, 50 minutes |
| Speaking section format: | Face to face interview with an examiner |
Computer-based speaking ( students will be given noise-canceling headphones with a microphone) |
| Breaks: |
No breaks during the listening, reading and writing sections, but the speaking portion can be taken up to a week before or after the rest of the test |
10-minutes midway break between listening and speaking sections |
| Accents test-takers might hear: | Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. | Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. |
| Where the test is offered: | More than 1,200 locations in 140 countries worldwide | TOEFL iBT is offered around the world, paper test is offered in areas where testing via the internet is not available. |
| Test frequency: |
48 test dates per year – Paper based Multiple Test dates and slots – Computer Delivered |
More than 50 test dates per year |
| Where scores are accepted: |
Accepted by more than 10,000 organizations globally, including 3,400 U.S. institutions (Visit official test website for detailed list) |
Accepted by more than 10,000 organizations globally, including more than 5,000 U.S. institutions (Visit official test website for detailed list) |
| Results timeline: |
Results are available after 13 days from the test day |
Results are available approximately 10 days after the test day |
| Scoring scale: |
zero to 9 Band / Each section 0-9 Band |
zero to 120 / Each section 0-30 |
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Tags: education, colleges, students, international students, college admissions, standardized tests, study abroad, IELTS, TOEFL, Overseas education
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