IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Test Do You Need in 2026?

Most international students need one English proficiency test. The choice is simpler than it looks: IELTS Academic is accepted at nearly every university worldwide and is required for UK and Australian student visas. TOEFL iBT is the dominant choice for US and Canadian universities. Both tests cost between $200–$260 USD, take about 3 hours, and are scored on different scales — but the underlying standard is the same. This guide gives you the full comparison so you can pick the right test, prepare efficiently, and avoid retake fees.

Before diving in, check your specific university requirements. See our country guides for studying in the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany, and Canada.

IELTS vs TOEFL at a Glance

Feature	IELTS Academic	TOEFL iBT
Score scale	0–9 (band score)	0–120
Duration	2 hrs 45 min	~3 hrs
Format	Pen & paper or computer; Speaking = face-to-face interview	Fully computer-based; Speaking = microphone recording
Accent	British, Australian, North American	Primarily North American
Cost (global avg)	USD 215–245	USD 220–260
Results	13 days (paper), 3–5 days (computer)	4–8 days
Score validity	2 years	2 years
Test dates	Up to 48 times/year	60+ dates/year
Best for	UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, EU visas	USA, Canada, some EU programs

Score Conversion Table

Universities use different benchmarks, but this is the widely accepted conversion between IELTS and TOEFL scores:

IELTS Band	TOEFL iBT Score	Typical university requirement
5.0	35–45	Conditional admission / English prep courses
5.5	46–59	Some undergraduate programs
6.0	60–78	Most undergraduate programs
6.5	79–93	Most postgraduate programs; UK visa minimum
7.0	94–101	Top 100 universities; medical/law programs
7.5	102–109	Elite programs (LSE, UCL, Oxbridge)
8.0	110–114	Highly selective programs
8.5–9.0	115–120	Near-native fluency

Key benchmark: IELTS 6.5 = TOEFL 79–93. This is the minimum for most postgraduate programs and the UK student visa route.

Which Countries and Universities Accept Which Test?

United Kingdom

UK universities accept both tests. However, the UK Home Office sets the visa English requirement at IELTS 4.0–6.5 depending on the course level — and IELTS is specifically listed in the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) scheme. TOEFL is not approved for UK visa purposes (though universities may accept it for academic admission). If you plan to study in the UK, take IELTS. A Tier 4/Student Visa applicant must show IELTS SELT results from an approved test centre.

Australia and New Zealand

Australian student visas require a minimum IELTS 5.5 (or TOEFL 46). Both tests are accepted. Most Australian universities set program requirements at IELTS 6.0–6.5. In practice, IELTS dominates in Australia — test centres are more numerous and students find the face-to-face Speaking section less intimidating.

United States

US universities overwhelmingly prefer TOEFL, though most accept IELTS too. Typical US graduate program minimums: TOEFL 80–100 iBT or IELTS 6.5–7.0. Ivy League schools often require TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+. Some competitive programs (MIT, Stanford) have no stated minimum but expect near-native performance. Check each program’s official page — don’t guess.

Canada

Canadian universities accept both. University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC typically require TOEFL 93–100 or IELTS 6.5–7.0. For a Canadian student visa (study permit), you need to submit an acceptance letter — the language test result is shown to the university, not directly to IRCC. Both tests are equally valid.

Germany and Europe

German universities with English-taught programs typically require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90. TU Munich requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 88 for most master’s programs. Both tests are equally accepted across EU institutions. See our guide on English-taught programs in Europe for program-specific requirements.

Test Format Breakdown

IELTS Academic Structure

IELTS has four sections: Listening (30 min, 40 questions), Reading (60 min, 40 questions), Writing (60 min, 2 tasks), and Speaking (11–14 min, face-to-face with an examiner). The Speaking section is a real conversation — many test-takers find this less stressful than recording into a microphone. Writing Task 1 asks you to describe a graph, chart, or diagram. Writing Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words.

TOEFL iBT Structure

TOEFL has four sections: Reading (35 min, 20 questions), Listening (36 min, 28 questions), Speaking (16 min, 4 tasks — recorded responses), and Writing (29 min, 2 tasks). The Integrated tasks require you to combine reading, listening, and writing. TOEFL is fully computer-based, which suits students who type faster than they write by hand.

Cost Comparison

Costs vary by country. These are approximate 2026 figures:

Region	IELTS cost	TOEFL cost
USA	USD 215–245	USD 220–260
UK	GBP 191–206	GBP 195–225
India	INR 17,000	INR 17,420
Germany	EUR 245	EUR 230–270
China	CNY 1,950	CNY 1,900–2,100

Score report fees: IELTS charges for additional score reports (about USD 20 each). TOEFL includes 4 free score reports per registration — useful if you’re applying to multiple US schools.

Retake Policies

IELTS: You can retake immediately with no waiting period. New results cancel the previous ones for reporting purposes, but old certificates remain valid for their 2-year window. Most test centres offer dates weekly or bi-weekly.

TOEFL: You must wait 3 days between attempts. ETS MyBest Scores allows you to combine your best section scores across multiple sittings — about 1,000 universities now accept MyBest Scores. This is a significant advantage if you perform unevenly across sections.

Which Test Should You Take?

Use this decision guide:

• Applying to UK or Australian universities? Take IELTS. It’s required for UK visas and dominant in Australia.
• Applying mainly to US universities? Take TOEFL. Most programs prefer it, and MyBest Scores can help your application.
• Applying to both US and UK? Most universities accept both. Take IELTS — it covers more visa systems.
• Prefer face-to-face speaking? IELTS. More relaxed than recording alone in a booth.
• Strong at integrated tasks (reading + listening + writing together)? TOEFL may suit you better.
• Applying to Canadian programs? Either works equally well.

Preparation Tips

IELTS Preparation

Use official Cambridge IELTS practice books (series 1–19). Target your weakest section first. For Writing Task 1, practice describing 5 different chart types: bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, and process diagrams. For Speaking Part 2, practise the 1-minute preparation + 2-minute response format daily. British Council and IDP both offer free online practice materials. Give yourself at least 8 weeks if starting from scratch.

TOEFL Preparation

ETS sells official TOEFL prep materials at ets.org/toefl. The TOEFL ITP Practice Tests and Official TOEFL iBT Tests volumes are the gold standard. For Integrated Writing, the Cornell note-taking method works well. For Speaking, record yourself and review immediately — hearing your own speech is uncomfortable but highly effective. Aim for 10–12 weeks of preparation for a score of 100+.

Test Registration

Book IELTS through the British Council (britishcouncil.org) or IDP (idp.com). Book TOEFL at ets.org/toefl. Both have test centres worldwide — popular slots in major cities fill 4–8 weeks in advance. Book as early as possible. Your score results are valid for 2 years from the test date, so don’t test too early before your application.

Also read our proof-of-funds visa guide once you have your test score — you’ll need both for your visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TOEFL for a UK student visa?

No. The UK Home Office only accepts Secure English Language Tests (SELT) from their approved list for visa purposes. IELTS Academic and IELTS UKVI are approved; TOEFL is not. Your university may accept TOEFL for academic admission, but you’ll still need IELTS for the visa application. This is the single most important reason to check which test you need before registering.

Is IELTS 6.5 enough for most universities?

IELTS 6.5 is the minimum for most postgraduate programs at mid-ranking to good universities worldwide. Top 50 globally ranked universities typically require 7.0–7.5. Medical and law schools often set 7.0 or higher. Always check the specific program requirement — not just the university’s general policy.

What is TOEFL MyBest Scores?

MyBest Scores (also called SuperScore) lets you combine your highest section scores from multiple TOEFL test dates. If you scored 26 Reading on one attempt and 27 Speaking on another, ETS combines them into one report. Around 1,000 institutions now accept MyBest Scores, including many top US universities. It’s a practical advantage if your scores are close to the threshold.

How long does it take to improve my IELTS score by 0.5 bands?

On average, moving up 0.5 bands requires 4–8 weeks of focused practice (1–2 hours/day). Moving from 6.0 to 7.0 typically takes 3–6 months of serious study. The speed of improvement depends heavily on your starting point and which sections are pulling your score down. Writing is usually the slowest section to improve; Listening can improve quickly with consistent practice.

Are IELTS and TOEFL equally hard?

They test the same underlying English ability, so neither is inherently “easier”. Students who prefer structured grammar tests often find TOEFL slightly more predictable. Students who communicate well in conversation often prefer IELTS Speaking. The best way to find out which suits you is to take one full practice test for each and compare your experience.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL if I studied in English?

Many universities waive the English requirement if you completed your previous degree entirely in English at an institution in a majority-English-speaking country. Some also waive it for students from countries where English is an official language. These policies vary by institution — always confirm with the admissions office directly before skipping the test.

How much does a retake cost?

A retake costs the same as the original registration — roughly USD 215–260. There are no discounts for retakes. Budget for at least one possible retake when planning your finances. Some scholarships and sponsoring organizations cover one or two test registrations, so check if your funding source helps with this cost.