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IELTS and TOEFL are the two most widely accepted English proficiency tests in the world. Together, they are recognized by more than 12,000 institutions across 150+ countries. But they differ significantly in format, scoring, and where they are preferred - and choosing the right test can save you time, money, and stress.
This guide breaks down every meaningful difference between IELTS and TOEFL in 2026: how scores compare, which test immigration authorities prefer, what universities accept, which test is easier depending on your strengths, and how much each one costs.IELTS to TOEFL Score Comparison Table
The following table maps IELTS band scores to TOEFL iBT total scores based on official ETS concordance data. These conversions are approximate.
Key Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL iBT Score
|
IELTS Band |
TOEFL iBT Score |
|
9.0 |
118–120 |
|
8.5 |
115–117 |
|
8.0 |
110–114 |
|
7.5 |
102–109 |
|
7.0 |
94–101 |
|
6.5 |
79–93 |
|
6.0 |
60–78 |
|
5.5 |
46–59 |
|
5.0 |
35–45 |
Test Format
IELTS: Paper-based or computer-based (your choice at most centres)
TOEFL: Computer-based only (TOEFL iBT)
Test Duration
IELTS: 2 hours 45 minutes (including Speaking on a separate day at some centres)
TOEFL: Under 2 hours in one sitting (reduced from 3 hours after the January 2026 redesign)
Speaking Format
IELTS: Face-to-face interview with a trained examiner (11-14 minutes)
TOEFL: Recorded responses to on-screen prompts via microphone (approximately 8 minutes)
Writing Format
IELTS: Handwritten option available (paper-based) or typed (computer-based)
TOEFL: Typed only - all responses entered via keyboard
Scoring System
IELTS: Band scores from 1.0 to 9.0 in half-band increments
TOEFL: Total score from 0 to 120 (four sections scored 0-30 each)
English Accent
IELTS: Primarily British and Australian English in Listening recordings
TOEFL: Primarily North American English in the listening recordings
Which Test for Immigration?
For immigration purposes, IELTS is the dominant test.Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand all prefer or require IELTS General Training for visa and permanent residency applications. In Canada, IELTS GT is accepted for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Program.In Australia, IELTS is accepted for all skilled migration visa subclasses.
TOEFL is not accepted for immigration in most countries. Canada does not accept TOEFL for Express Entry (accepted tests are IELTS GT, CELPIP, and PTE Core). The UK accepts IELTS SELT and PTE Academic for UKVI - TOEFL is not accepted for UK immigration.Australia accepts TOEFL for some visa subclasses, but IELTS remains the most widely used and universally accepted option.
If your primary goal is immigration, IELTS General Training is almost always the safest choice.It is accepted by every major English-speaking immigration authority, and your scores map directly to CLB levels used in Canadian points systems and Australian skills assessments.
Which Test for University Admissions?Both IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted for university admissions. IELTS is accepted by over 12,000 institutions in 140+ countries while TOEFL is accepted by 12,000+ institutions in 160+ countries. In fact, most universities around the world accept both tests, so your choice should come down to which format plays to your strengths.
That said, there are regional preferences. UK, Australian and European universities have traditionally leaned toward IELTS.US universities have traditionally preferred TOEFL, but IELTS acceptance in the US has grown significantly – all Ivy League universities and over 3,400 US institutions accept IELTS. Always check your chosen university’s specific requirements as some programs set different minimum scores for each test.
Which Test Is Easier: IELTS vs TOEFL?
Neither test is objectively easier - but one may be significantly easier for you depending on your English background and strengths. IELTS tends to favour test takers who are comfortable with face-to-face conversation, British/Australian English accents, and handwriting (if taking the paper-based test). The Speaking section is a live interview, which many candidates find more natural than speaking into a microphone.
TOEFL tends to favour test takers who are strong typists, comfortable with North American English accents, and prefer a fully computer-based experience. The integrated tasks in TOEFL Writing and Speaking (where you read a passage, listen to a lecture, then respond) reward academic note-taking skills.If you are unsure, take a practice test of each and compare your scores. Many students find they score 0.5-1.0 bands higher on one test simply because the format suits their learning style better.
Cost Comparison: IELTS vs TOEFL
IELTS costs approximately $250 USD in most countries, though prices vary by test centre and region ($230-$270 is the typical range).IELTS for UKVI (required for UK immigration) is more expensive - about $280-$320. Additional services like priority results or remarking are charged separately. TOEFL iBT costs about $200-$300 USD, depending on the country you are in. Sending your score reports to institutions other than the first four will also incur additional costs ($20 each). Late registration will cost you an additional $40. Overall, the total cost of each test is comparable, but TOEFL may be slightly cheaper in some areas, while IELTS may be cheaper in other areas. Compare prices at your local test centers before booking.
Tips for Choosing Between IELTS and TOEFL
• Check with your target institution or immigration authority first.If they only accept one test, your decision is made. Many universities accept both, but immigration authorities are often more restrictive.
• Take a full practice test of each before deciding. Your score difference between the two tests may be larger than you expect, and the test that feels more natural will likely yield a higher score.
• Consider the Speaking format carefully. If you are better at talking to someone face-to-face, IELTS is probably better. If you like to prep and then deliver answers to a screen without real-time interaction, TOEFL may be better for you.
• Consider your accent exposure. If you have studied with British or Australian English materials, IELTS Listening will be more familiar.If you have learned with American English media, TOEFL Listening may be easier.
• Factor in availability and scheduling.Some centres hold IELTS tests more often and give results faster, while others hold TOEFL tests more frequently. Check what is available at your local centres.
• If you need scores for both university and immigration, IELTS may offer more flexibility.A single IELTS test can serve both purposes in countries like Canada and Australia, whereas TOEFL is often not accepted for immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is IELTS easier than TOEFL?
Neither test is universally easier.If you like to speak face-to-face and are familiar with British English, IELTS may be easier. If you are a good typist, comfortable with American English and prefer computer-based tasks, TOEFL may be easier. Take a practice test of each to see which format suits you best.Do universities prefer IELTS or TOEFL?Most universities around the world accept both tests on par with each other . Historically , UK and Australian universities preferred IELTS , while US universities tended to favour TOEFL . But acceptance has converged considerably . All Ivy League schools accept IELTS . Most universities around the world accept both .
Q2. Can I use TOEFL for immigration to Canada?
No. Canada does not accept TOEFL for Express Entry or other immigration programs. You will need to take IELTS General Training, CELPIP or PTE Core for Canadian immigration purposes.
Q3. What is the equivalent of TOEFL 100 in IELTS?
TOEFL score 100 is roughly equivalent to IELTS 7.0-7.5. The exact correspondence depends on the score distribution across sections, but IELTS 7.0 (TOEFL 94-101) is the nearest equivalent.
Q4. How long are IELTS and TOEFL scores valid?
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. After that, most institutions and immigration authorities require you to retake the test.
Q5. Can I take the IELTS on a computer?
Yes, IELTS is available in most test centres around the world, in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats.The content, difficulty, and scoring are identical only the delivery method differs. The Speaking test is always conducted face-to-face with an examiner, regardless of which format you choose.
Q6. Is TOEFL accepted in the UK?
For UK university admissions, many universities accept the TOEFL. For UK immigration and visa purposes, TOEFL is not accepted.You must take an approved SELT - either IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic at an approved test centre for UK immigration applications.
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