IELTS vs TOEFL: Key Differences
Both IELTS and TOEFL test your English proficiency and are widely accepted by universities worldwide. The main differences lie in the test format, scoring system, and which universities prefer each.
IELTS
Scored 0–9 in 0.5 band increments
Speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner
Preferred by UK, Australia, and Canadian universities
Available as Academic or General Training
TOEFL
Scored 0–120 in total
Entirely computer-based including speaking
Preferred by many US and Canadian universities
Focuses heavily on academic English
Our Recommendation
Check the requirements of your specific target universities. If you're applying to UK/Australia/Canada, IELTS is generally the safer choice. For US universities, both are equally accepted. Book a consultation with us for personalised advice.