TOEFL or IELTS? Which English Test Should You Take?

Nearly every international applicant asks: TOEFL or IELTS? Most U.S. universities accept both. The better choice depends on your skills and target schools.

Format Overview

TOEFL iBT

• Computer-based, single sitting (~3 hours)
• Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing—scored 0–30 each, total 0–120
• Speaking recorded via microphone and scored by human raters

IELTS Academic

• Paper or computer; ~2h 45m
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (live interview)
• Overall band 0–9 in 0.5 steps

Rough Score Alignment

Choose TOEFL If…

• You focus well on long computer-based tasks
• You prefer structured academic prompts
• Your target list skews U.S.-centric

Choose IELTS If…

• You perform better in a live speaking interview
• You may also apply to the UK, Australia, or Canada
• You prefer paper-based testing (where offered)

Three-Month Prep Sketch

• Month 1: Diagnostic test; fix foundational gaps
• Month 2: Section drills + one full practice test per week
• Month 3: Timed mocks, error log, and test-day routine