Applying to an English-speaking university as a non-native English speaker almost always requires an English proficiency test. The two dominant tests are IELTS and TOEFL, both of which are accepted at thousands of universities worldwide. This guide explains how both tests work in 2026, what scores you need for different universities, which test is better suited to which students, and how to prepare efficiently.
The short answer
Most students can take either IELTS or TOEFL. IELTS is typically preferred by UK and European universities; TOEFL is historically favoured by US universities, though both are now widely accepted across both regions. Pick based on convenience, your preferred format, and your target universities' policies.
1. Why you need an English test
Universities in English-speaking countries need to be confident that international applicants can handle coursework in English. Beyond a minimum threshold, your test score doesn't usually move admissions decisions much — but falling below the threshold can disqualify you.
When you need an English test:
- You're a non-native English speaker
- Your school's language of instruction was not English
- The university explicitly requires one
When you may be exempt:
- You attended an English-language school for several years (policies vary)
- You come from a country whose official language is English
- Your prior degree was completed in English (for graduate applications)
- The university has a specific exemption policy you qualify for
Always check each target university's English proficiency policy. Exemptions vary widely and should not be assumed.
2. IELTS: Overview
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is administered by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. It's the most widely accepted English test in the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and many European universities.
IELTS Academic test structure:
- Listening: 30 minutes, 40 questions, 4 sections
- Reading: 60 minutes, 40 questions, 3 long passages
- Writing: 60 minutes, 2 tasks (summary of a chart/graph + essay)
- Speaking: 11–14 minutes, face-to-face interview with an examiner
Total test time: About 2 hours 45 minutes.
Scoring:
- Each section is scored from 0 to 9 (with half-points)
- Your overall score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half
- Most universities require a minimum overall score plus minimum section scores
Test formats:
- Paper-based: Traditional format taken at a test centre
- Computer-delivered: Same content, done on a computer at a test centre (shorter wait for results)
- IELTS Online: Online at home with remote proctoring (accepted by fewer institutions)
Validity: IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
Cost: Typically €200–€300 depending on location and format.
3. TOEFL: Overview
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by ETS and has been the standard English proficiency test for US universities for decades. It's also accepted by most UK, European, Canadian, and Australian universities.
TOEFL iBT test structure:
- Reading: 35 minutes, 20 questions, 2 passages
- Listening: 36 minutes, 28 questions, 3–4 lectures and 2–3 conversations
- Speaking: 16 minutes, 4 tasks (spoken into a microphone)
- Writing: 29 minutes, 2 tasks (integrated task + academic discussion)
Total test time: About 2 hours (after recent format changes in 2023).
Scoring:
- Each section is scored from 0 to 30
- Total score is the sum of all four section scores (maximum 120)
- Most universities require a minimum total plus minimum section scores
Test formats:
- TOEFL iBT at a test centre: Traditional format at an official test centre
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Online at home with remote proctoring (widely accepted)
Validity: TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years.
Cost: Typically €200–€300 depending on location.
4. IELTS vs TOEFL: Which test should you take?
Both tests assess similar skills but differ in format, question style, and feel. Here's how to decide.
Pick IELTS if:
- You're applying primarily to UK, Australian, or European universities
- You prefer face-to-face speaking (with an examiner, not a microphone)
- You prefer more varied question types (IELTS uses more open-ended formats)
- You prefer writing tasks that involve interpreting visual data (graphs, charts)
- You want slightly more accessible question types
Pick TOEFL if:
- You're applying primarily to US universities
- You prefer a fully digital test with standardised question types
- You're comfortable speaking into a microphone rather than face-to-face
- You prefer multiple-choice and structured questions
- You want to take the test at home (Home Edition is widely accepted)
Both tests:
- Are accepted at most universities worldwide
- Have similar pricing
- Take about 2–3 hours
- Are valid for 2 years
- Require similar preparation time
Practical tip: Check your target universities' explicit requirements. Some universities have specific minimum scores for one test but not the other, which can tip the decision.
5. IELTS scoring and university requirements
The IELTS 9-band scale is interpreted as follows:
- 9.0: Expert user (native-speaker level)
- 8.0–8.5: Very good user
- 7.0–7.5: Good user
- 6.0–6.5: Competent user
- 5.0–5.5: Modest user
- Below 5.0: Limited or intermittent user
Typical IELTS requirements by university type:
- Top UK universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial): 7.0–7.5 overall, 7.0+ in each section
- Russell Group universities: 6.5–7.0 overall, 6.0+ in each section
- Other UK universities: 6.0–6.5 overall
- Top European universities (Bocconi, IE, HEC, etc.): 6.5–7.0 overall
- Top US universities accepting IELTS: 7.0+ overall
- Canadian and Australian universities: 6.5–7.0 overall
The Oxbridge benchmark:
Oxford and Cambridge typically require 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each section. This is high but achievable for most motivated students.
6. TOEFL scoring and university requirements
The TOEFL score range is 0–120 (sum of four sections, each 0–30).
Score interpretation:
- 110–120: Advanced user (near-native)
- 100–109: Strong academic user
- 90–99: Competent academic user
- 80–89: Capable, with some weaknesses
- 70–79: Sufficient for some programs, limited for others
- Below 70: Generally insufficient for university admission
Typical TOEFL requirements by university type:
- Top US universities (Ivies, Stanford, MIT): 100–110 total, section minima of 22–25
- Strong US universities (UCLA, NYU, Michigan, etc.): 90–100 total
- Other US universities: 80–90 total
- Top European universities accepting TOEFL: 95–105 total
- UK universities accepting TOEFL: 88–100 total depending on ranking
The elite US university benchmark:
Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and similar typically require TOEFL 100+ with 25+ in each section. This is achievable with focused preparation.
7. Preparing for IELTS or TOEFL
English test preparation has two parts:
- General English ability — your overall proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Test-specific skills — understanding the format, question types, scoring, and strategies
How long to prepare:
- If your English is already strong: 4–6 weeks of focused prep
- If your English is intermediate: 2–3 months of mixed general and test-specific prep
- If your English needs improvement: 4–6 months of general English before focused test prep
Core preparation activities:
- Take a diagnostic practice test to establish your baseline
- Identify your weakest sections (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
- Build daily practice habits — 30–60 minutes per day is better than 3-hour weekend marathons
- Practice each section with official materials
- For speaking (IELTS) or writing (both), get feedback from a teacher, tutor, or native speaker
- Take a full-length practice test every 2–3 weeks
- Simulate real test conditions in your final practice tests
Key resources:
- Official IELTS materials from British Council and Cambridge
- Official TOEFL materials from ETS
- Free practice on YouTube, IELTS Liz, Magoosh, and similar
- Paid courses for structure and feedback
8. IELTS section-by-section strategy
Listening:
- Practice with a variety of accents (British, Australian, American)
- Read the questions before the audio starts
- Listen for keyword substitutions (the audio rarely uses the exact words from the question)
- Don't linger on questions you miss — the audio moves on
Reading:
- You have 60 minutes for 40 questions across 3 passages — about 1 minute per question
- Skim the passage first, then read questions, then return to the text for specific answers
- Watch for trap answers that contradict the text or use plausible but false information
- Keep track of time — don't spend too long on any one passage
Writing:
- Task 1 (20 minutes): Summarise a chart, graph, or diagram in 150 words
- Task 2 (40 minutes): Write an essay in 250 words on a general academic topic
- Plan before you write — 3–5 minutes of planning saves time overall
- Use clear paragraph structure with a topic sentence
- Vary sentence structure and vocabulary without forcing complexity
Speaking:
- Part 1: Interview questions about familiar topics (4–5 minutes)
- Part 2: Long-turn monologue on a given topic (1–2 minutes of speaking)
- Part 3: Discussion of abstract topics related to Part 2 (4–5 minutes)
- Speak at a natural pace — not too fast, not too slow
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammar
- Don't memorise answers — examiners can tell
9. TOEFL section-by-section strategy
Reading:
- 20 questions across 2 passages in 35 minutes
- Skim the passage for structure, then read questions
- Watch for inference questions that require you to read between the lines
- Use process of elimination on tricky questions
- Time management: about 8–9 minutes per passage including questions
Listening:
- Take brief notes during lectures and conversations
- Listen for main ideas, details, and speakers' attitudes
- Practice with academic lectures (not just casual English)
- Don't panic if you miss a detail — focus on the next one
Speaking:
- 4 tasks in 16 minutes, each with a specific format
- Task 1: Independent speaking on a personal topic
- Tasks 2–3: Integrated tasks combining reading, listening, and speaking
- Task 4: Summary of a lecture
- Practice speaking into a microphone for the full time allowed
- Structure your responses clearly with an intro and supporting points
Writing:
- Task 1 (Integrated): Read a passage, listen to a lecture, then write a summary comparing the two (20 minutes)
- Task 2 (Academic Discussion): Respond to an academic discussion prompt (10 minutes) — this replaced the old independent essay in 2023
- Structure matters — clear paragraphs, topic sentences, supporting details
- Use specific examples
10. Common mistakes in English test preparation
Mistake 1: Starting too late. Quality preparation requires weeks to months, not days.
Mistake 2: Ignoring speaking practice. Many students neglect speaking because it feels awkward. Speaking is where many students lose marks.
Mistake 3: Practising in silence. Listening sections require active practice, not just background exposure to English.
Mistake 4: Memorising template answers. Examiners can tell. Memorised writing and speaking sound unnatural and score poorly.
Mistake 5: Not using official materials. Third-party resources can be wildly different from the real test.
Mistake 6: Underestimating writing. Writing is often the hardest section to improve and requires feedback from a teacher or tutor.
Mistake 7: Taking the test cold. Always do at least one full practice test before the real thing.
Mistake 8: Picking the wrong test. If your speaking is weaker than your writing, TOEFL (microphone-based) may feel easier. If your writing is weaker, IELTS's structured task 1 may be easier.
11. Retaking the test
Both IELTS and TOEFL can be retaken as many times as you like. Universities generally accept your best score.
When to retake:
- Your current score is below the university minimum
- Your section scores are uneven and one is below the required minimum
- You had a bad test day (illness, anxiety, technical issue)
When not to retake:
- You've already exceeded the required minimum
- The expected improvement is marginal
- You're burning out on prep
How to prepare between attempts:
- Minimum 4 weeks for meaningful improvement
- Focus specifically on your weakest sections
- Don't just re-take — diagnose why you didn't hit your target
- Consider getting feedback from a teacher if you're stuck
12. Planning your English test around university applications
For autumn 2026 university applications:
- Take your test by August–September 2026 at the latest
- Allow time for a retake if needed (so start earlier: March–April 2026)
- Send scores to your universities directly from the test provider
For autumn 2027 university applications:
- Take your test in early 2026 to have results in hand for applications later in the year
- Early testing gives you room to retake if scores are below target
The coordination principle:
Your English test should be ready before you apply, not after. Missing the test deadline can delay or disqualify your application.
13. FAQ
Which test is easier?
Neither is definitively easier. They test similar skills in different ways. Students often find IELTS more accessible because of its face-to-face speaking and varied question types, while others find TOEFL more comfortable because of its standardised format.
Can I take both tests?
Yes, and some students do to hedge their bets. But it's usually unnecessary — pick one and prepare well.
How long does it take to get scores?
IELTS: 3–5 days for computer-delivered, 13 days for paper
TOEFL: About 6 days after the test
Can I take the test multiple times?
Yes, both tests can be taken as often as you want (subject to test centre availability).
Are home editions accepted everywhere?
IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Edition are accepted by most universities but not all. Always check each target university's policy.
How long are scores valid?
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years.
What's the minimum score for a UK visa?
UK visa requirements depend on the visa type. For student visas (Tier 4), most universities require at least IELTS 5.5–6.5 depending on the program.
Is IELTS Academic the same as IELTS General?
No. Academic is for university admission; General Training is for immigration and work purposes. Use Academic for university applications.
14. Your action plan
- Identify your target universities and check their English requirements
- Choose IELTS or TOEFL based on university policies and personal preference
- Take a diagnostic test to establish your baseline
- Build a preparation plan of 4–12 weeks depending on your starting level
- Use official materials as your primary practice source
- Practice all four sections consistently, with extra focus on your weakest
- Get feedback on your writing and speaking from a qualified teacher or tutor
- Take a full practice test 2–3 weeks before your real test
- Register for the test well in advance — popular dates fill up
- Send scores to your target universities from the test provider
Need help deciding between IELTS and TOEFL, or building a study plan? Book a free strategy call and we'll help you pick the right test and plan your preparation.
Related articles:
- IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English Test for University?
- IELTS Band Scores Explained: University Requirements
- How to Prepare for IELTS: 8-Week Study Plan
- How to Score 100+ on the TOEFL
- Top Universities IELTS & TOEFL Requirements
Frequently asked questions about IELTS and TOEFL
Which is easier, IELTS or TOEFL?
Neither is objectively easier — the right choice depends on your strengths. IELTS has a human speaking examiner and more varied question types; TOEFL is fully computer-based with academic-leaning content. Students who find paraphrasing easy and type quickly often score higher on TOEFL. Students with strong conversational English often prefer IELTS speaking.
What IELTS band score do top universities require?
Most top UK and Australian universities ask for an overall band 6.5 or 7.0, with minimum 6.0 in each skill. Oxbridge, Imperial, and LSE typically require 7.0-7.5 overall with no skill below 6.5-7.0. Postgraduate programs and medicine often ask for 7.5 overall. Always check the specific course page.
How long is an IELTS or TOEFL score valid?
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are officially valid for two years from the test date. Some universities accept older scores for applications submitted close to the two-year mark, but you’ll need the score to still be valid when you arrive for enrolment. Plan to take the test within 18 months of your application deadline.
Can I use Duolingo English Test instead of IELTS or TOEFL?
At some universities, yes. Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 5,000 institutions including most US universities, many Canadian and Australian ones, and a growing number of UK and European schools. Oxbridge and a handful of other top UK universities still require IELTS or TOEFL. Check each of your target schools individually.
How much does each test cost in 2026?
IELTS Academic costs approximately $215-255 USD depending on test centre and country, TOEFL iBT is $195-265, and Duolingo English Test is $59. Rescoring or sending additional score reports adds $20-40 per request. Budget for one re-take attempt in case your first score is below your target.
