Which test is more accepted TOEFL or IELTS?

Both TOEFL and IELTS are widely accepted worldwide. TOEFL is preferred in the US and Canada, while IELTS is commonly accepted in UK, Australia, and Europe.

How Many Times Can I Take TOEFL or IELTS?

You can take both tests as many times as needed.

What is the Validity of TOEFL and IELTS Scores?

Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date.

TOEFL or IELTS which is easier?

The difficulty depends on your strengths. IELTS may be easier if you're comfortable with conversational English, while TOEFL suits those who prefer structured formats.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Easier? Which One Should You Take?

Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS can feel like standing at a crossroads—both tests assess your English proficiency, but which one aligns better with your skills and study plans? While some students find TOEFL’s academic-style questions easier, others prefer IELTS for its conversational test format.

With universities worldwide accepting both exams, your decision depends on factors like test structure, difficulty level, scoring patterns, and even personal comfort with different question formats. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between TOEFL and IELTS, helping you decide which test suits your strengths and study goals.

IELTS vs TOEFL: What’s the Difference?

When choosing between TOEFL and IELTS, it’s essential to understand how they differ in format, scoring, and difficulty. While both tests evaluate your English proficiency, they cater to different test-taking styles.

Below is a detailed comparison of TOEFL and IELTS to help you decide which test suits you best.

Aspect	IELTS	TOEFL
No. of universities accepting	As of 2025, over 12,500 organizations across more than 140 countries	As of 2025, over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries
Test Format	Computer-based and Paper-based	Internet-based (TOEFL iBT)
Validity	2 years	2 years
Organiser	IELTS IDP India	Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Fee	INR 17,000	INR 16,900
Duration	2 hours, 45 minutes	2 hours
Score Range	0-9 Band Score (Each section: 0-9)	0-120 (Each section: 0-30)
Popularity	Popular in Canada, UK, and Australia	Popular in the USA, New Zealand, UK and Canada
Test Modules	Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening	Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening

The main difference between TOEFL and IELTS is the test format. TOEFL is computer-based, while IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based options.

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IELTS vs TOEFL: Section-Wise Exam Structure

Understanding the structure of IELTS and TOEFL is crucial in selecting the right test for you. Both exams assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, but their formats vary significantly. IELTS includes a face-to-face speaking test, while TOEFL requires recorded responses. The question types and time allocations also differ, making it essential to choose based on your strengths and preferences.

Below, we break down each section to help you make an informed decision.

Section	IELTS	TOEFL
Reading	3 long passages 40 questions 60 minutes Multiple types of questions, such as gap fill, matching, and labeling illustrations, among others.	2 passages of approx. 700 words 20 questions 35 minutes Reading materials are academic in nature Questions are multiple choice
Listening	4 recorded conversations and monologues 40 questions 30 minutes	3 lectures and 2 conversations 28 questions 36 minutes of listening selections from lectures or campus conversations multiple-choice questions
Speaking	3 questions/tasks (with an examiner) 11 to 14 minutes Includes a short warm-up with small talk, a response to a visual prompt, and an extended discussion on a related topic.	4 tasks recorded via a microphone and assessed later 20 minutes Includes 1 Independent Speaking Task and 3 Integrated Speaking Tasks
Writing	Task 1 (150 words): Describe a graph, chart, or diagram Task 2 (250 words): Argumentative essay 60 minutes	Task 1: Summarize a lecture & reading passage Task 2: Write an opinion-based essay 30 minutes

Suggested: IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025

TOEFL and IELTS Minimum Score Requirement

The minimum IELTS and TOEFL score requirements vary by institution and program, but meeting the benchmark is essential for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Degree level	Minimum IELTS Score	Minimum TOEFL (iBT) Score
Undergraduate Programs	6.0	70
Postgraduate Programs	7.0	80

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Easier?

If you are comfortable with typing and multiple-choice formats, TOEFL may be easier, whereas if you prefer varied question types and human interaction, IELTS may be the better choice. The difficulty level of TOEFL vs. IELTS largely depends on your strengths and test-taking preferences.

When we asked the same question in the Reddit's & Yocket's study abroad community, we found that almost 80% of users consider the IELTS exam easier than the TOEFL.

Let us explain how...

TOEFL is entirely computer-based and relies on multiple-choice questions, making it ideal for candidates who are comfortable with a digital format. However, it is longer (around 3 hours) and has an automated Speaking section, which some test-takers find challenging.

IELTS on the other hand, offers both paper-based and computer-based options and includes a face-to-face speaking test, which may be easier for those who prefer real-time human interaction. However, its writing section is often considered more demanding due to stricter grading.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Score Comparison

Most universities require an IELTS score of 6.5-7.5 or a TOEFL score of 80-100 for admission, while top universities may demand higher scores. The table below shows a comparison of TOEFL and IELTS scores:

IELTS Band Score	TOEFL Band Score
9	118-120
8.5	115-117
8	110-114
7.5	102-109
7	94-101
6.5	79-93
6	60-78
5.5	46-59
5	35-45
4.5	32-34
0-4	0-31

IELTS vs TOEFL: Cost & Test Duration

When choosing between IELTS and TOEFL based on cost and duration, remember that both tests have varying prices based on location, and their length may affect test-takers endurance.

Exam	Cost in India	Duration	Mode
IELTS	INR 17,000	2 hours, 45 minutes	Paper-based & Computer-based
TOEFL	1NR 16,900	1 hour 56 minutes	Computer-based (iBT)

Suggested: TOEFL Exam Fee 2025

IELTS vs TOEFL: Country-Wise Score Requirements

The minimum TOEFL and IELTS score requirements vary depending on the university, country, and program you are applying for. Many top universities set higher cutoffs, while some institutions may offer conditional admission if your score is slightly lower than the requirement. Below is a general guideline for minimum score requirements based on different study destinations:

Country	Minimum IELTS Score Required	Minimum TOEFL Score Required
USA	6.0-7.0	80-100
UK	6.0-7.5	80-100
Canada	6.0-7.0	86-100
Australia	6.0-7.0	79-100
Germany	6.0-6.5	80-95
New Zealand	6.0-6.5	80-100

Similarities Between the IELTS and TOEFL Exam

Despite their differences, TOEFL and IELTS share several similarities:

Purpose: Both tests evaluate English proficiency for university admissions, work permits, and immigration.
Sections Covered: Both assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
Global Recognition: Accepted by universities, organizations, and governments worldwide.
Scoring Validity: Scores remain valid for two years from the test date.
Multiple Attempts: Candidates can retake either test if they wish to improve their scores.

IELTS or TOEFL: Which Test is Better?

Which test is better depends on your strengths, preferences, and university requirements. Since both exams are widely accepted, pick the one that best aligns with your comfort.

Choose TOEFL if:

You are comfortable with a computer-based test.
You prefer multiple-choice questions and an automated Speaking section.
You are applying to universities in the US or Canada, where TOEFL is widely preferred.

Choose IELTS if:

You prefer paper-based or computer-based options.
You are more comfortable with a face-to-face speaking test.
You are applying to universities in the UK, Australia, or Europe, where IELTS is more common.

From the Desk of Yocket

At Yocket, we understand how crucial it is to choose the right test and focus on its preparation. Whether you're considering TOEFL or IELTS, our expert guidance, curated study resources, and community discussions help you make an informed decision.

With our Yocket Prep platform, you can access practice tests, personalized preparation strategies, and university-specific requirements to boost your chances of success.