IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Exam Should You Choose for Study Abroad

If you are an Indian student planning to study abroad, you must take an English-proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL. IELTS is accepted by 11,000+ institutions worldwide and uses British English, while TOEFL is accepted by 11,500+ institutions and uses American English. IELTS costs ₹16,250 and TOEFL costs ₹16,900 in India. Choose IELTS for UK/Australia and TOEFL for the US if your target university prefers one format.

What are IELTS and TOEFL and why do Indian students need them?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are standardised English tests used by universities and immigration authorities to check that non-native speakers can study in English. Indian students typically need a minimum overall band score of 6.5 in IELTS (with no band below 6.0) or a total score of 80–90 in TOEFL iBT to qualify for bachelor’s or master’s programmes abroad. These exams are also required for student visas in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Both tests assess four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. However, the formats differ, so your choice should align with the country and university you are targeting.

How do the test formats differ between IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS uses British English spellings (e.g., “colour”) and a mix of accents in Listening. TOEFL uses American English spellings (e.g., “color”) and North-American accents throughout. IELTS Speaking is a live conversation; TOEFL Speaking is recorded and assessed later.

Which countries and universities accept IELTS vs TOEFL more widely?

• IELTS is the preferred test in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and many European universities. The UK Home Office recognises IELTS for student visas with a 5.5 minimum in each band for foundation and 6.0 for degree programmes.
• TOEFL is more popular in the US, where it is accepted by 98% of universities including Harvard, MIT and Stanford. Canadian universities such as University of Toronto and University of British Columbia accept both, but TOEFL is more common in francophone Canada.
• Australia and New Zealand accept both, but IELTS is used more often for skilled migration points.

Check your target university’s website before you book. For example, the University of Oxford states that both tests are accepted, but IELTS is more widely used in its admissions.

What are the fee differences and how can you save money?

In India (2026), IELTS Academic costs ₹16,250 and TOEFL iBT costs ₹16,900. Both tests are valid for 2 years. You can book either test online and reschedule or cancel within limits.

• IELTS: Reschedule within 35 days for a ₹3,000 fee; cancel within 5 days for a ₹2,500 refund.
• TOEFL: Reschedule within 4 days for a ₹3,900 fee; cancel within 4 days for a ₹2,700 refund.

To save money, book during promotional windows, choose an offline paper-based IELTS if available in your city, or use official prep materials to avoid extra coaching costs.

How do IELTS and TOEFL scores compare for university admissions?

IELTS bands are whole or half bands (e.g., 6.5, 7.0). TOEFL scores range from 0–120 in 1-point increments. Some universities require minimum section scores: for example, a 24 in TOEFL Speaking or a 6.5 in IELTS Speaking. Always verify the latest cut-offs on the university site.

Which exam is easier for Indian students: IELTS or TOEFL?

There is no single “easier” test; difficulty depends on your strengths and the format you prefer.

• Choose IELTS if you are comfortable with British accents, live speaking tests, and short writing tasks with clear data interpretation.
• Choose TOEFL if you prefer American accents, typing your responses, and integrated tasks that mimic classroom lectures.

A 2025 survey of 500 Indian test-takers by IELTS.org found that 58% scored higher on IELTS Listening, while 62% found TOEFL Writing more challenging due to integrated tasks. Practice both tests under timed conditions before deciding.

How long should you prepare and what study resources work best?

Most Indian students need 6–12 weeks of focused preparation to reach their target score. Start by taking a full-length official practice test to identify weak areas.

• IELTS: Use the free IELTS Progress Check (ieltsprogresscheck.com), Cambridge IELTS 17–19 books, and YouTube channels like “IELTS with Mr Steve.”
• TOEFL: Use the free TOEFL iBT Test Prep (ets.org/toefl), The Official TOEFL iBT Tests books (Volumes 1–5), and Magoosh’s 60-hour video course.

Aim for at least 2 hours of daily practice, including one full mock per week. Track your scores and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Should you take IELTS or TOEFL if you plan to work after graduation?

Both tests are accepted for post-study work visas, but IELTS is more commonly used for skilled migration in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. For the US OPT or H-1B sponsorship, universities accept both, but TOEFL is slightly more common in STEM programmes.

• IELTS is used by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs for General Training IELTS for skilled visas. A score of 7.0 overall with at least 7.0 in each band gets 20 points under the points system.
• TOEFL is accepted by US employers for H-1B petitions, but the visa officer also reviews your degree and job offer. A TOEFL score of 100 or above is generally seen as strong.

If you plan to settle in Australia or Canada, IELTS may give you an edge for permanent residency later.

Can you take both IELTS and TOEFL to keep options open?

Yes. Many Indian students take both tests to maximise their chances, especially if they are unsure of their target universities. The tests are valid for 2 years, so you can keep both scores on file and submit the one that meets a university’s requirement.

However, retaking both can double your costs and preparation time. If you are targeting US universities, prioritise TOEFL; for the UK, Europe or Australia, prioritise IELTS. Use official concordance tables published by ETS and IDP to compare scores if you need to submit both.

What are the common mistakes Indian students make in IELTS and TOEFL?

Indian students often lose marks because of avoidable errors.

• IELTS: Not using British spellings, running out of time on Reading due to overlong skimming, giving too short answers in Speaking, and not using a wide enough vocabulary in Writing.
• TOEFL: Not organising integrated writing coherently, speaking too softly in the Speaking section, not using the allotted time for the independent essay, and ignoring the word-count guides.

Practise writing within strict time limits and record your Speaking responses to self-critique. Review examiner feedback on IELTS Writing Task 1 reports if you use IELTS Progress Check.

How do you book the exam and what documents do you need?

Both tests can be booked online through their official Indian partners.

• IELTS: Book at ieltsidpindia.com. You need a valid passport, a clear passport-sized photo, and a debit/credit card for payment.
• TOEFL: Book at ets.org/toefl. You need a valid passport, an acceptable ID proof, and a payment card. Both tests offer at-home versions with proctoring if local test centres are unavailable.

Slots fill quickly during peak seasons (June–August and December–January). Register at least 30–45 days before your preferred date to secure a spot.

Which exam should you choose based on your study-abroad goal?

• Dream US university (top-50) → TOEFL iBT (minimum 100).
• UK Russell Group or Oxbridge → IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0).
• Canada (U15 universities) → Either test; IELTS is slightly more common.
• Australia (Group of Eight) → IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5).
• Germany or Netherlands (English-taught programmes) → IELTS is the norm.

Start by listing your top 5 universities and checking their English requirements. If all five accept both, choose the format you practised most during your preparation.