Is IELTS or TOEFL harder?

Neither is objectively harder — difficulty depends on your background. IELTS uses British English accents and an in-person Speaking test with an examiner. TOEFL is fully computer-based with an integrated academic writing task. Most test-takers from South/Southeast Asia find TOEFL slightly easier; British-educated students often prefer IELTS.

Which universities accept IELTS and TOEFL?

Both are accepted by virtually all English-speaking universities worldwide, including Oxbridge, Ivy League, and Group of Eight (Australia). A few UK exceptions: some UK institutions still strongly prefer IELTS. Always check the admissions page of your specific programme.

What is the IELTS equivalent of TOEFL 100?

TOEFL iBT 100 is roughly equivalent to IELTS Band 7.0–7.5. The ETS official conversion table shows: TOEFL 79–93 ≈ IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 94–101 ≈ IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 102–109 ≈ IELTS 7.5.

How much does IELTS cost vs TOEFL?

IELTS costs approximately £200 (UK), $265 (US), €255 (Europe). TOEFL iBT costs $245 (US), with regional variation. Both allow free score sends to a limited number of institutions; additional score reports cost extra.

Which is better for US universities, IELTS or TOEFL?

TOEFL was historically preferred by US universities because it is developed by ETS, a US organisation. However, nearly all US universities now accept both equally. If your target schools are all in the US, TOEFL is a safe default; if you are also applying to UK/Australian schools, IELTS is more universally accepted.

Can I prepare for both IELTS and TOEFL at the same time?

Not recommended. The skills overlap (reading, listening, writing, speaking) but the test formats are quite different. Focus on one. If you are undecided, take a free IELTS diagnostic and a free TOEFL diagnostic, compare your scores, and choose the one where you scored higher.

IELTS vs TOEFL 2026: Which Should You Choose?

IELTS or TOEFL — a side-by-side comparison of structure, scoring, cost, acceptance, and difficulty so you can make the right choice for your university, visa, or career goal.

IELTS vs TOEFL: The Core Difference

Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test) measure English language proficiency for non-native speakers. Both are accepted by thousands of universities and employers worldwide. The choice usually comes down to where you are applying, what format suits your strengths, and logistical factors like test centre availability and score validity.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Owner

IELTS: British Council / IDP / Cambridge

TOEFL: ETS (Educational Testing Service, USA)

Format

IELTS: Paper-based or computer-based

TOEFL: Fully computer-based (iBT)

Duration

IELTS: 2h 45min (+ Speaking, separate)

TOEFL: About 2 hours

Sections

IELTS: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

TOEFL: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

Speaking

IELTS: Face-to-face with a human examiner

TOEFL: Recorded into a microphone (AI-scored + human)

Score scale

IELTS: 0–9 (band scores, 0.5 increments)

TOEFL: 0–120 (sum of 4 sections × 30)

Typical min. for top universities

IELTS: Band 6.5–7.0

TOEFL: 90–100 iBT

Score validity

IELTS: 2 years

TOEFL: 2 years

Cost (approx.)

IELTS: $260–$280 USD

TOEFL: $245 USD

Retake waiting period

IELTS: No minimum wait

TOEFL: 3 days between sittings

Result turnaround

IELTS: 3–5 days (computer), 13 days (paper)

TOEFL: 6–10 days

Score Conversion Table

Universities and employers often publish minimum scores for only one test. Use this conversion to compare:

IELTS 9.0

TOEFL 120

IELTS 8.5

TOEFL 115–119

IELTS 8.0

TOEFL 110–114

IELTS 7.5

TOEFL 102–109

IELTS 7.0

TOEFL 94–101

IELTS 6.5

TOEFL 79–93

IELTS 6.0

TOEFL 60–78

IELTS 5.5

TOEFL 46–59

Source: ETS official concordance table. Approximate — individual test centres may set different thresholds.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose IELTS if you…

Are applying to UK, Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand universities or immigration programmes
Prefer speaking to a real person rather than into a computer
Are more comfortable with British English spelling and accents
Want to take the test on paper rather than on a computer
Are applying for professional registration (medicine, nursing, law) — most boards worldwide require IELTS

Choose TOEFL if you…

Are applying primarily to US or Canadian universities
Prefer a fully computer-based, standardised experience with no human examiner variability
Are comfortable with American English accents and integrated academic tasks
Want to take advantage of Home Edition (testing from home with a proctor)
Have a stronger academic writing background (TOEFL integrated writing task rewards structured argumentation)

Preparation Tips for Both Tests

Regardless of which test you choose, the fundamentals of preparation are the same:

Diagnose first: Take a full-length practice test to identify your weakest section before you study.
Work on academic vocabulary: Both tests use formal, academic language. The AWL (Academic Word List) is essential for both.
Practice under timed conditions: Both tests are strict on time. Doing timed practice sets weekly is more effective than doing more questions at your own pace.
Get speaking feedback from a tutor: Self-study cannot replace an expert listening to your pronunciation, fluency, and coherence and giving specific, actionable feedback.

Not sure which test is right for you?

Book a free 30-minute diagnostic session with a verified IELTS or TOEFL tutor. They will assess your current level and tell you which test you are better positioned to score higher on — and how long preparation will take.

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