Study Abroad | IELTS or TOEFL? Which should I take?

If you’re planning to further your studies in an English speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK or the US, you’ll be required to provide proof of your English language ability as part of your application.

This comes in the form of your language proficiency test scores, which would indicate your fluency in English across the following skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening.

However, as there are many tests out there to choose from, you might not be sure which to pick.

Hence, it could be helpful to know that the most popular and widely accepted ones are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Without further ado, here’s what you need to know about both the IELTS and TOEFL as well as some key differences between the two.

What is IELTS

Set as the gold standard for English proficiency tests, the IELTS test was launched in 1980 and evaluates the fluency of English in both written and spoken formats.

Accepted by over 11,000 institutions in more than 140 countries, the IELTS has both paper-based and computer-based versions of its test, which is split into four sections: speaking, writing, listening and reading.

The IELTS Online is a new test option that allows test takers to take the exam from the comfort of their homes. There is no difference in the test format and is fully recognised just like the computer-delivered or paper-based test in a test centre.

What is TOEFL

Designed to effectively assess a student’s command of the English language, TOEFL is a standardised test which is recognised globally and in most foreign English-based universities.

Since its inception in 1964, TOEFL has evolved from a paper-based test to that of a computer-based one before eventually transitioning to an internet-based exam (iBT) in 2005. The exam is currently available either in the form of a paper-delivered test or iBT.

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IELTS vs TOEFL (5 key differences you must know)

1. Format of the test

Although both the IELTS and TOEFL test your English language proficiency across reading, writing, speaking and listening, their formats are different.

IELTS

The IELTS takes 2 hours and 45 minutes in total for the same four sections as the TOEFL, however, in a different order.

Unlike the TOEFL, which requires you to take all four sections at once, the IELTS gives you the option to take the speaking section up to a week before or after the other three sections if you prefer to. When registering for your test, you’ll get to schedule your time for the speaking component.

Below is a closer look at IELTS’s format.

1. Listening ( 30 minutes ): 40 questions

2. Reading ( 60 minutes ): 40 questions

3. Writing ( 60 minutes ): 2 tasks

4. Speaking ( 11 – 14 minutes ): 3 tasks

TOEFL

1. Listening ( 41 – 57 minutes): 28 – 39 questions

2. Reading ( 54 – 72 minutes ): 30 – 40 questions

3. Writing ( 50 minutes ): 2 tasks

4. Speaking ( 17 minutes ): 4 tasks

Below is a quick table for your reference:

2. Test types

The IELTS test has two main types: Academic and General Training

Students looking to further their studies will be required to sit for the IELTS Academic test while the General Training test is more suitable for those looking to take up a vocational training program or to immigrate professionally.

The TOEFL also has two types of tests. The TOEFL essential and TOEFL iBT are both for academic purposes, but TOEFL iBT is also accepted for migration purposes in Australia and New Zealand.

3. Mode of the test

Both the IELTS and TOEFL have paper-based and computer-based versions of the test.

However, a main difference between the two is that you’ll be required to communicate directly with the examiner for the speaking component of the IELTS test.

In the case of the TOEFL, it is totally computer-based. Instead of interacting in person with the examiners for the speaking section of the test, you’ll have to record and send over your speech for assessment.

4. Results of the test

While both tests have the same four components, how they are scored and calculation of the final result are different.

For the TOEFL, you’ll receive a score of 0 to 30 per section. Your total TOEFL score would be the sum of all these scores added together and range from 0 to 120.

The IELTS test works a little differently as you’ll receive a score from 0 to 9 per section. Your overall IELTS score would be an average of those four scores and will also be from 0 to 9.

Here is also a total score comparison in table form for your reference.

5. Test acceptance in institutions

The IELTS is more commonly taken by those looking to study in the UK and Australia while the TOEFL is the more popular choice for students who want to further their studies in the US.

Having said that, it is important to find out whether the schools you’re interested in accept the scores of the test you intend to take. After all, you want to ensure you meet all the requirements.

6. Key differences at a glance

Gear up for your overseas study adventure

Thinking of furthering your studies abroad?

While the process might feel more challenging with the various things to prepare, we’re more than happy to navigate it with you!

At IDP, we have an experienced team of education counsellors that can answer your questions and support you throughout your journey abroad.

With many IELTS test centres conveniently located across the country, you can easily book your test and take the first step towards pursuing your studies overseas!