TOEFL iBT vs. IELTS - Which Language Test Should I Take?

As a non-native English speaker applying for a program that is either delivered in English or taught in an English-speaking country, your university will likely require you to prove your English language proficiency through a standardized test score.

If they don't have a preference as to which test they'd like you to take, you might find yourself wondering which is right for you – TOEFL iBT or IELTS.

Both are accepted by thousands of institutes worldwide, with millions of prospective students opting for one or the other each year — but which one comes out on top where it really matters?

What are they?

TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL test was founded in 1964 by ETS, the world's largest educational assessment and research organization. Over the years, it's been renowned for its high standards of quality and fairness.

The TOEFL is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions worldwide, including those in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and throughout Europe and Asia.

Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL introduced big updates, including adaptive testing, a revised scoring scale, and modernized content.

IELTS

Founded in 1989 by the British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment, and IDP.

Over 12,500 institutions, including thousands of universities, accept IELTS globally, covering the UK, Australia, Canada, and over 3,000 US universities, making it widely recognized for study abroad and immigration

How long do the tests last?

TOEFL iBT Test

You can complete the TOEFL iBT test in 90 minutes, in only one session.

• Reading (18-27 minutes, adaptive)
• Listening (18-27 minutes, adaptive)
• Writing (⁓23 minutes)
• Speaking (⁓8 minutes)

Note: Because the Reading and Listening sections are adaptive, the number of items and time may vary based on performance. The test no longer includes a 10-minute break.

You can retake the test an unlimited number of times, but not more than once in a 3-day period.

IELTS

You can take the IELTS in 2 hours and 45 minutes, but the speaking test takes place on a different day.

• Writing (60 minutes)
• Reading (60 minutes)
• Listening (30 minutes)
• Speaking (14 minutes)

How does scoring work?

TOEFL test

The TOEFL test now uses a new 1-6 band scale aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The scores will be reported on a 1-6 scale with half-point increments, such as 4.5 and 5.5 for each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing). The overall score is the average of all 4 section scores, rounded to the nearest half band.

The new scoring system directly aligns with CEFR levels:

Note for the transitional period: For a two-year period (2026-2028), students will receive both the new 1-6 band score and a comparable overall score on the traditional 0-120 scale. This helps universities and students compare results during the transition.

• All scoring uses a centralized online scoring network.
• There's a combination of AI and human raters of speaking and writing responses.
• The Speaking section employs multiple raters who are unaware of the student's identity.
• As of 2026, scores will be available within 72 hours, compared to the previous 4-8 days.

IELTS

The paper-based test is scored by a human examiner. Most of the computer-based test is scored digitally.

• IELTS uses a 1-9 band scoring system, where each section is measured in .5 increments.
• If you take the paper-based exam, you must ensure that your handwritten answers are legible and easily understood.
• Unclear handwriting may be misunderstood by the examiner.
• On both the paper and computer-based test, the speaking section is scored by a single examiner only, so your score might be dependent on whether they can fully understand your accent.