Who should choose IELTS?

Applying to UK, Australian, or Canadian universities. Need the test for immigration purposes. Prefer face-to-face speaking tests. More comfortable with British English.

Who should choose TOEFL iBT?

Applying to US universities. Prefer typing over handwriting. More comfortable with American English. Want computer-based testing throughout.

IELTS vs TOEFL

Both tests measure English proficiency but differ in format and regional acceptance. IELTS uses British English and face-to-face speaking, while TOEFL is American English with computer-based speaking.

IELTS

British Council/IDP

TOEFL iBT

ETS

British Council/IDP

Provider

ETS

$245-$310

Cost

$200-$245

Medium

Difficulty

Medium

N/A (band score)

Pass Rate

N/A (score-based)

2 years

Validity

2 years

Immigration/Study abroad

Salary Impact

Study in USA/Canada

The Verdict

Choose IELTS for UK, Australia, or immigration purposes. Choose TOEFL for US universities and if you prefer typing over handwriting.

Choose IELTS if you:

Applying to UK, Australian, or Canadian universities
Need the test for immigration purposes
Prefer face-to-face speaking tests
More comfortable with British English

Choose TOEFL iBT if you:

Applying to US universities
Prefer typing over handwriting
More comfortable with American English
Want computer-based testing throughout

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