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TOEFL and IELTS are international exams that certify English language proficiency. Most universities in the US and Europe require one of these tests for admission to English-language programs.
It’s important to understand that the exam score affects not only the admission itself, but in many cases it is directly related to the chances of receiving a scholarship. Without proof of language proficiency, even a strong academic profile will not be enough.
At first glance, TOEFL and IELTS test the same thing – knowledge of the English language. However, the format of the tasks and the method of assessment differ significantly, and this is often the deciding factor. Before making a choice, it’s important to understand the basic differences between the exams, rather than relying on advice from acquaintances.
The TOEFL exam is administered in a computer-based format. All parts of the exam, namely reading, listening, writing, and speaking, are completed on a computer, and the speaking responses are recorded via a microphone.
The exam lasts approximately 2 hours and is conducted without long breaks. For students accustomed to working with computers and typing quickly, this often becomes an advantage.
IELTS exists in two formats: computer-based and paper-based. However, the speaking section is always conducted as a live interview with an examiner.
The total duration of the IELTS exam is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. This exam is often perceived as more “human,” especially for those who value face-to-face interaction.
The grading systems for the exams are different, and this is important to consider when applying.
Admission usually requires an overall score of 6.5–7.5, depending on the program level and university.
For scholarships, the requirements are often higher than for admission itself. A difference of 0.5 points on the IELTS or 5–10 points on the TOEFL can be crucial.
TOEFL is more academic in style. The reading passages are longer, the listening section often consists of lectures, and the writing tasks require logical, structured argumentation.
IELTS is considered more diverse. It includes more everyday and semi-formal situations, especially in the speaking section. The dialogue format of the speaking test may be psychologically easier for students who find it easier to speak than to record their answers into a microphone.
The choice between TOEFL and IELTS largely depends on the country and the specific university. Although both exams are international, they have different geographical areas of application.
In the USA, TOEFL is traditionally preferred. Most American universities specify it as the main exam, especially for undergraduate and STEM programs. However, more and more universities are also accepting IELTS, but sometimes with additional requirements regarding the minimum score for each section.
In Europe, the situation is the opposite. In the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Scandinavia, IELTS is more common and is perceived as the standard. TOEFL is also accepted there, but IELTS is usually more familiar to admissions committees and career centers.
The TOEFL exam was originally developed as an academic test for admission to universities in the United States. Its main advantage lies in its clear academic focus. The tasks simulate real university situations: lectures, academic texts, and argumentative essays.
Another advantage is the completely computer-based format. There is no need to interact with an examiner; everything is standardized, which reduces the factor of subjectivity and is suitable for those who might get nervous when interacting with a real examiner.
The main advantage of IELTS is its live speaking format. The oral part takes place as a dialogue with an examiner. For many students, this is a real plus, as the live format allows them to better demonstrate their language level.
In addition, IELTS is accepted by virtually all European universities, as well as employers and immigration services, which is important for future career prospects.
TOEFL is best suited for students who are confident in their written English and comfortable working on a computer.
This exam is often chosen by:
TOEFL is also a good choice for those planning an academic career or participation in research.
IELTS is often chosen by students who find it easier to excel in spoken communication than in written tasks.
This exam is suitable for:
For many schoolchildren and their parents, IELTS seems more understandable and predictable in its format.
Universities rarely talk about this, but in reality, your English language test score can affect the amount of financial aid you receive. Most programs don’t make a formal distinction between TOEFL and IELTS. What matters to them is the level of language proficiency. However, the score requirements for scholarships are almost always higher than the minimum requirements for admission.
For example, if an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 80 is sufficient for admission, then to be considered for a grant, you might need an IELTS score of 7.0–7.5 or a TOEFL score of 95–105+. This is especially true for the USA and competitive programs in Europe.
Therefore, when choosing an exam, you should ask yourself a simple question: in which format can I achieve the highest possible score? Of course, if the university and program specify a particular exam format, then the student cannot choose between formats.
Financial and time factors are also important, especially when the exam needs to be retaken.
In 2026, the estimated cost is as follows:
Prices may vary depending on the country and examination center, but generally fall within the same range.
The validity period for the results of both exams is the same – 2 years. This is important to consider when planning your application: taking the exam too early may result in the certificate expiring before the start of your studies.
Many students have a good level of English, but lose points due to a lack of familiarity with the exam structure and types of tasks. Therefore, it is important to understand what to expect.
A practice test helps to understand where the student is currently at, what score they can already achieve, and which sections they should focus on to improve their grade.
It’s important to consider application deadlines, university deadlines, and the possibility of needing to retake exams. Then, develop a preparation plan, leaving some extra time in case of unforeseen circumstances.
It’s important to regularly write essays, practice speaking, and take practice tests under conditions as close as possible to the real exam. This is what reduces stress and increases the final score.
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