IELTS vs TOEFL: Key Differences Explained Clearly

When students plan to study abroad, they often face a pivotal question: ‘Should I choose the IELTS or TOEFL exam?’ Both exams are internationally recognized and are among the most basic requirements for university admission in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and others. However, the difference between the exams can be confusing at first, especially for Arab students, as the nature of the questions, evaluation system, and even university requirements differ. In this article, we will comprehensively review everything you need to know to choose the most suitable exam for you based on your study destination and learning style.

The Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL

The basic difference between the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) lies in the evaluation method, question format, and type of language skills targeted. IELTS is usually offered in paper form (or electronically nowadays), and is characterized by a face-to-face speaking section with the examiner, while TOEFL is mostly offered on a computer, with all sections including speaking into a microphone. Also, IELTS is more common in the United Kingdom and Australia, while TOEFL is preferred in the United States and Canada.

What Is the IELTS Exam?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international test for assessing English language proficiency for non-native speakers. It consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It is used in two versions: Academic for students, and General for immigration or work. The assessment is done on a scale of 0 to 9, and the overall average is calculated by averaging the four sections. The test is offered in approved centers around the world, and can be taken several times a year.

What Is the TOEFL Exam?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an academic test used to assess English language skills for foreign students wishing to study in English-speaking universities. It is currently mainly offered online (TOEFL iBT), and includes four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section is scored from 30 points, making the total score 120 points. TOEFL is known for its focus on academic language, and most American and Canadian universities rely on it as an admission requirement.

The Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL for Undergraduate Students

For undergraduate students, choosing the exam is an important part of the university application strategy. IELTS is generally preferred in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, while American and Canadian universities prefer the TOEFL exam. In terms of the nature of the questions, IELTS focuses on diverse skills in real-life environments, while TOEFL relies on a purely academic style in all sections. Therefore, the most suitable choice depends on the target country, the student’s level in the language, and comfort with the question style.

Comparison Between IELTS and TOEFL Exams

This comparison allows the student to evaluate which test suits their academic abilities and university destination.

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Which Is Easier, IELTS or TOEFL?

This question is asked frequently, especially among students who have never taken either test. There is no definitive answer, as ease depends on each student’s individual skills. Generally, many Arab students find IELTS easier than TOEFL, for reasons including that the speaking section is face-to-face, and the questions are shorter and clearer. On the other hand, some find TOEFL more suitable because it is entirely computer-based and can be administered in a more practical way. Therefore, it is recommended to take practice tests for both before making a decision.

How Do I Choose Between the IELTS and TOEFL Tests?

To choose the right test, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What is the university or country where I plan to study?

2. Am I more comfortable with direct conversation or through a microphone?

3. Do I have experience with digital tests?

4. Do I prefer British or American English in listening?

5. Do I need the test for study or immigration?

If your destination is America or Canada, TOEFL will likely be suitable. If you plan to study in Britain or Australia, IELTS is the best choice. Also, don’t forget to check the university’s own website to find out which test they accept.

University Requirements: IELTS or TOEFL?

Each university has its own requirements. For example:

• American universities: mostly rely on TOEFL, but many now also accept IELTS.

• British universities: require a high IELTS score, especially the Academic IELTS.

• Canada: universities accept both exams, but it’s important to check the requirements of each educational institution.

• Australia and New Zealand: rely almost exclusively on IELTS, especially for visa purposes.

Therefore, it’s important to visit the official university website and check the minimum required score for each test.

IELTS and TOEFL Score Conversion Table

To help you compare the required scores, here is an approximate table for converting scores between IELTS and TOEFL:

This table is not official from either party, but it is based on real experiments and analyses from educational sources.

Cost of IELTS Test Vs Cost of TOEFL Test

The cost varies from country to country, but generally:

• Cost of IELTSRanges between 800 to 1200 Saudi Riyals (or equivalent to 200 to 250 US dollars).

• Cost of TOEFLIs often around 180 to 230 US dollars, depending on the country.

• Additional fees may be charged if you need to retake the test or send results to multiple universities.

It is recommended to book the test early to avoid price increases or seat availability issues.

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IELTS or TOEFL for University Admission

One of the main uses of both the IELTS and TOEFL tests is applying for university admission in English-speaking countries. Often, universities require a minimum score in one of the tests to prove the student’s language proficiency, and this minimum varies depending on the specialization (such as Medicine, Engineering, Arts) and level (Bachelor’s or Graduate studies). It cannot be said that one is absolutely better than the other, as universities today are more flexible and accept both certificates, provided the required score is achieved. Therefore, the student should check the target university’s website to find out which test is accepted and the minimum admission requirement.

The Difference Between Academic and General IELTS

The IELTS test comes in two versions:

• IELTS Academic: Designed for students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies. It focuses on academic language and comprehension skills in the context of higher education.

• IELTS General Training: Used for immigration or professional training purposes, it is easier than the Academic version, but it is generally not accepted for university admission.

Therefore, if you are planning to study abroad, make sure to chooseThe academic versionof IELTS, because it’s the only one accepted by universities.

Which Is Better for Immigration: IELTS or TOEFL?

For immigration, especially to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, IELTS is the most accepted, specifically the General version. While TOEFL is accepted in some US immigration programs or study programs, it is not the preferred option for immigration itself.
For example:

• Canada: Immigration programs use the points system (Express Entry), which requires an IELTS General certificate.

• Australia and New Zealand: Also rely on General IELTS for immigration, which is necessary to obtain language points in professional visas.

US University Acceptance of TOEFL

US universities consider TOEFL the standard test for measuring English language proficiency of foreign students. More than 90% of US universities require a TOEFL certificate, especially for undergraduate and graduate programs. The required score is usually between 70 and 100 out of 120, and may be higher in specialized fields like medicine or law.

However, in recent years, many US universities have begun accepting IELTS as an alternative due to increasing demand from international students, so always check the language policy of each university.

UK University Acceptance of IELTS

UK universities officially recognize IELTS as a standard requirement for admission, often requiring a score of at least 6.5 or 7.0 in the Academic IELTS, with a minimum in each section (such as 6.0 in Listening or Writing).
Additionally, the British Embassy requires IELTS for study visa purposes (Tier 4 visa), and it’s preferable to take the IELTS UKVI test (specific for visas).

Which Is Easier for Speaking: IELTS or TOEFL?

The Speaking section is one of the most anxiety-inducing parts for students, especially those who are shy or nervous when speaking English. In IELTS, the speaking test is conductedface-to-face with a human examiner, which gives the student an opportunity for natural interaction and to ask for clarification if needed. In TOEFL, the student is required tospeak into a microphone, where their responses are recorded and evaluated later by examiners.
Some students prefer IELTS because they feel more comfortable in a real conversation, while others prefer TOEFL to avoid direct confrontation. If you get nervous from direct conversation, you might find TOEFL easier, but if you are skilled at communication, IELTS gives you an opportunity to showcase your true skills.

How Long Is the IELTS Exam? and How Long Is the TOEFL Exam?

• The IELTS exam: Its duration is about2 hours and 45 minutes, divided into:

  • Listening: 30 minutes

  • Reading: 60 minutes

  • Writing: 60 minutes

  • Speaking: 11–14 minutes (conducted on the same day or before/after the written exam by two days)

• TOEFL iBT: duration of up to3 hours approximately, distributed as follows:

  • Reading: 35 minutes

  • Listening: 36 minutes

  • Speaking: 16 minutes

  • Writing: 29 minutes

The time difference isn’t significant, but the question pattern and mental comfort during the test play a bigger role in determining the student’s experience.

IELTS Vs TOEFL Test Sections

Although both tests measure the same four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), there are clear differences in the way:

• Listening:

  • IELTS: diverse clips, different accents (British, Australian, Canadian…)

  • TOEFL: American accent, academic and general conversations

• Reading:

  • IELTS: texts from various sources (books, magazines, newspapers)

  • TOEFL: academic texts only

• Writing:

  • IELTS: Describing graphs + Opinion essay

  • TOEFL: Writing a summary of an article and lecture + Independent essay

• Conversation:

  • IELTS: Face-to-face with a person

  • TOEFL: Via microphone

Understanding this difference helps students choose the exam that suits their strengths and weaknesses.

How to Prepare for the IELTS or TOEFL Test

Preparation is the key to success, and here are the best ways to prepare:

1. Start with a practice testTo determine your actual level in each skill

2. Use official sources:

   • IELTS.org website

   • ETS.org website (for TOEFL)

3. Enroll in Training Courses:

   • Free on sites like FutureLearn, Coursera, EdX

   • Paid on platforms like Kaplan, Magoosh, British Council

4. Using Applications:

   • IELTS Prep App

   • TOEFL Go!

   • Quizlet for vocabulary

Set aside at least an hour daily, and focus on the skills that need strengthening. Don’t forget to practice writing within the allocated time, and speak out loud to improve fluency.

Students’ Experiences With IELTS and TOEFL Exams

Many Arab students have shared their experiences on YouTube and blogs, and here’s a summary of some recurring points:

1. Students with a British background or studies in international schools often prefer IELTS.

2. Engineering and science students find TOE closer to their academic style, especially in reading and listening.

3. In terms of stress, some students prefer the TOEFL exam because it doesn’t involve face-to-face interaction.

4. Some found IELTS more realistic, and its scores reflect the language level with greater accuracy.

It’s helpful to watch real experiences and learn from the advice of those who came before you, to avoid common mistakes.

IELTS Exam Price in Saudi Arabia / Egypt / Jordan

IELTS exam fees vary by country and test type (Academic or General, paper-based or computer-based). Here’s a rough look at prices in some Arab countries:

• Saudi Arabia: Price ranges between1100 and 1300 Saudi Riyals, depending on the center and region.

• Egypt: Ranges from3400 to 3900 Egyptian pounds.

• Jordan: Around150 to 180 Jordanian dinars.

The exam is supervised by accredited institutions such as British Council and IDP, and early booking is recommended due to high demand for test dates.

TOEFL Exam Price in Saudi Arabia / Egypt / Jordan

• Saudi Arabia: approximately960 to 1050 Saudi Riyal.

• Egypt: ranges between170 to 200 US dollars, which is equivalent to5200 to 6000 Egyptian pounds.

• Jordan: the price is approximately160 to 190 Jordanian dinars.

Registration must be done through the official ETS website, which also offers multiple payment options and direct booking.

Is the IELTS Exam Available Online?

Yes, a modern version of IELTS known asIELTS Onlinehas been developed, which is an academic version only offered online from home. But so far,not all universities accept this version, and this must be verified before applying. Also, technical equipment such as a high-quality camera, stable connection, and a quiet room is required.

There is also anIELTS Indicatorversion, but it was temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic and is no longer widely supported in 2025.

Is There a TOEFL Home Edition?

Yes, ETS launched theTOEFL iBT Home Edition, which can be taken from home using a personal computer. The exam is monitored electronically via webcam and microphone, and the student is subject to the same conditions, time, and score as the center version. This version is accepted in thousands of universities around the world, especially in America and Canada, but it is preferable to confirm its acceptance at the target university.

The Difference in Cost Between IELTS and TOEFL

In terms of cost, there is no big difference, but the following can be noted:

• IELTSis oftenslightly higher in pricein some countries.

• TOEFLoffers a home version more widely and extensively, which reduces travel or commuting costs.

• Retaking the examis expensive in both tests, so it is advisable to prepare well from the first time.

In the end, cost should not be the only factor in making the decision, as choosing the most suitable test for your abilities and field of study is much more important.