IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Test Should You Take in 2025?

If your goal is an English-speaking country's university or immigration programme, you probably need either IELTS or TOEFL. Here is how to choose.

Acceptance

• IELTS: accepted by over 11,000 organisations worldwide, including UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and most EU countries. Mandatory for UK Skilled Worker visas.
• TOEFL: preferred by many US and Canadian universities; less accepted in the UK and Australia for immigration.

Test format

IELTS has a face-to-face Speaking interview with an examiner — many test-takers find this more natural. TOEFL Speaking is recorded and scored by AI and human raters. IELTS Writing is hand-written (Paper) or typed (Computer); TOEFL Writing is always typed.

Score conversion (approximate)

| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | |-------|----------| | 5.5 | 46–59 | | 6.0 | 60–78 | | 6.5 | 79–93 | | 7.0 | 94–101 | | 7.5 | 102–109 | | 8.0 | 110–114 |

Which is easier?

Neither is definitively easier — they test slightly different skills. IELTS rewards handwriting speed and face-to-face conversation; TOEFL rewards integrated writing and speaking from notes. Choose based on your strengths and the requirement of the institution you are applying to.