TOEFL vs IELTS
Format, scoring, acceptance and which to choose. This guide is part of our full TOEFL iBT guide.
Preparation
- Practise note-taking during lectures; integrated tasks depend on it
- Time your reading passages at 17 minutes each
- Record speaking responses and check against the rubrics for delivery, language and topic development
- Learn the structure of the academic discussion task
- Review vocabulary from academic word lists
Resources
- The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test: ETS's own guide with real questions.
- Official TOEFL iBT Tests Volumes 1 and 2: Ten authentic past tests.
- TOEFL Practice Online (TPO): Scored practice tests in the real interface.
Comparison
Both tests are accepted by most universities. Choose the format you perform better in: a face-to-face speaking test suits some students, a fully computer-based test suits others. Fees, result times and validity are similar. For UK visa routes needing a Secure English Language Test, only IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI qualify.
Questions
Is TOEFL accepted in the UK?
By most universities for admission, yes. It is not a Secure English Language Test for UK visas, so students needing SELT use IELTS for UKVI or PTE UKVI.
What is a good TOEFL score?
90 or above for most graduate programmes, 80 for undergraduate, 100 or more for top universities.
TOEFL or IELTS?
TOEFL is preferred in the US and fully computer-based; IELTS is accepted everywhere and has a face-to-face speaking test. Choose the format you perform better in.
How long is TOEFL valid?
Two years.
Can I take TOEFL at home?
Yes, the Home Edition is accepted by most universities. Check your specific programme.