IELTS vs TOEFL: Key Differences
Both IELTS and TOEFL test your English proficiency and are widely accepted by universities worldwide. The main differences lie in the test format, scoring system, and which universities prefer each.
IELTS
- Scored 0–9 in 0.5 band increments
- Speaking test is face-to-face with an examiner
- Widely preferred by universities in the UK, Australia and Ireland
- Available as Academic or General Training
TOEFL
- Scored 0–120 in total
- Entirely computer-based including speaking
- Accepted by many universities in Australia, Ireland and Romania
- Focuses heavily on academic English
Our Recommendation
Check the requirements of your specific target universities. If you're applying to the UK, Australia or Ireland, IELTS is generally the safer choice. Romanian universities usually accept either test. Book a consultation with us for personalised advice.
