IELTS or TOEFL: Which Do I Need for Studies Abroad?
Recognition, exam structure, scoring, and cost – and why the final answer is always given by the curriculum.
Both are accepted by most universities, so the answer is given by the school itself: check what the specific program requires and what the minimum score is. If both are accepted, choose based on how you are assessed better: the IELTS Academic has an oral component with an examiner, while the TOEFL iBT is entirely computer-based with recorded answers.
It is one of the first decisions someone preparing for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in English has to make. And it is a decision that is often reversed: many choose an exam before checking what their school requires. See what really differs, so you can choose based on criteria and not rumors.
IELTS and TOEFL at a glance
| Criterion | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|
| Skills | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
| Format | On computer or on paper, depending on the center | On computer |
| Oral | Interview with an examiner | Answers into a microphone, scored afterwards |
| Scale | Bands, with a separate band for each skill | Scores, with a separate score for each section |
| Recognition | Widely internationally | Widely internationally |
| Validity | Usually two years | Usually two years |
Which one do universities ask for?
There is no single answer, as the minimum score is set by each institution and often by each department separately. What applies in practice:
Usually both
Most institutions accept either IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.
The minimum threshold counts
Many programs also require a minimum score per skill, not just overall.
The visa is a separate issue
The entry process may require a different version of the exam than the school.
Attention to the dates
The certificate must be valid when the application is submitted.
Preparation for studies in English
Academic English with preparation for IELTS Academic, TOEFL, and Cambridge CAE/CPE, academic writing and presentation techniques.
See Business & Academic English →How the exam differs in practice
Oral
Live conversation in IELTS, recorded response with a timer in TOEFL.
Written
Two different types of speech production in each exam, with their own structural requirements.
Audio
Both assess understanding of authentic language, with different material styles.
Medium of examination
If you type comfortably, the entirely digital exam works in your favor.
If the requirement is not studies abroad but credits and qualifications in Greece, see which degree is requested by ASEP and the Public Sector.
How to choose in 4 steps
- See what your school requiresOpen the prerequisites of the specific program and note the minimum score.
- Check if there is also a limit per skillA good overall score is not enough if any section falls below the threshold.
- Try a sample exam from each typeYou will immediately understand which style suits you best.
- Schedule a date with a marginCalculate time for preparation and for the release of results before the application deadline.
Read also
Frequently Asked Questions
IELTS or TOEFL: which do I need for studies abroad?
Which of the two is easier?
What does IELTS Academic mean and how does it differ?
How long is the certificate valid?
I already have Proficiency. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL as well?
How far in advance should I start preparing?
See where you are starting from
Book a level assessment and we will see together which exam fits the study program you are targeting and how much time is needed.
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