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TOEFL vs IELTS: Complete Comparison Guide for US Colleges

8 min read By Find College Editorial Team Updated December 2024 Expert Reviewed

Both TOEFL and IELTS are accepted by 99% of US universities. The question isn't which test is "better" — it's which test is better for YOU. This guide helps you make the right choice.

Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	TOEFL iBT	IELTS Academic
Format	Computer-based	Paper or computer-based
Duration	About 2 hours	2 hours 45 minutes
Score Range	0-120	0-9 (band score)
Speaking	To a computer	Face-to-face with examiner
Accent	Primarily American	British, Australian, mixed
Cost	$185 - $245	$245 - $255
Score Validity	2 years	2 years

Test Format Differences

TOEFL iBT Structure

Reading: 35 min, 20 questions, 2 passages
Listening: 36 min, 28 questions, 3-4 lectures + conversations
Speaking: 16 min, 4 tasks (to microphone)
Writing: 29 min, 2 tasks (typing)

All sections done on computer, no breaks

IELTS Academic Structure

Listening: 30 min, 40 questions, 4 recordings
Reading: 60 min, 40 questions, 3 passages
Writing: 60 min, 2 tasks (handwritten or typed)
Speaking: 11-14 min, 3 parts (with examiner)

Speaking done on separate day

Key Format Differences:

Speaking section: TOEFL records your voice; IELTS is a live conversation
Writing: TOEFL requires typing; IELTS offers handwriting option
Note-taking: TOEFL allows notes during listening; IELTS doesn't
Question types: TOEFL is multiple choice; IELTS includes fill-in-the-blank

Score Requirements by University

Most universities require these minimum scores:

University Tier	TOEFL Minimum	IELTS Minimum
Top 20 (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT)	100-110	7.0-7.5
Top 50	90-100	6.5-7.0
Top 100	80-90	6.0-6.5
Community Colleges	60-80	5.5-6.0

Score Conversion: TOEFL 100 ≈ IELTS 7.0 | TOEFL 90 ≈ IELTS 6.5 | TOEFL 80 ≈ IELTS 6.0

Which Test is Easier?

Neither test is objectively "easier" — it depends on your strengths:

Choose TOEFL if you:

Are comfortable with American English accents
Prefer typing to handwriting
Get nervous talking to real people
Are good at multiple-choice tests
Can focus for long periods without breaks
Take notes well while listening

Choose IELTS if you:

Are familiar with British/Australian accents
Prefer handwriting or face-to-face speaking
Perform better in conversations
Like varied question types
Want a break between sections
Struggle with long computer sessions

Important: Take a practice test for BOTH exams before deciding. Many students are surprised by which format suits them better.

Cost and Availability

TOEFL

Test Fee: $185-$245 (varies by country)
Late Registration: +$40
Score Reports: 4 free, then $20 each
Availability: ~60 dates/year, 4,500+ centers
Home Edition: Available in most countries

IELTS

Test Fee: $245-$255 (varies by country)
Late Registration: +$35-75
Score Reports: 5 free, then varies
Availability: ~48 dates/year, 1,600+ centers
Indicator (Online): Available for some

Making Your Decision

Decision Flowchart:

Check if your target universities accept both tests (99% do)
Take a free practice test for BOTH exams
Compare your scores — which was higher?
Consider test availability in your area
Think about your strengths (typing vs writing, computer vs human)
Choose the test where you scored better or felt more comfortable

Our Recommendation: For most students applying to US universities, TOEFL is slightly more common and familiar to admissions officers. However, IELTS is equally valid. Choose based on YOUR performance, not popularity.

Preparation Tips

General Tips (Both Tests):

Start preparing 2-3 months before your test date
Use official practice materials from ETS (TOEFL) or British Council/IDP (IELTS)
Focus on your weakest section but maintain all skills
Simulate real test conditions during practice
Immerse yourself in English: movies, podcasts, books

TOEFL-Specific Tips

Practice note-taking during lectures
Get comfortable speaking to a microphone
Improve your typing speed
Use official ETS practice tests

IELTS-Specific Tips

Practice with British/Australian audio
Work on spelling (fill-in-blank answers)
Practice speaking with a timer
Use official Cambridge materials

Ready to Apply?

Once you have your English test score, start exploring universities that match your profile and score requirements.

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About the Author

Find College Editorial Team

Our content is created by a team of certified education consultants, former university admissions officers, and F-1 visa advisors with over 10 years of combined experience helping international students navigate the US education system.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements and regulations change frequently. Always verify information with official sources such as the U.S. Department of State, USCIS, or consult with a qualified immigration attorney for your specific situation.