IELTS vs TOEFL: What Every Study Abroad Aspirant Needs to Know

The IELTS is accepted by over 12,000 institutions worldwide, and it’s used not only for higher education but also for immigration and employment opportunities in English-speaking countries.

If you’re planning to study or work abroad, proving your English language skills is often a must. Two of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). While both assess your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English, they differ in format, structure, and evaluation style.

IELTS: More Than Just an Academic Test

The IELTS is accepted by over 12,000 institutions worldwide, and it’s used not only for higher education but also for immigration and employment opportunities in English-speaking countries. The test evaluates four key skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—and results are valid for two years.

What sets IELTS apart is its speaking section, where candidates interact face-to-face with a human examiner. Some find this more personal, while others may feel it introduces a degree of subjectivity.

TOEFL: Tailored for Academic Readiness

Accepted by over 13,000 institutions in more than 160 countries, the TOEFL is especially geared toward academic environments. The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) focuses on how well students can use English in a classroom setting, evaluating the same four skills as IELTS.

In the TOEFL, the speaking section is recorded via a microphone, and responses are assessed by AI and human reviewers, which helps reduce bias.

Duration and Format Comparison

Here’s how the two tests stack up in terms of timing:

Section	IELTS Duration	TOEFL Duration
Reading	60 minutes	35 minutes
Listening	30 minutes	36 minutes
Writing	60 minutes	29 minutes
Speaking	11–14 minutes	16 minutes
Total	2 hrs 45 min	2 hrs

 

What’s the Key Difference?

While both exams test similar skills, the speaking section is the biggest difference. IELTS involves a live conversation with an examiner, while TOEFL responses are recorded and assessed anonymously. Depending on your comfort level with either format, one may suit you better than the other.