TOEFL and IELTS are the two most established English proficiency tests for students applying to study abroad, and Hyderabad students weighing their options often aren't sure which one to prepare for. This guide breaks down the real differences — scoring, format, and which universities and countries lean towards which test — so you can make an informed choice.
1. TOEFL and IELTS — Quick Overview
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by ETS and has traditionally been the US-favoured English proficiency test. It is a fully computer-based test (TOEFL iBT) that assesses Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English. It is accepted essentially everywhere TOEFL is accepted, and is the standard requirement for UK, Australian, and Canadian visa and university applications. IELTS also tests Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, but with a face-to-face speaking interview component.
2. Scoring Differences — 120-Point Scale vs 9-Band
The most immediately confusing difference for students is the scoring system:
| Aspect | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Overall scale | 0–120 points | 0–9 bands (0.5 increments) |
| Section scoring | 0–30 per section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing), summed | 0–9 per section, averaged across 4 sections |
| Rough equivalency | TOEFL 80–90 | ≈ IELTS 6.5 |
| Rough equivalency | TOEFL 100+ | ≈ IELTS 7.0+ |
Important: There is no single official conversion chart between TOEFL and IELTS — ETS and IELTS do not publish a formal equivalency table. Universities each set their own accepted minimums for both tests, and the numbers above are commonly cited approximations, not guarantees. Always check your specific university's published minimum score for both TOEFL and IELTS rather than relying on a conversion.
3. Which Universities & Countries Prefer Which Test
- United States: TOEFL has traditionally been the default test, and it remains very widely accepted. However, IELTS is now accepted at nearly every US university that accepts TOEFL, so the practical difference in the US has narrowed considerably.
- United Kingdom: IELTS is generally the preferred and, for many visa categories, the required test. UK Home Office-approved "Secure English Language Tests" (SELT) for visa purposes have historically leaned on IELTS.
- Australia, Canada, New Zealand: IELTS is typically the standard requirement for both university admission and immigration/visa processes in these countries.
- Germany and other European destinations: Both TOEFL and IELTS are commonly accepted for English-taught programmes; German-taught programmes require German proficiency instead, not either English test.
The bottom line: IELTS is accepted essentially everywhere TOEFL is accepted, plus it's often required specifically for UK, Australian, and Canadian visa processes. TOEFL remains a strong, valid choice for US-focused applications, especially since it was designed with the US academic style of testing in mind.
4. Format Differences
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Test delivery | Fully computer-based | Computer-delivered or paper-based (choice at most centres); Speaking is always face-to-face or via video call with examiner |
| Speaking section | Spoken into a microphone, recorded, no human interaction during the test | Face-to-face interview with a certified examiner (or video call for computer-delivered) |
| Total duration | ~2 hours | ~2 hours 45 minutes |
| Accents used | Primarily North American English | Mix of British, Australian, American and other native accents |
| Question style | Integrated tasks common (e.g. read + listen, then respond) | Sections are more distinctly separated |
5. How to Choose
- Check your target universities first: Before anything else, confirm which test(s) your shortlisted universities and programmes accept, and their minimum score requirements.
- Consider your destination country: If you're applying primarily to the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, IELTS is usually the safer default given visa requirements. If you're US-focused, either test typically works, so pick based on your comfort with the format.
- Think about the Speaking section: If you're more comfortable having a real conversation with a person, IELTS's face-to-face interview may suit you better. If you prefer speaking into a microphone alone without a live listener, TOEFL's format may feel less pressured.
- Factor in accent exposure: If you've had more exposure to American English (movies, media, coursework), TOEFL's US-style accents and academic content may feel more familiar. If you're comfortable with British/Australian accents too, IELTS won't be a disadvantage.
- When in doubt, IELTS is the broader safety net since it's accepted virtually everywhere TOEFL is, plus more — but this shouldn't be your only consideration if your target universities strongly prefer one or offer better familiarity with the other.
If you're also exploring newer alternatives, read our Duolingo English Test (DET) guide to see how it compares on cost and convenience.
6. FAQs
What is the main difference between TOEFL and IELTS scoring?
TOEFL is scored on a 0-120 point scale (30 points per section across Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing), while IELTS is scored on a 0-9 band scale in increments of 0.5, averaged across Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. There is no official direct conversion, but many universities publish rough equivalency tables, for example TOEFL 80 is often treated as broadly comparable to IELTS 6.5.
Do US universities prefer TOEFL over IELTS?
Historically TOEFL was the default English test for US universities, and it is still very widely accepted there. However, IELTS is now accepted at essentially every university that accepts TOEFL, including nearly all US institutions. Very few universities today accept only one and not the other, but it's still worth checking your specific university and programme page to be certain.
Is IELTS accepted everywhere TOEFL is accepted?
In practice, yes for the vast majority of universities worldwide. IELTS tends to be the preferred or required test for UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand student visas and university admissions, while TOEFL remains strong in the US. Most US universities accept both today, so the choice often comes down to your personal comfort with each test's format rather than acceptance alone.
Which test format is easier — TOEFL or IELTS?
Neither is inherently easier; they test similar skills differently. TOEFL is entirely computer-based, including typing answers and speaking into a microphone with no human interaction. IELTS offers a face-to-face speaking interview with an examiner, and the paper-based version is still widely available at test centres. Students who prefer typing over speaking aloud to a person, or who find computer-only formats less stressful, often lean towards TOEFL, while those who prefer a human conversation for the speaking section often prefer IELTS.
Does GoWest offer TOEFL coaching in Hyderabad?
GoWest Education's in-house coaching today is focused on IELTS and PTE preparation, including our 7+ band guarantee programme. We do not yet run a dedicated TOEFL coaching batch, but our counsellors can help you decide between TOEFL and IELTS based on your target universities and guide you towards the right official preparation resources.