One of the first questions African students ask when planning to study abroad is: "Should I take IELTS or TOEFL?" Both tests prove your English proficiency, but they're different in format, scoring, and acceptance. This guide will help you decide which test is right for you.
Quick Comparison
IELTS
- British English focus
- Paper or computer-based
- Score: 0-9 band scale
- More common in UK, Australia, Canada
TOEFL
- American English focus
- Primarily computer-based
- Score: 0-120 points
- More common in USA
Test Format Comparison
IELTS Format
Listening: 30 minutes, 40 questions (4 sections)
Reading: 60 minutes, 40 questions (3 passages)
Writing: 60 minutes (2 tasks: essay + report/letter)
Speaking: 11-14 minutes (face-to-face interview)
Total Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes
TOEFL Format
Reading: 54-72 minutes, 30-40 questions
Listening: 41-57 minutes, 28-39 questions
Speaking: 17 minutes, 4 tasks (recorded responses)
Writing: 50 minutes, 2 tasks (integrated + independent)
Total Time: ~3 hours
Scoring Systems
IELTS Scoring
- Band 9: Expert user
- Band 8: Very good user
- Band 7: Good user (most universities require 6.5-7.0)
- Band 6: Competent user
- Band 5: Modest user
You get individual scores for each section and an overall band score (average).
TOEFL Scoring
- 90-120: Advanced (most universities require 80-100)
- 70-89: High-intermediate
- 60-69: Intermediate
- 0-59: Low-intermediate
Each section scored 0-30, total score is sum of all sections.
Which Test Should You Take?
Choose IELTS if:
- Applying to UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand universities
- Prefer face-to-face speaking test
- More comfortable with British English
- Want paper-based option
Choose TOEFL if:
- Applying to US universities
- Prefer computer-based test
- More comfortable with American English
- Good at typing quickly
Cost & Availability
IELTS
- Cost: $200-250 (varies by country)
- Test Dates: Multiple dates monthly
- Results: 5-7 days (computer) or 13 days (paper)
- Validity: 2 years
TOEFL
- Cost: $180-300 (varies by country)
- Test Dates: Multiple dates monthly
- Results: 6-10 days
- Validity: 2 years
Preparation Tips
For IELTS:
- Practice British English spelling and vocabulary
- Focus on handwriting legibility (if taking paper test)
- Practice speaking with native speakers or tutors
- Take practice tests under timed conditions
For TOEFL:
- Improve typing speed and accuracy
- Practice American English spelling
- Get comfortable with computer-based format
- Practice integrated tasks (reading+listening+writing)
University Acceptance
Most universities accept both tests. However:
- US universities often prefer TOEFL but accept IELTS
- UK universities prefer IELTS but accept TOEFL
- Canadian universities accept both equally
- Australian universities prefer IELTS
- Always check your specific university's requirements!