IELTS vs TOEFL, Major Difference (Score, Cost and More)
IELTS vs TOEFL, Which is Better: Depending on the goal, candidates should choose between IELTS and TOEFL exams. IELTS is conducted in computer-based and pen-paper-based mode. TOEFL is conducted only in computer-based mode.
Supriya Shrivastava19 Jan, 2025
Share
IELTS vs TOEFL : Which test is better, the IELTS vs TOEFL? You might also be thinking about other English language proficiency examinations, even if IELTS is the default choice and is renowned to most people. This article will explain the TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, and how it compares to the IELTS exam .
The IELTS exam is co-owned by renowned organizations in the UK and Australia: IDP Education, the British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. The North American Body conducts the TOEFL, Educational Testing Service (ETS).IELTS vs TOEFL
English proficiency exams, such as the TOEFL and IELTS, are conducted for non-native English speakers who wish to study abroad. The two exams test the students' IELTS reading , writing, speaking, and listening proficiency in the English language. Students who are interested in studying abroad can take any of the exams. Students can read this article to learn which meets their requirements, the IELTS vs TOEFL.Click Here to Explore IELTS Online Courses
IELTS vs TOEFL - Which is Easier?
The decision between the TOEFL and IELTS ultimately comes down to your choices and strong points. Students who feel comfortable with computer-based exams perform well on the TOEFL. Those who prefer a live speaking exam can find IELTS easier. Your score won't change if you use American or British English.| IELTS vs TOEFL | ||
| Parameter/Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL |
| No. of universities accepting | 12,000+ organisations in more than 140 Countries | 10,000+ Universities in more than 160 Countries |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Organiser | IELTS IDP India | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Fee | INR 17,000 | INR 16,900 |
| Duration | 2 hours, 45 minutes | 2 hours |
| Score | 1 to 9 | 0 to 120 |
| Popularity | Popular in Canada, the UK, and Australia | Popular in the USA, New Zealand, the UK and Canada |
| Test Modules | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening |
| Reading Module | 3 Tasks (40 Questions) | 2 Tasks (20 Questions) |
| Listening Module | 4 Parts (10 Questions each) | 3+2 Tasks (28 Questions) |
| Speaking Module | 3 Tasks | 4 Tasks |
| Writing Module | 2 Tasks | 2 Tasks |
IELTS vs TOEFL - Minimum Exam Requirement
The most common English language proficiency examinations that are needed by universities and immigration organizations across the world, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and more, are the TOEFL and IELTS exam. Getting the minimum score on either exam is necessary for students who want to study abroad to get admitted to the majority of undergraduate and graduate programs. Universities usually offer a minimum requirement for eligibility, while the necessary marks differ depending on the program and university.| IELTS vs TOEFL - Minimum Test Requirement | ||
| Test | Undergraduate Programs | Postgraduate Programs |
| IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 5.5) | 6.5 – 7.0 overall (no band below 6.0) |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 70 – 80 overall (out of 120) | 80 – 100 overall (out of 120) |
IELTS vs TOEFL - Score Comparison
The average of your listening, reading, writing, and speaking scores determines your overall IELTS score, which varies between 1 to 9. The maximum score on the TOEFL is 120 points. Your overall score is increased by the Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing sections. The following is a general comparison of TOEFL and IELTS scores :| IELTS vs TOEFL - Score Comparison | |
| TOEFL Band Score | IELTS Band Score |
| 118-120 | 9 |
| 115-117 | 8.5 |
| 110-114 | 8 |
| 102-109 | 7.5 |
| 94-101 | 7 |
| 79-93 | 6.5 |
| 60-78 | 6 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
IELTS vs TOEFL - Cost Comparison
The IELTS exam fee is INR 17,000, irrespective of whether you take it on paper or a computer. The TOEFL exam fees is INR 16,900. It's helpful to know the fee difference when creating your budget, even when it's not very important.IELTS vs TOEFL - IELTS has unique advantages
Let's discuss how IELTS and TOEFL have become internationally accepted and how IELTS has an important benefit in this field. IELTS is highly regarded among all other English language proficiency exams and is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations and universities in 140 countries. The national immigration authorities of Canada and the UK both recognize this certification, which is also more commonly accepted in Australia and the UK. Taking the IELTS is your best option if you want to study abroad in any of these countries.Coaching of PhysicsWallah for IELTS
Physics Wallah's IELTS coaching aims to help students achieve a high IELTS band score . The goal of PW IELTS coaching is to help students improve their English language skills so that they can pursue employment or further education opportunities in English-speaking countries. IELTS online courses provided by Physics Wallah's qualified faculty might help you improve your English skills. PW offers academic IELTS coaching alongside general training.IELTS vs TOEFL FAQs
Q1. Is it better to do TOEFL or IELTS?
Ans. IELTS is chosen by those candidates who are willing to pursue educational, occupational, and immigration goals in English-speaking countries. On the other hand, TOEFL is for those who want to appear in a computer-based exam without examiner interaction.
Q2. Do colleges prefer IELTS or TOEFL?
Ans. TOEFL is accepted by more colleges than IELTS exam. For admission to graduate school in UK and Australia, candidates choose IELTS exam.
Q3. Is IELTS accepted in USA?
Ans. In USA, more than 3000 educational institutes and programs accept IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency.
Q4. Which is cheaper IELTS or TOEFL?
Ans. The registration fee for TOEFl exam in INR 15, 600 whereas, IELTS registration fee is INR 17, 000.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.