If you’re planning to study abroad [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/study-abroad], work, or move to an English-speaking country, you’ve probably heard about the TOEFL and IELTS exams. But with two major tests out there, deciding which one fits your needs can feel overwhelming. Which test will best showcase your English skills? And which is accepted where you want to go? In this article, we’ll break down the main differences between TOEFL and IELTS — from test format and scoring to regional acceptance — so you can make a confident choice that suits your goals. WHAT IS TOEFL? TOEFL is an English language test developed by ETS and is widely accepted by universities, especially in the United States and Canada. Most people take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test), which evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. WHAT IS IELTS? IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. It comes in two versions: Academic and General Training. Most university applicants take the Academic version, as it is often a requirement for admission. To plan and manage your time, you may want to check: When Does Study Start in Turkey? [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/when-does-study-start-in-turkey]2025-2026 Academic Calendar WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TOEFL AND IELTS? 1. WRITING SECTION TOEFL Writing: TOEFL’s writing section consists of two tasks. First, you write an essay based on a reading and listening passage (integrated writing). Then, you write an independent essay expressing your opinion on a topic. Both essays are typed on a computer, and you have 50 minutes total (20 minutes for the first task, 30 minutes for the second). IELTS Writing: IELTS also has two tasks. Task 1 requires you to describe, summarize, or explain visual information (like charts or graphs for Academic IELTS, or letter writing for General Training). Task 2 is an essay on a given topic. You write both by hand on paper within 60 minutes (20 minutes for Task 1, 40 minutes for Task 2). 2. READING SECTION TOEFL Reading: The TOEFL reading section has 3 to 4 academic passages, each about 700 words, with multiple-choice questions. You have 54–72 minutes depending on the number of passages. The questions focus on understanding main ideas, details, vocabulary, and inferences. IELTS Reading: IELTS reading varies by version. The Academic IELTS includes 3 long passages with a mix of question types—multiple choice, true/false/not given, matching headings, and more. You have 60 minutes to complete 40 questions. General Training IELTS uses shorter texts related to everyday life. 3. SPEAKING SECTION TOEFL Speaking: TOEFL speaking is recorded via microphone. You respond to six tasks that include expressing an opinion and summarizing information from reading/listening. Each response is timed (usually 45–60 seconds). Your recordings are sent to raters. IELTS Speaking: IELTS speaking is a live, face-to-face interview with an examiner lasting 11–14 minutes. It includes three parts: introduction and interview, a 2-minute speech on a topic, and a discussion based on that topic. This allows for more natural interaction. 4. LISTENING SECTION TOEFL Listening: TOEFL listening includes 3 to 4 lectures or conversations, each lasting several minutes. You answer multiple-choice questions about main ideas, details, and speaker attitude. The total listening time is 41–57 minutes. IELTS Listening: IELTS listening has four sections with 40 questions, including conversations and monologues from everyday social contexts to academic settings. It lasts about 30 minutes, and you write answers on paper during or after listening. TOEFL VS IELTS: TIMING AND STRUCTURE Section IELTS TOEFL Listening 40 questions, 30 minutes 30–40 questions, 54–72 minutes Reading 40 questions, 60 minutes 28–39 questions, 41–57 minutes Writing 2 tasks, 60 minutes 2 tasks, 50 minutes Speaking 3 parts, 11–14 minutes 4 tasks, 17 minutes TOEFL VS. IELTS: TEST FORMAT & QUESTION TYPES While both TOEFL and IELTS test the same four language skills — reading, listening, writing, and speaking — the format and types of questions you’ll face are quite different. TOEFL is entirely computer-based, and most of its questions are multiple choice. That means you’ll type your answers, listen through headphones, and speak into a microphone. It’s designed to simulate an academic environment, especially in North American universities. IELTS, on the other hand, offers both paper-based and computer-based formats. Its question types are more varied. Instead of just multiple choice, you’ll also see short-answer questions, sentence completion, matching, and fill-in-the-blank tasks. The speaking section is a live interview, not a recorded response. TOEFL VS. IELTS: TEST PURPOSE IELTS offers two main versions: Academic, intended for university admission and professional registration, and General Training, which is often used for immigration and work purposes. TOEFL focuses primarily on academic English proficiency and is mostly accepted by universities around the world. TOEFL VS. IELTS: SCORING SYSTEM The IELTS scoring system uses a band scale from 1 to 9 for each section, indicating English proficiency levels from non-user to expert. Your overall score is the average of the four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. In contrast, TOEFL uses a numerical scoring system out of 120, with each section scored from 0 to 30. Both scoring methods are widely recognized by universities and institutions worldwide. However, each university major [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/university-majors]may require specific minimum scores. To give you a better understanding of how the scores compare: IELTS Band TOEFL iBT Score 9 118–120 8.5 115–117 8 110–114 7.5 102–109 7 94–101 6.5 79–93 6 60–78 5.5 46–59 5 35–45 4.5 32–34 TOEFL VS IELTS: COST COMPARISON One of the main differences between TOEFL and IELTS is the test cost. The TOEFL exam typically costs around $245 USD, while the IELTS exam fee is approximately 200 Euros. These prices may vary depending on the country or testing center, but these amounts represent the average costs worldwide. TOEFL VS IELTS: RESULTS DELIVERY TIME For TOEFL, test scores are usually sent by email within 13 days after taking the exam, often arriving between 7 to 10 days, especially for test takers in the United States. However, the delivery time can vary depending on your location, sometimes taking up to 15 days or nearly a month. On the other hand, IELTS results are provided in the form of an official Test Report Form (TRF). After completing the IELTS exam, test takers typically receive their scores within 5 days if taken on a computer-based test. The results are usually sent via postal mail to the candidate’s address. TOEFL VS IELTS: UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCE AND REGIONAL RECOGNITION TOEFL is widely accepted by universities in the United States and more than 165 countries worldwide, making it a popular choice for international students. On the other hand, IELTS scores are accepted for admissions and immigration in over 135 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Despite these regional preferences, many universities accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores. When it comes to private universities in Turkey, most institutions accept both TOEFL and IELTS certificates. However, some universities or specific programs may prefer one over the other, so it’s important to check the exact language requirements of your chosen university before applying. If you’re planning to study in Turkey [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/studying-in-turkey], choosing the right major is just as important as mastering English. Check out our comprehensive guide on University Majors for 2025–2026 [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/university-majors] with Career Paths & Salary Potential to find the best major that fits your academic and career goals. TOEFL AND IELTS: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE? When it comes to the difference between TOEFL and IELTS, the right choice depends on your personal strengths, goals, and the requirements of your target institution or visa program. Choose IELTS if you prefer a more conversational speaking test and want broader options for immigration. Choose TOEFL if you're applying to the U.S.-based programs and feel more confident with computer-based exams. Whichever test you pick, proper preparation and knowing the test format well can significantly improve your chances of success. At the end of our article, we’ve explored the difference between TOEFL and IELTS and covered many important details on the topic. You can always reach out to us at Itqan Educational Consultancy for assistance in getting university admission in Turkey and support in obtaining your TOEFL or IELTS certificate. FAQ Is TOEFL easier than IELTS? TOEFL may feel easier for those who prefer computer-based tests and American English, while IELTS might be easier for people who are more comfortable with face-to-face speaking and varied question types. What is 7.5 IELTS equivalent to TOEFL? A 7.5 IELTS score is roughly equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 102–109. Which certificate is better IELTS or TOEFL? Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted. IELTS is preferred in the UK, Australia, and Canada, while TOEFL is more common in the U.S. The best choice depends on your destination and personal strengths. Does Harvard prefer TOEFL or IELTS? Harvard accepts both TOEFL and IELTS scores, but TOEFL is generally preferred for most programs.
