IELTS or TOEFL – Which One to Take in 2025?
IELTS or TOEFL – Which One to Take in 2025?
Planning to study abroad in 2025? One of the most crucial steps is proving your English language proficiency. This is often a mandatory requirement by universities, visa offices, and even scholarship boards. Two of the most widely recognized English tests are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). But which one should you choose? Let’s help you decide.
Why Is an English Proficiency Test Needed?
Most universities in English-speaking countries (and even some non-English-speaking ones) require proof of your English skills. This ensures you can understand lectures, write academic papers, and participate in class discussions. Without a valid score, your application might be rejected even if your grades are excellent.
Overview of IELTS and TOEFL
- IELTS: Accepted by 11,000+ institutions in the UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and also in the US.
- TOEFL: Accepted in 160+ countries, primarily in the USA, and also in Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe.
Test Format Comparison
| Section | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 minutes (4 sections, conversations & lectures) | 35 minutes (3-4 lectures, 2-3 conversations) |
| Reading | 60 minutes (3 academic passages) | 35 minutes (3-4 passages) |
| Writing | 2 tasks: 1 descriptive & 1 argument-based | 2 tasks: 1 integrated (with reading/listening), 1 independent essay |
| Speaking | In-person interview with an examiner | 6 tasks recorded via computer |
Score Comparison
| IELTS Band | TOEFL Score | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 118–120 | Expert |
| 8.0 | 110–114 | Very Good |
| 7.0 | 94–101 | Good |
| 6.0 | 60–78 | Competent |
| 5.0 | 35–45 | Modest |
Which Test Is Easier?
It depends on your learning style and comfort level. Here’s how to decide:
- Prefer human interaction? IELTS speaking is done face-to-face.
- Tech-savvy? TOEFL is fully computer-based.
- Struggle with accents? TOEFL mostly uses American accents; IELTS has British, Australian, and others.
Test Preparation Tips
For IELTS: Practice speaking with friends or tutors. Focus on vocabulary for academic essays and listening to various English accents.
For TOEFL: Practice typing essays quickly, and get used to recording your answers clearly and within a time limit.
Best Resources:
- IELTS Liz, IELTS Simon (YouTube)
- TOEFL Go!, Magoosh TOEFL
- Cambridge IELTS Books & Official TOEFL Guide
Test Availability in Bangladesh
Both IELTS and TOEFL are available in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and other major cities. TOEFL is online at authorized test centers. IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based formats, available multiple times every month.
Cost Comparison
- IELTS: Around 18,500–20,000 BDT
- TOEFL: Around 22,000–25,000 BDT
Acceptance by Country
- USA: TOEFL is preferred but IELTS is widely accepted.
- UK: IELTS is preferred, especially for visa purposes.
- Canada: Both are equally accepted by most institutions.
- Germany: IELTS is slightly more common, especially for TU-9 universities.
- Australia & New Zealand: IELTS is the default preference.
Test Duration
IELTS: Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
TOEFL: Approx. 2 hours
Retake Policy
You can retake both exams unlimited times. However, you must pay the full fee each time.
- TOEFL: Can be retaken after 3 days
- IELTS: Availability depends on test center slots
Result Timing
- IELTS: Paper-based: 13 days; Computer-based: 3–5 days
- TOEFL: 4–8 days (online results)
Success Stories
Many Bangladeshi students who scored 7.5+ in IELTS or 100+ in TOEFL have secured scholarships in Canada, Germany, the USA, and Australia. Some used both scores to apply to different countries!
Internal Linking – Related Reads:
- Tuition-Free Study in Germany – Complete Guide
- How to Apply for a Student Visa (USA, UK, Canada)
- Top 10 Countries to Study Abroad in 2025
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Still confused? Ask yourself:
- Which countries are you applying to?
- Are you more comfortable speaking to a human or a computer?
- Is your target university or scholarship asking for a specific test?
If applying to multiple countries, go with IELTS – it’s flexible, globally accepted, and available in both paper and computer formats.
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