Quick answer
For students applying to UK universities, IELTS Academic is almost always the better choice — it is the standard requirement and most UK universities set their entry requirements in IELTS band scores. For students applying primarily to US or Canadian universities, TOEFL was traditionally preferred, though most institutions now accept both. Note that TOEFL introduced a new 1–6 band scoring scale in January 2026, replacing the previous 0–120 scale.
If you are applying to university abroad and English is not your first language, you almost certainly need to take either IELTS or TOEFL. Both tests are accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, and choosing between them is one of the first decisions international students face. The right answer depends on where you are applying, which format suits your strengths, and — particularly in 2026 — which version of the test you will actually be sitting.
This guide gives you a clear, current comparison of IELTS and TOEFL in 2026, including the significant changes ETS made to TOEFL in January 2026 that most guides have not yet updated for.
IELTS and TOEFL assess the same skills — differently
Both IELTS and TOEFL test the four core English language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Both are accepted by the overwhelming majority of universities in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and most other English-speaking countries. Both are valid for two years.
The differences are in format, scoring, and regional preference:
IELTS uses a 1–9 band scale. The Speaking test is a live face-to-face interview with a human examiner. The test is available as paper-based or computer-based, depending on the test centre. IELTS has not introduced major structural changes for 2026.
TOEFL is fully computer-based. In January 2026, ETS introduced a new 1–6 band scoring scale for TOEFL iBT, replacing the previous 0–120 point scale. The total test duration was also reduced to approximately 90 minutes. For at least two years, ETS will report both the new 1–6 score and the traditional 0–120 score on result documents, as universities update their equivalency tables. If your target university has not yet updated its TOEFL requirements to reflect the new scale, contact the admissions office directly before applying.
How IELTS and TOEFL scores compare in 2026
The table below shows approximate score equivalencies between IELTS and both TOEFL scoring scales:
| IELTS band | TOEFL iBT (0–120, old scale) | TOEFL (1–6, new 2026 scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 120 | 6.0 |
| 8.0 | 110 | 5.5 |
| 7.5 | 102–110 | 5.0–5.5 |
| 7.0 | 94–101 | 5.0 |
| 6.5 | 79–93 | 4.5 |
| 6.0 | 60–78 | 4.0 |
These equivalencies are approximate and based on official ETS concordance data. Individual universities may use different conversion tables. Always verify the specific requirement for your course and institution directly.
UK, US, Australia, and Canada — who prefers what
UK universities. Nearly all UK universities, including the Russell Group (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, Durham, Edinburgh, Manchester, and others), set their English language requirements in IELTS band scores and treat IELTS as their benchmark. Most also accept TOEFL, but if you are applying to UK universities, IELTS is the safer default choice. Typical requirements: top Russell Group universities require IELTS 7.0–7.5 (no band below 6.5–7.0); Oxford and Cambridge typically require 7.5 with no band below 7.0; most other UK universities require 6.0–6.5.
US universities. TOEFL was historically the primary choice for US university applications and remains the test most US institutions have the most familiarity with. However, the majority of US universities now accept IELTS on equal terms. Most US universities require a TOEFL iBT score of 80–100 (old scale), or roughly 4.5–5.0 on the new 2026 scale. Ivy League and other highly selective institutions typically require 100+ (old) or 5.0+ (new).
Canadian universities. Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted. Most Canadian universities require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80+ (old scale). If you plan to apply for Canadian immigration after studying, IELTS is more useful — TOEFL is generally not accepted for immigration purposes.
Australian universities. IELTS is the standard preference, required for both university admission and student visa applications. Most Australian universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5.
How to choose between IELTS and TOEFL
Choose IELTS if:
- –You are applying primarily to UK or Australian universities
- –You prefer a face-to-face speaking interview over recorded computer-based speaking
- –You want a test that is accepted for both university admission and immigration purposes
- –You are more comfortable writing by hand (paper-based IELTS) than typing
Choose TOEFL if:
- –You are applying primarily to US or Canadian universities
- –You are a strong typist and comfortable with a fully computer-based test
- –You prefer the structured, multiple-choice-influenced format of the TOEFL over IELTS's more varied question types
- –Note: if you sit TOEFL in 2026, verify that your target universities have updated their requirements to reflect the new 1–6 scoring scale
If you are unsure: Take a practice test of each. Whichever format feels more natural and produces a stronger practice score is likely the right choice. Both test the same underlying English ability; the format differences are real but not insurmountable for a well-prepared candidate.
How to prepare — and when to get help
Both IELTS and TOEFL reward exam-specific preparation. Candidates with strong general English ability but no exam-specific practice consistently underperform relative to their actual language level. Knowing the test format, understanding what each question type requires, and developing the specific techniques for each skill section is as important as improving general English ability.
One-to-one tutoring is one of the most effective ways to prepare, particularly for the Speaking and Writing components, where feedback on specific performance is essential and general study guides cannot provide it.
At Nexus Academy, IELTS and TOEFL preparation programmes start from £25 per hour, with a free diagnostic session before any paid sessions begin. Book a free diagnostic session →