IELTS vs TOEFL?

Hi Pranaav,

For your 2026 Fall intake, you can either take IELTS or TOEFL.

IELTS:

→ Speaking: Face-to-face with an examiner.
→ Accepted: Common in the UK, Australia, Canada, and many other countries.
→ Scoring: 0-9 band scale.
→ Test Duration: About 2 hours 45 minutes.

TOEFL:

→ Speaking: Computer-based recording.
→ Accepted: More common in the US and Canada.
→ Scoring: 0-120 scale.
→ Test Duration: About 2-3 hours.

If you are comfortable with speaking and prefer to talk to a real person, try IELTS. Consider which test center is more suitable for you from where you live. Some universities may have preferences so check the university’s requirements.

If you are aiming for September 2026 intake, here’s a rough timeline:

→ Sept-Dec 2024: Research universities and decide on your test (IELTS or TOEFL).
→ Jan-Mar 2025: Take a diagnostic test for IELTS/TOEFL. Register and take the exam by April-June 2025.
→ Apr-Jun 2025: Finalize universities and prepare application documents (SOP, recommendation letters, etc.).
→ Jul-Aug 2025: Complete and submit applications. Take the GRE if required.
→ Jan-Mar 2026: Submit final documents, and wait for results.
→ Apr-May 2026: Prepare for visa and travel.
→ Jul-Aug 2026: Finalize everything for your September intake.

With careful consideration, planning, and the right support, preparing for your study abroad journey can be smooth and stress-free. With the guidance of a study abroad expert who specializes in university admissions, test preparation, and visa processes can make all the difference in ensuring you meet your goals. Starting early and staying organized will give you plenty of time to adjust, retake tests if needed, and put together a competitive application. Best of luck!

IELTS and TOEFL are both widely recognized English proficiency tests, but they have some key differences:   

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)   

1. Focus: Primarily for those seeking to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries.    

2. Format: Available in two versions:

• Academic: For university or college admissions.   
• General Training: For immigration and work purposes.     

3. Scoring: Uses a band score system from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest.    
4. Test Format:

• Listening: Four sections with increasing difficulty.    
• Reading: Three passages with various question types.    
• Writing: Two tasks: an essay and a letter or report.
• Speaking: Face-to-face interview with an examiner.    

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

1. Focus: Primarily for those seeking to study at universities in the United States and Canada.
2. Format: Computer-based test.
3. Scoring: Uses a scale of 0-120 points.    
4. Test Format:

• Reading: Three-four passages with academic content.
• Listening: Four-six lectures and conversations.
• Speaking: Four tasks involving independent and integrated speaking.    
• Writing: Two tasks: an independent essay and an integrated writing task.

I would suggest you get free counseling from a study abroad consultant and get into the right direction