Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL has real consequences for your scholarship applications. Take the wrong one and you may score well but still not meet a program’s specific requirements. Here is everything you need to make the right decision before you register.
The Key Difference
Both tests measure the same thing — English proficiency — but they are designed and scored differently. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment. It uses a band score from 0–9. The speaking section is a face-to-face interview with a real examiner. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test) is managed by ETS in the USA. It uses a total score from 0–120 and is fully computer-based, including speaking responses recorded into a microphone.
In practice: if you are more comfortable with spoken interaction and prefer a human examiner, IELTS suits you better. If you are comfortable with computers and integrated tasks that combine reading, listening, and writing, TOEFL iBT may play to your strengths.
Score Requirements for Major Scholarships
| Scholarship | IELTS Minimum | TOEFL iBT Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening (UK) | 6.5 | 79+ |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | 6.5 | Not always accepted |
| DAAD (Germany) | 6.0 | 80+ |
| Fulbright (USA) | 6.5 | 79+ |
| Erasmus Mundus | 6.5 | 90+ |
| MEXT Japan | 5.5 | 72+ |
| Australia Awards | 6.5 | Not accepted by all programs |
| Vanier Canada (graduate) | 7.0 | 100+ |
Important: The Commonwealth Scholarship and several UK universities only accept IELTS, not TOEFL. Always verify the specific scholarship’s language requirements before you register for a test.
Which Test Is Accepted Where?
USA and Canada: Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted. TOEFL has a slight historical advantage at American universities, but most now accept both equally.
UK and Australia: IELTS is strongly preferred. Many UK universities and all Commonwealth Scholarship programs require IELTS. Some accept TOEFL but not all — check each program individually.
Germany and Europe: Both are generally accepted. DAAD and most European scholarship programs accept either test. Erasmus Mundus programs set their own requirements, so always check the specific programme page.
Japan and Asia: Both are accepted for MEXT and most Asian scholarship programs. Some programs also accept Duolingo English Test, though IELTS and TOEFL remain the gold standard.
IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training
If you choose IELTS, make sure you sit the Academic version, not General Training. Scholarships and university admissions require IELTS Academic. General Training is designed for immigration and work purposes, and submitting it for a scholarship application is an automatic disqualifier.
Which Test Is Easier to Score High On?
This depends entirely on your strengths. Research consistently shows:
- IELTS suits candidates who are confident in face-to-face conversation, have a strong British English background, and prefer handwritten tasks (the writing section can be handwritten in paper-based IELTS).
- TOEFL iBT suits candidates who type quickly, are comfortable with integrated tasks (reading a passage, listening to a lecture, then responding), and prefer structured multiple-choice formats.
There is no objective answer to which is “easier.” Take a free official practice test for each — ETS and the British Council both provide free sample materials — and see which format feels more natural before committing.
How Long Are Scores Valid?
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Plan your exam timeline so that your scores will still be valid on the scholarship application deadline. If you are applying for a program starting in September 2026, a test taken before September 2024 will have expired.
Cost and Rescheduling
IELTS and TOEFL iBT cost roughly $215–$260 USD depending on your country. IELTS has more test centres globally and is offered more frequently in many regions. TOEFL iBT offers a home edition where you can test from your own computer — useful if test centres near you are fully booked.
Practical Tips Before You Register
- Make a list of all the scholarships and universities you are applying to and check each one’s language requirements before booking your test.
- If your target scholarships are split between the UK/Commonwealth and the USA, consider taking IELTS — it has broader acceptance across both regions.
- Use the ETS TOEFL free practice app and the British Council IELTS preparation resources to gauge which format suits you before paying for an exam.
- Aim to take your test at least 8–10 weeks before your application deadline to allow time for retakes if needed.
- Both tests can be retaken as many times as needed, though each sitting incurs the full registration fee.
The Bottom Line
If you are applying primarily to UK, Australian, or Commonwealth scholarships: take IELTS Academic. If you are applying to US universities and scholarships, either test works — choose the format you practise better in. When in doubt, IELTS gives you wider global acceptance.
Once you have your score secured, the next step is building the strongest possible application. If you want a system that covers every stage — from finding scholarships to writing essays to preparing for interviews — the AI Scholarship Toolkit walks you through it end to end.
