IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English Test Should You Take in 2026?

IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English Proficiency Test Should You Take?

Planning to study abroad can be exciting until you start encountering requirements such as IELTS, TOEFL, English proficiency, minimum scores and language waivers. For many international students, especially those applying for scholarships, one important question is: Should I take IELTS or TOEFL? Both are internationally recognised English-language proficiency tests used by universities and other institutions. They assess the four major language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. However, the two tests differ significantly in their format, scoring, delivery and the experience they provide to test takers. And there is an important update for students applying in 2026 and beyond: TOEFL iBT underwent major changes in January 2026, including changes to its test design and scoring system. Therefore, some older IELTS-versus-TOEFL comparison tables circulating online are now outdated.

So, which one should you choose? Let's break it down.

1. What Is IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. For students applying to universities, the relevant version is generally IELTS Academic. IELTS Academic is specifically designed for people who want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level or pursue certain professional registrations. It can be taken at a test centre or, where available, online.

The test assesses: Listening Reading Writing Speaking The total test time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

IELTS results are reported using a 0–9 band scale, with scores typically reported in whole or half bands. For example: 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0

2. What Is TOEFL?

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL iBT is designed to assess English-language ability, particularly in contexts relevant to academic study. Like IELTS, it assesses: Reading Listening Speaking Writing However, TOEFL is strongly computer-based, and many tasks integrate multiple language skills. Important 2026 update ETS introduced a revised TOEFL iBT in January 2026. The new version includes changes to the test length, adaptive design, question types and score reporting. Therefore, students should be careful when using old articles or score-conversion charts created before 2026.

3. IELTS vs TOEFL: Quick Comparison

Feature IELTS Academic Academic/professional English Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking Interaction with an examiner Scoring: 0–9 bands Computer/paper options depending on location Mix of academic and general contexts Best known for Face-to-face speaking

TOEFL iBT Academic and broader English proficiency. Skills Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking.

Computer-based response

New 2026 banded scale Delivery

Computer-based

Strong emphasis on academic/communication tasks Best known for

Fully computer-based experience.

Both tests can be suitable for university admission, but acceptance depends on the specific university, programme and scholarship.

4. The Biggest Difference:

Speaking For many students, the speaking section may be the deciding factor. IELTS Speaking IELTS Speaking involves a conversation with a trained examiner. The speaking test takes approximately 11–14 minutes and consists of three parts.

You may be asked questions about familiar topics before progressing to longer responses and discussion. This can be an advantage if you are comfortable: Talking directly to another person Explaining your ideas naturally Responding to follow-up questions However, students who become nervous during face-to-face interviews may find it challenging. TOEFL Speaking TOEFL's speaking tasks are completed through the computer. You speak into a microphone and your responses are recorded. This may be more comfortable for students who prefer: Computer-based testing Structured questions Speaking without a face-to-face examiner Ask yourself: Do you communicate better with a person sitting in front of you, or through a computer? That answer may help you choose.

##5. IELTS Writing vs TOEFL Writing

The writing experience is also different. IELTS Academic Writing has two tasks. In Task 1, candidates describe or summarise visual information such as a graph, chart, table or diagram. In Task 2, candidates respond to a question involving an argument, problem or point of view. Task 1 requires at least 150 words, while Task 2 requires at least 250 words. Task 2 carries twice the weight of Task 1 in the Writing score.

This makes IELTS attractive to students who are comfortable writing traditional essays and analysing visual information. TOEFL, meanwhile, uses computer-based writing tasks and may require integrated communication skills. If you are already comfortable with academic writing, you should practise both formats before deciding.

6. Which One Is Easier?

This is one of the most common questions. The honest answer is: Neither IELTS nor TOEFL is universally easier. Your experience depends on your English ability and your preferred testing style. IELTS may suit you if: You prefer face-to-face speaking. You are comfortable writing essays. You like a mixture of academic and everyday contexts. You prefer the 0–9 band scoring system. You perform well in conversations. TOEFL may suit you if: You prefer computer-based testing. You are comfortable speaking into a microphone. You prefer academic contexts. You are comfortable with integrated tasks. You perform well when working entirely on a computer. The best test is therefore not necessarily the one someone else says is "easier." It is the one that matches your strengths.

7. IELTS vs TOEFL Scores

This is where students need to be particularly careful in 2026. Older websites often show tables such as: IELTS 7.0 = TOEFL 94–101 Such tables may refer to older TOEFL scoring systems. IELTS itself now warns that its older comparison table applies to TOEFL iBT tests taken before January 2026, because the TOEFL iBT changed substantially in 2026.

There are newer official score-comparison resources for the revised TOEFL, but students should never assume that an old conversion table is accepted by their university. The safer approach If a university says: IELTS Academic: 6.5 and you want to submit TOEFL instead, don't simply search Google for an equivalent score. Go directly to the university's official English-language requirements and check which TOEFL score they currently accept.

8. Which Test Is Better for Scholarships?

There is no universal winner. Scholarship providers and universities establish their own English-language requirements. Some may accept: IELTS TOEFL PTE Cambridge English Other approved tests Some programmes may also provide English-language test waivers under specific conditions. Therefore, don't register for IELTS or TOEFL simply because another scholarship applicant used it. Before paying for a test, check: Your university's English requirements. Your specific degree programme. Your scholarship's requirements. Whether online/home testing is accepted. Minimum overall score. Minimum score required in each section. How recent the test result must be. This can save you from spending money on a test that your target institution doesn't accept.

##9. Don't Ignore the Minimum Section Scores

A common mistake is focusing only on the overall score. For example, a university may require a particular overall English score and minimum scores in individual skills. So getting a strong overall score doesn't automatically mean you meet every requirement. Always look for wording such as: Overall score: X Minimum Reading: X Minimum Writing: X Minimum Speaking: X Check the exact requirement for your programme.

10. How Long Should You Prepare?

There is no universal preparation period. Someone with strong English skills may need considerably less preparation than someone who struggles with academic reading or speaking. A practical approach is: Step 1: Take a diagnostic test Before spending money on the official examination, complete a reliable practice test. Step 2: Identify your weakest skill For example: Reading: strong Listening: strong Writing: weak Speaking: average Your preparation should then focus heavily on writing and speaking. Step 3: Learn the test format Knowing English is not enough. You also need to understand: Question types Timing Scoring Instructions Common mistakes Step 4: Practise under time pressure Do complete practice sections using the actual time limits. Step 5: Review your mistakes Don't simply take practice test after practice test. Understand why you got questions wrong.

11. Which One Should Nigerian Students Choose?

For Nigerian students planning to study abroad, the answer should be based on the requirements of your target institutions, rather than assuming that one test is automatically better. If your preferred universities accept both, compare the formats. Choose IELTS if you prefer: Face-to-face speaking + traditional writing + band scoring Choose TOEFL if you prefer: Computer-based testing + recorded speaking + academic/integrated tasks But remember: Acceptance comes first. Personal preference comes second. If your dream university accepts IELTS but does not accept the version of TOEFL you plan to take, the decision is already made.

12. IELTS or TOEFL: A Simple Decision Framework

Ask yourself these five questions: Question 1 Does my target university accept both? If no → choose the accepted test. Question 2 Do I prefer speaking with an examiner? If yes → IELTS may be more comfortable. Question 3 Do I prefer speaking into a computer? If yes → TOEFL may suit you better. Question 4 Which test format gives me a better practice score? Take official practice tests and compare. Question 5 Which test has a convenient test date and location for me? This matters because you need enough time to receive your result before your application deadline.

13. Don't Take the Test Too Early

English test results are not something you should obtain randomly years before applying. Before registering, check the validity rules of the institutions you are targeting. Also consider your application timeline. If your scholarship application closes in December, for example, don't wait until December to take the test if the scholarship requires the result with your application. Work backwards from your earliest application deadline.

14. Final Recommendation

So, IELTS vs TOEFL—which should you take? There is no universal winner. Choose IELTS Academic if its format matches your strengths, particularly if you prefer face-to-face speaking and traditional academic writing.

Choose TOEFL iBT if you prefer a computer-based experience and feel more comfortable with its style of academic and integrated tasks. But most importantly: Check your university and scholarship requirements before booking either examination. And because TOEFL changed significantly in January 2026, avoid relying on old IELTS-to-TOEFL conversion charts. Use current information from the test providers and, most importantly, the institution you're applying to.

🎓 ScholarsConnect Advice

Don't choose IELTS or TOEFL because someone on social media told you that one is "easier." Choose strategically. Create a shortlist of your target universities, check which English tests they accept, note their minimum scores, and then take practice versions of the accepted tests. Choose the test in which your actual performance is strongest. Most importantly, don't spend money on an English test until you've confirmed that it satisfies the requirements of your intended scholarship or university.

Your English test should support your scholarship strategy—not become an unnecessary expense.