IELTS：Compare with TOEFL
IELTS, Complete Guide | LoSimplifica← Exam guides
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By LoSimplifica · Updated June 2026 · 10 min read
⚠️
Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
Cost
~$245–265 USD
Varies by country and center
Register with
ielts.org → IDP → British Council →
In this guide
- What is the IELTS?
- Academic vs. General Training
- IELTS vs. TOEFL, which one to take
- Format and sections
- Scoring explained
- What universities and immigration bodies require
- Test dates and scheduling
- IELTS One Skill Retake
- Cost and registration
- Official and third-party prep resources
1. What is the IELTS?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world's most widely recognized English proficiency exams, accepted by more than 12,500 organizations in 140+ countries. It is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English.
IELTS tests four skills, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, and is used for university admissions, professional registration, and immigration purposes. It is particularly dominant in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland.
IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from your test date. There is no limit on how many times you can take it.
IELTS or TOEFL? Both are widely accepted, but IELTS is stronger in Commonwealth countries (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand) and for immigration purposes. See the TOEFL guide and the comparison section below to decide which is right for you.
2. Academic vs. General Training, which version to take
IELTS comes in two versions. The version you need depends entirely on your purpose, not your level of English.
| IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | University admissions, higher education, professional registration | Work, migration, secondary education, training programs |
| Reading content | Academic texts, journals, essays, research | Everyday texts, ads, notices, workplace documents |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe a graph, chart, diagram, or map | Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal) |
| Writing Task 2 | Academic essay, argument, opinion, or discussion | Same format as Academic |
| Listening | Same as General Training | Same as Academic |
| Speaking | Same as General Training | Same as Academic |
| Accepted by | Universities, medical/nursing registration boards | Immigration bodies (Canada PR, Australian visa, UK visa) |
Common mistake: Taking General Training when your university requires Academic. Always confirm which version your institution accepts before booking, they are not interchangeable for most purposes.
3. IELTS vs. TOEFL, which one to take
Both the IELTS Academic and the TOEFL iBT are widely accepted by universities globally. The right choice depends on where you're applying and your personal strengths.
| IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~2 hours 45 min + Speaking (separate) | ~85–90 minutes |
| Score scale | 0–9 bands | 1–6 bands (+ 0–120 transitional) |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with a human examiner | Recorded responses (computer only) |
| Writing | Handwritten or typed depending on format | Typed only |
| Strongest in | UK, Australia, Canada, NZ, immigration | US, Canada, most global universities |
| Cost (approximate) | $245–265 | ~$245 |
Choose IELTS if…
You are applying to UK, Australian, or New Zealand universities; applying for immigration (Canada PR, Australian or UK visas); or prefer a face-to-face Speaking interview over talking to a computer.
Choose TOEFL if…
You are applying primarily to US universities; prefer a fully computer-based, shorter exam; or find the new TOEFL's adaptive format easier to manage than IELTS's longer format.
4. Format and sections
The IELTS exam consists of four sections. Listening, Reading, and Writing are taken in one sitting; Speaking is scheduled separately, usually on the same day or within a week of the written sections. See the official IELTS format overview for full details.
| Section | Duration | Questions | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 min + 10 min transfer | 40 questions | 0–9 |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 questions | 0–9 |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks | 0–9 |
| Speaking | 11–14 minutes | 3 parts | 0–9 |
Total: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes for the written sections, plus the Speaking interview scheduled separately. There is no break between Listening, Reading, and Writing.
What each section tests
- Listening: Four audio recordings of native English speakers, a social conversation, a monologue on an everyday topic, a discussion between multiple speakers in an academic context, and an academic lecture or monologue. Question types include multiple choice, matching, sentence completion, and diagram labeling.
- Reading (Academic): Three long academic passages from books, journals, and newspapers. Tests skimming, scanning, detail reading, and understanding argument. Question types include True/False/Not Given, matching headings, and sentence completion.
- Reading (General Training): Shorter, practical texts, workplace notices, advertisements, guidelines, plus one longer text. More accessible than Academic Reading, but tests the same fundamental skills.
- Writing (Academic Task 1): Describe a graph, chart, diagram, or map in at least 150 words. Tests your ability to summarize and report data accurately and objectively.
- Writing (Task 2, both versions): A discursive essay of at least 250 words on a general topic. Scored on task achievement, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar.
- Speaking: A face-to-face interview with a trained IELTS examiner. Three parts: brief personal questions (Part 1), a 2-minute monologue on a given topic (Part 2), and a deeper discussion related to the Part 2 topic (Part 3).
For non-native English speakers: The Speaking section, a live interview with a human examiner, is often the most nerve-wracking part for candidates not used to academic English conversation. Practice speaking for sustained periods (2+ minutes) on unfamiliar topics under time pressure. Fluency and natural delivery matter more than perfect grammar.
5. Scoring explained
IELTS uses a 0–9 band scale in 0.5 increments. Your overall band score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band.
| Band score | Description | Typical user |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | Native-level proficiency |
| 8–8.5 | Very good user | Top universities, competitive programs |
| 7–7.5 | Good user | Most UK/Australian universities; professional registration |
| 6–6.5 | Competent user | Most university minimums; some immigration pathways |
| 5–5.5 | Modest user | Foundation programs; some immigration |
| Below 5 | Limited user | Usually below institution minimums |
There is no pass or fail on IELTS, institutions set their own minimum requirements. Many programs also set minimum section scores (e.g., minimum 6.5 in Writing even if overall is 7.0).
No negative marking. Every unanswered question in Listening and Reading is a missed mark. Answer every question, a blank is always wrong, a guess might be right.
6. What universities and immigration bodies require
University admissions
| Institution / Country | Typical minimum band | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 7.0–7.5 | Varies by program; some require 7.5 in all sections |
| UCL (London) | 6.5–7.5 | Varies by program |
| Most UK universities | 6.0–7.0 | Postgraduate often requires 6.5+ |
| Most Australian universities | 6.0–7.0 | Medical/nursing programs require 7.0+ |
| Most Canadian universities | 6.5–7.0 | Varies; some accept 6.0 for undergraduate |
| Most US universities | 6.5–7.0 | Check if TOEFL is preferred |
Immigration
| Pathway | Typical requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Permanent Residency (Express Entry) | CLB 7–9 (≈ 6.0–7.5) | Points-based; higher IELTS = more CRS points |
| UK Skilled Worker Visa | B1 (≈ 4.0–5.0) minimum | Requires IELTS for UKVI, a specific version |
| Australian Skilled Migration | 6.0–7.0 (Competent to Proficient) | Varies by visa subclass and occupation |
| New Zealand Skilled Migrant | 6.5 overall | Check NZIS for current policy |
IELTS for UKVI: If you need IELTS for a UK visa or immigration application, you must take the specific IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) version, not the standard IELTS Academic or General Training. The content is the same, but it must be taken at an approved UKVI test center. Check ielts.org for approved centers.
7. Test dates and scheduling
IELTS is one of the most flexibly scheduled English exams available. Book your test at ielts.org or through IDP or British Council.
- Computer-delivered IELTS: Available up to 7 days a week, up to 3 times a day at many centers. Results in 3–5 days. This is now the most common format and is recommended for faster score delivery.
- Paper-based IELTS: Available up to 48 times per year at authorized centers. Results in 13 days. Less flexible but available in areas with fewer computer centers.
- Speaking: Scheduled separately, usually on the same day (for computer-delivered) or within 7 days before or after the written sections.
There is no limit on how many times you can take IELTS, and no mandatory waiting period between attempts. You can retake as soon as the next available date.
8. IELTS One Skill Retake
IELTS One Skill Retake is a feature that allows you to retake just one section of the IELTS exam if you narrowly missed your target score in a specific skill, without retaking the full test.
- Available for Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking, one retake per original test sitting.
- Must be taken within 60 days of your original test date.
- Only available at approved test centers (not all centers offer it, check availability when booking).
- Fee is lower than a full IELTS retake.
- Your best result from the original test and the retake is used for your final score report.
Strategic use: If you scored 6.5 overall but 6.0 in Writing while your target is 6.5 in all sections, the One Skill Retake lets you improve just Writing without redoing Listening, Reading, and Speaking. This saves time, money, and stress.
9. Cost and registration
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or General Training (US) | ~$245–265 |
| IELTS Academic or General Training (India) | ~₹18,000–19,000 |
| IELTS for UKVI | Slightly higher, varies by center |
| One Skill Retake | Lower than full test, check with your center |
| Additional score reports (TRF) | Free to 5 organizations on test day; small fee after |
| Score verification / enquiry on results | Fee applies, check ielts.org |
How to register
- Go to ielts.org, IDP, or British Council, all three offer identical tests.
- Choose your test type (Academic or General Training), format (computer or paper), and reason for testing.
- Select your country, city, test center, and preferred date.
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport.
- Upload a scanned copy of your valid passport (or national ID where accepted).
- Pay online by credit/debit card, net banking, or local payment methods.
- Save your confirmation email, you'll need it on test day along with your original passport.
10. Prep resources: official and third-party
Official resources
Official · Free
IELTS Official Sample Questions
Free sample questions and familiarization tests from the official IELTS partners. Includes all four sections. Start here to understand what real test questions look and feel like.
Official · Paid
Cambridge IELTS Practice Tests (Books 1–18)
The gold standard for IELTS preparation. Official full-length practice tests published by Cambridge. Each book contains 4 complete tests with answer keys and audio. Books 17 and 18 are the most recent.
Third-party prep resources
Free
IELTS Prep App (official)
Free app from the official IELTS partners with practice tests, vocabulary, and tips for all four sections. Good for mobile study on the go.
Paid
Magoosh IELTS
Video lessons, practice questions, and score prediction. Affordable self-study option. Strong for Writing and Speaking instruction, which are often the hardest sections to self-study.
Free
IELTS Liz (YouTube)
One of the most popular free IELTS resources online. Tips, lessons, and sample answers for all four sections. Particularly strong for Writing Task 1 and Task 2 strategies.
Free
r/IELTS (Reddit)
Active community with score reports, study plans, and test-day experience from recent candidates worldwide. Useful for finding out what real test-takers found hardest and how they prepared.
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