Ready to make the move abroad but not sure whether TOEFL or IELTS will open more academic or professional doors? In today’s globalised world, a language certificate is essential if you want to study or work abroad. Two of the most internationally recognised exams are TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Both assess English language skills, but they differ significantly in format, approach and acceptance depending on the country or the institution.
An apparently minor detail in a contract can have significant consequences. For example, a missing comma in a Canadian contract led to a million-dollar legal dispute between Rogers Communications and Bell Aliant. The lack of clarity in the wording led to different readings of the agreement.
This example highlights how important precision is in communication, especially in legal and professional settings. When choosing between TOEFL and IELTS, it is essential to understand the differences so that you can make an informed decision in line with your academic or career goals abroad.
Comparison: TOEFL vs IELTS
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 100% computer-based | Paper or computer |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Sections | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
| Question types | Mostly multiple choice | Varied: multiple choice, gap fill |
| Speaking assessment | Recorded on a computer | Interview with a human examiner |
| Scoring scales | 0–120 (30 per section) | 0–9 (bands) |
| Validity of results | 2 years | 2 years |
| Global acceptance | More than 160 countries | More than 140 countries |
| Regional preference | USA, Canada | United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand |
| At-home version available | Yes (TOEFL Home Edition) | No |
Both exams are widely accepted, but the choice between them may depend on factors such as your destination country, the type of institution and your personal preferences regarding the exam format.
List of countries that accept TOEFL and IELTS
Both enjoy very high global acceptance, but the context changes:
TOEFL
More than 11,500 institutions in 160 countries
- Strongest presence in: USA, Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, China.
- Also accepted in: India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Brazil.
IELTS
More than 12,000 organisations in 140 countries
- Required in: United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland.
- Very common in: Canada, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa.
- Widely accepted in: Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Malaysia.
Key fact: Although both exams are recognised, IELTS has a stronger presence in work-related immigration processes, while TOEFL dominates the academic field, especially in North America.
Which certificate is usually required to work abroad?
The certificate required to work abroad depends on the country, the company and the sector.
TOEFL
- Preferred in: the United States and Canada.
- Fields where it is usually required: technology, engineering, higher education, research.
- Digital format favoured: in technology companies or those with virtual recruitment processes.
IELTS (General Training)
- Preferred in: United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland.
- Fields where it is usually required: healthcare (doctors, nurses, pharmacists), administration, social services, international trade, immigration.
- Requirement for work visas: in Commonwealth countries in particular, IELTS General is required for work permits and immigration.
Practical tip: Check the immigration and employment guidance for your destination country. In some, such as Australia, IELTS is compulsory for certain regulated professions..
Which certificate is usually required to study abroad?
Both certificates are widely accepted, but there are slight preferences depending on the destination and the type of institution.
TOEFL (Academic)
- Preferred by: universities and colleges in the USA, Canada and parts of Asia (South Korea, China, Japan).
- Typical fields: bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and research programmes in science, business, engineering and technology.
- Online admissions: the TOEFL Home Edition has gained acceptance since the pandemic and is useful for remote applications.
IELTS (Academic)
- Preferred by: the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and European universities.
- Typical fields: humanities, law, art, education, exchange programmes and placements in English-speaking countries.
- Required in student visa processes: especially in the United Kingdom (UKVI IELTS Academic).
Do I need an English certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS to get a visa?
In many countries, yes, you must submit an official English certificate as part of the visa application process, especially to study or work abroad. TOEFL and IELTS are the most widely recognised options worldwide, but whether they are required depends on the country and the type of visa.
Student visas
- United Kingdom
Requires the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) as valid proof of English for the student visa (Tier 4). It is only accepted if the exam was taken at a UKVI-approved centre. - Australia and New Zealand
Accept the IELTS Academic as standard proof for student visas. In some cases TOEFL or PTE Academic are also accepted. - Canada and the United States
The student visa does not directly require a language certificate, but universities do, and without a letter of admission you cannot obtain the visa. In these countries, TOEFL is generally the one academic institutions ask for most.
Work or migration visas
- United Kingdom
The IELTS General Training (UKVI) is compulsory for work visas such as Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker. Make sure you sit the UKVImodule, which is aligned with British immigration standards. - Canada
For routes such as Express Entry, the government only accepts approved exams, such as IELTS General Training or CELPIP. The TOEFL is not accepted for immigration procedures, although it is for studies. - Australia
Accepts several English certificates, among them IELTS (Academic or General), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE). IELTS is the most common in work and professional immigration processes. - New Zealand
Requires English certificates for work and residence visas. The IELTS (Academic or General) is one of the most widely accepted, although TOEFL iBT is also permitted in some cases.
How much does it cost to take TOEFL or IELTS in Spain?
Prices may vary depending on the centre and the format (paper or online). Here is an updated estimate (2025):
| Exam | Approximate price in Spain |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 235 – 260 € |
| IELTS Academic / General | 235 – 250 € |
| IELTS UKVI (for visas) | 255 – 270 € |
The prices include sending the certificate to institutions, but they do not usually include preparation courses. You can check the exact fees on the official sites of ETS for TOEFL and IELTS.
What should you do when your TOEFL or IELTS certificate expires after 2 years?
Both TOEFL and IELTS are valid for 2 years from the date the exam was taken, since command of a language is considered liable to change over that period. If your certificate has expired, you will not be able to use it to apply for university admission or for work or study visas.
What can you do?
- Sit the exam again. This is the most direct option. Many centres allow you to take a new test after a minimum interval (3 days for TOEFL, and also 3 days for IELTS).
- Prepare in advance. Consider a structured revision programme, as you may need to improve your results.
- Look for alternatives with extended validity. Some institutions accept certificates more than 2 years old if you can show that you have kept using the language actively (for example, by working in English or living in an English-speaking country).
- Plan around key dates. If you are thinking of studying or working abroad, align your application deadlines with the validity of the certificate.
Which English certificate suits you best for studying or working abroad?
The choice between TOEFL and IELTS should be based on your specific goals and on the requirements of the institutions or employers you are targeting. If you plan to study in the United States or Canada, TOEFL may be the better fit. If your destination is the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, on the other hand, IELTS could be the better option.
To explore related topics, we invite you to read our articles:
- The 10 most common questions in English job interviews (and how to answer them)
- List of English phrasal verbs. Learn 20 expressions used by native speakers
- The importance of German for Spanish technical engineers in Germany
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Difficulty is subjective and depends on your skills and preferences. TOEFL is entirely computer-based and mainly uses multiple-choice questions. IELTS offers a variety of question types and a spoken interview with a human examiner.
Both exams are widely accepted. TOEFL is preferred in the United States and Canada, while IELTS is common in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
TOEFL offers an at-home version (TOEFL Home Edition). IELTS has no official option for taking the exam from home.
Both TOEFL and IELTS results are valid for 2 years.
IELTS is generally preferred for immigration processes in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. TOEFL is more commonly used for academic purposes.
It depends on the country and the employer. IELTS is widely recognised for work purposes in many countries. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of the employer or the destination country.
Costs vary depending on the country and the test centre. It is important to check current prices on the official sites for each exam.