IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and the Duolingo English Test are the most widely accepted English proficiency tests for study abroad. Each has a different format, scoring system, and acceptance profile — this guide compares all four so you can choose the right test for your situation.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
Get an instant overview of the core differences in format, cost, and scoring to identify which exam fits your immediate priorities.
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Understanding Each Test
Explore the unique structure, scoring systems, and specific benefits of the three most popular English proficiency tests.
IELTS — Most Widely Accepted
- Format: Listening (30 min), Reading (60 min), Writing (60 min), Speaking (11–14 min face-to-face). Available on paper or computer.
- Scoring: Bands 0–9. Most universities require 6.0–7.0.
- Pros: Most universally accepted, speaking with a real person, choice of paper or computer format.
- Cons: Speaking test sometimes scheduled separately, British spelling and accents throughout.
PTE Academic — Fastest Results
- Format: All completed in one sitting. Speaking and Writing combined (54–67 min), Reading (29–30 min), Listening (30–43 min).
- Scoring: 10–90 points. Most universities require 50–65.
- Pros: Results often within 48 hours, consistent AI scoring, immediate retake option.
- Cons: Fewer test centres than IELTS, speaking recorded to a computer, not yet accepted everywhere.
TOEFL iBT — Strong in North America
- Format: Reading, Listening, Speaking (recorded), Writing — approximately 90 minutes total.
- Scoring: 1.0–6.0 band scale. Most universities require 4.0–5.5.
- Pros: Widely accepted in the USA and Canada, American English, integrated academic tasks.
- Cons: Shorter than IELTS but more complex integrated tasks, speaking recorded to a computer.
Duolingo English Test — Most Affordable and Convenient
- Format: Taken entirely at home on a computer with a webcam. Adaptive test covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening (~1 hour).
- Scoring: 10–160 points. Most universities require 100–120. Results within ~48 hours.
- Pros: Cheapest option, no test centre required, fastest results, retake immediately.
- Cons: Not yet accepted as widely as IELTS or TOEFL — always check your specific institution before registering.
Note: For a full breakdown of the Duolingo English Test format, subscores, and voucher options, read: Duolingo English Test (DET) for Study Abroad.
Which Test Is Easier? It Depends on You.
No test is objectively easier — the right choice depends on how you communicate and where you feel most comfortable. Use this table to self-identify:
Note: "Easier" is determined by your strengths, not the test itself. Try sample questions from each before deciding.
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University and Immigration Acceptance
Before booking your test, confirm that your chosen exam meets the specific requirements of your destination country — both for university admission and for your visa or permit application.
Note: Always confirm that your specific institution and program accepts your chosen test before registering. Requirements change — check the institution's website or the Application Requirements tab in your ApplyBoard profile.
Cost, Availability, and Retaking
Score Equivalency (Approximate)
Use this comparison to see how scores from different tests translate to one another and where you stand on the global proficiency scale.
Note: These equivalencies are approximate. Individual institutions set their own requirements — always check the specific score needed for your program.
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Typical Score Requirements
These are common score targets by level of study. Individual programs vary — always check the specific requirement for your program.
- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0–6.5 / PTE 50–58 / TOEFL 3.5–4.0 / Duolingo 95–110
- Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5–7.5 / PTE 58–73 / TOEFL 4.0–5.5 / Duolingo 110–130
How to Choose the Right Test
- Check acceptance: which tests do your target universities and visa authorities accept?
- Consider your strengths: British vs American English? Comfortable speaking to a person or a computer?
- Check logistics: is there a test centre near you? How quickly do you need results?
- Try sample questions: Pearson, ETS, and the British Council all offer free practice materials. Try each and see which format feels more natural.
Quick guide by situation:
- Need results fast and want the lowest cost? → Duolingo (DET)
- Widest acceptance most important? → IELTS
- Applying mainly to the USA? → TOEFL iBT
- Applying to the UK? → IELTS or PTE Academic UKVI
- Prefer no face-to-face speaking? → PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Duolingo
- Need a test you can take from home? → Duolingo (DET)
Preparation Tips
- 3–6 months before: Take a diagnostic test, identify weak areas, and create a study schedule.
- 1–2 months before: Practice regularly — daily if possible. Focus on weak sections and time yourself on full sections.
- 1–2 weeks before: Complete a full practice test under exam conditions, review mistakes, and reduce study intensity.
- IELTS: Practice British spelling, familiarize yourself with a range of accents, and practice speaking with someone in a conversational format.
- PTE Academic: Practice typing speed, get comfortable speaking to a computer on a timer, and use official Pearson practice materials.
- TOEFL iBT: Practice note-taking from audio, get used to American academic English, and use official ETS materials.
- Duolingo (DET): Use the official Duolingo practice test, practise adaptive question types, and ensure your home environment is quiet with a stable internet connection and working webcam before test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is objectively easier — it depends entirely on your strengths. IELTS may feel more natural if you prefer a real conversation in the speaking section. PTE may suit you better if you are comfortable with computers and prefer consistent AI scoring. Try practice questions from both before deciding.
Yes — PTE Academic is accepted by thousands of institutions, particularly in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. However, acceptance is not universal. Always check the specific requirements for your program before registering for the test.
IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT are all widely accepted for Canadian study permits and university admissions. For permanent residence (PR), the accepted tests are different — IELTS General Training, PTE Core, and CELPIP are accepted for PR; TOEFL iBT is not. Make sure you choose the right version of the test for your specific purpose.
IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT scores are all valid for two years from the test date. Make sure your scores will still be valid at the time you submit your university application and any visa or permit application.
Yes — there is no rule preventing you from taking multiple tests. Universities will consider your best valid score. However, each test costs $270–$410 CAD, so it is worth choosing carefully and preparing thoroughly before registering.
Duolingo is the fastest — results are typically available within 48 hours. PTE Academic usually follows within 2 to 5 days. IELTS results take 3 to 5 days. TOEFL iBT takes 4 to 8 days. If you are working to a tight deadline, Duolingo or PTE Academic are the better options.
Yes — the Duolingo English Test is accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide, including many in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. However, it is not as universally accepted as IELTS or TOEFL, and it is not accepted for Canadian PR or UK visa applications. Always confirm your specific institution accepts Duolingo before registering. For full details, read: Duolingo English Test (DET) for Study Abroad.
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