TOEFL & IELTS tests are English language fluency tests that are required when applying to study abroad. See 11 differences between these two tests only on Visaxtra!
When registering to study abroad, you will usually be asked to provide proof of your TOEFL ( Test of English as a Foreign Language ) or IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) English language proficiency test scores. This is done to ensure you have sufficient reading, speaking and writing skills in English to take courses at university later.
However, because these two tests both test English language skills, many international students are still confused about which test they should take.
So that you understand better, first read the following 11 differences between the TOEFL and IELTS tests:
1. Entrance Requirements to Study at Foreign Universities
2. Difference in Test Costs
3. Test Method
4. Test Scores
5. English Spoken
6.  Reading Section
7.  Speaking Section
8.  Writing Section
9.  Listening Section
10. Difficulty Level
11. Test Duration
You can see complete information about the 11 differences between the TOEL and IELTS tests below:
1. Entrance Requirements to Study at Foreign Universities
In general, people assume that the TOEFL test is required by universities in the United States and Canada , while the IELTS test is accepted by institutions in  Australia , the United Kingdom , Ireland , and New Zealand . However, now many international universities accept both English tests.
You should double check the requirements required by the university you are going to so that you can take the right test.
The costs that must be paid in Indonesia to take the TOEFL test range from around 500 thousand to 3.3 million rupiah depending on the type of TOEFL test taken and the test location you choose . For  IELTS Academic , the fee is IDR 3,150,000.
3. Test Method
Currently, TOEFL iBT ( Internet Based Test ) is the only official TOEFL test since TOEFL PBT ( Paper Based Test ) was abolished.  If you take the TOEFL iBT, you will write and record all your answers on a computer. In the future, this test is also planned to be available in the form of a written exam (TOEFL iBT Paper Edition ) in Indonesia.
Different from TOEFL, IELTS provides 2 types of tests: computer-based IELTS (currently only available in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Padang, & Surabaya) and Written IELTS. For written IELTS, all answers will be handwritten and you will also chat directly with an assessor in the ‘ Speaking Section ‘
Similar to TOEFL iBT, computer-based IELTS also requires test takers to take the test on a computer. When compared to Written IELTS, computer-based IELTS has a shorter ‘ Listening ‘ section .
4. Test Scores
In TOEFL iBT,  each section ( Reading ,  Listening ,  Speaking ,  Writing ) each has a score of 30 which will be accumulated to a maximum score of 120.
While IELTS assesses each section with a score of 0-9. The scores for all these sections will be added up and divided by 4 to get a final score on a scale of 0-9.0
5. English Spoken
The TOEFL test uses American English,  while the IELTS test uses British English . Even though they are relatively the same, there are differences in spelling, idioms and accents between the two.
6. Reading Section
The reading section of the TOEFL test will provide around 3-5 reading texts followed by multiple choice questions. Meanwhile, in IELTS, you will get 3 reading texts with several types of questions.
In the following video, you can see an excerpt of the computer-based Reading Section for IELTS.
7. Speaking Section
In TOEFL iBT, you will be asked six short questions. You must record your answers using a computer. So that you can pass  this section  more smoothly , first try reading the tips for the  TOEFL iBT speaking  section .
For the IELTS test (both written and computer-based), you will speak directly with an assessor for 12-14 minutes. You will be asked a number of questions about yourself and about a discussion topic.
8. Writing Section
In both tests, you will be asked to write 2 essays. For TOEFL iBT, first you will be given a reading text and audio excerpts related to the text. You must then write an essay (150 – 225 words) responding to the text and audio excerpt. In the second essay, you will be asked to write your personal opinion or experience regarding a topic.
Meanwhile, in the IELTS test,  you will be asked to explain some visual information such as graphs or diagrams in writing for the first essay (around 150 words). For the  second essay, you  will be asked to write an essay (approximately 250 words) responding to an argument, problem or point of view . If you need additional tips for the  Writing  section of IELTS, try watching the following video:
9. Listening Section
In the TOEFL iBT test, you will listen to audio excerpts in the form of conversations and teachings for around 40 – 60 minutes. You should note down all the important information you hear, because new questions will appear after you finish listening to each excerpt.
While in the IELTS test, you will listen to various types of short audio snippets and you will answer questions directly while listening to the audio snippets.
10. Difficulty Level
Many people ask which is easier between IELTS & TOEFL . This is actually very subjective, because these two tests have relatively the same level of difficulty.
11. Test Duration
The TOEFL test lasts almost 4 hours, while the IELTS has a duration of around 2 hours and 45 minutes.
How to Take These Two Tests?
For how to register and information on the next test date and location, you can click the following links:
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If you need sample questions, you can see  TOEFL iBT sample questions and IELTS sample questions to practice before taking the test.
Like this article? You can continue reading various  guides regarding IELTS  &  various TOEFL discussions  that we have compiled. You can also browse  various other articles that discuss the ins and outs of studying abroad .
Start your journey to study abroad success with IELTS! Take complete IELTS preparation tests and lessons at  IDP Indonesia . Book now and prepare yourself to achieve brilliant scores by clicking  this link .
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