So you have set your sights on studying in the United States. That is a big dream, and an exciting one. But before you can pack your bags and book that flight, there is a hurdle almost every international student has to clear: proving your English proficiency.
If you have started researching even a little, you have probably come across two big names—IELTS and TOEFL. And now you are staring at your screen wondering which one to pick. The stakes feel high because you are not just trying to get into a university. You are aiming for a scholarship. That changes things.
What Makes These Tests Different
At first glance, IELTS and TOEFL seem to do the same thing. They both test your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. But the way they do it is where things get interesting.
TOEFL is almost entirely multiple choice, except for the speaking and writing sections. It is delivered on a computer, and you will be sitting in a test center with a headset, recording your responses into a microphone. The reading passages are academic. The lectures sound like something from a university classroom. The whole experience is designed to feel like you are already in an American academic setting.
IELTS gives you two paths. There is IELTS Academic, which is what you would take for university admissions. The listening and speaking sections are the same for everyone, but there is also a version called IELTS General Training that some scholarships or programs might accept depending on their requirements. The speaking section happens face to face with a real examiner. That alone makes a lot of people either love it or dread it.
The writing section in IELTS asks you to describe a graph or chart in one task and write an essay in the other. TOEFL writing also has two tasks, but one of them involves listening to a short lecture and reading a passage before you write your response.
Which One Do American Universities Actually Prefer?
Here is a truth that might surprise you. Most American universities accept both tests. They do not have a secret preference for one over the other. If you go to the admissions page of any major US university, you will usually see both scores listed with their minimum requirements.
But there is a catch. Some scholarship committees do lean one way. Not officially, but practically. If a scholarship is funded by a government agency or a research institution, they often have more experience with TOEFL because it was developed in the United States. That does not mean they will reject IELTS. It just means the person reviewing your file might glance at a TOEFL score and immediately know what it means without having to do a conversion in their head.
If you are applying to a scholarship that is highly competitive, every small advantage matters. So it is worth checking which test past recipients of that scholarship have taken.
The Speaking Section Could Decide Everything
This is where you need to be honest with yourself. How comfortable are you talking to strangers?
With TOEFL, you speak into a microphone. There is no human listening to you in real time. Your responses are recorded and evaluated later by multiple raters. Some people love this because they freeze up less when there is no one staring at them. Others find it awkward to talk to a computer screen.
With IELTS, you sit down with an examiner who asks you questions, engages in a conversation with you, and responds to what you say. If you are someone who thrives on human interaction, if you find it easier to talk when someone is nodding along or asking follow-up questions, then IELTS might let you show your true speaking ability in a way TOEFL cannot.
Scholarships often look at your speaking score carefully because they need to know you can participate in class discussions, work in research teams, and possibly even teach undergraduate classes if you are a graduate student. A low speaking score can hurt your chances even if your overall score is high.
How Your Reading and Writing Habits Matter
Think about how you normally read. Do you prefer skimming through dense academic texts and answering multiple choice questions? TOEFL reading is longer passages with questions that test your ability to find specific details. It is predictable once you get used to the format.
IELTS reading has more variety. There are multiple choice questions, but there are also matching exercises, fill-in-the-blank questions, and true-false-not given questions. Some people find this more interesting. Others find it frustrating because there is less consistency in question types.
For writing, the difference comes down to typing versus handwriting. TOEFL writing is entirely typed on a computer. If you type fast and your spelling is good, this works in your favor. IELTS writing is handwritten unless you take IELTS Online, which is still not available in all locations. If your handwriting is messy or if you are used to typing everything, that is something to consider.
Scholarship committees rarely see your actual writing responses. They just see the score. But if you perform poorly on writing because the format does not suit you, that score will follow you.
Time and Cost Factors
Both tests take about three hours. Both cost somewhere between two hundred and fifty to three hundred dollars depending on where you take them. But there is one practical difference that matters more than people realize.
TOEFL is offered almost every weekend. IELTS is offered less frequently in some countries. If you are on a tight deadline for a scholarship application, check the test dates in your city before you decide. There is nothing worse than preparing for a test only to realize the next available date is after your application deadline.
Also consider how long it takes to get your scores. TOEFL scores are available in about six days. IELTS scores take about thirteen days for the paper-based test and three to five days for computer-delivered results. If you are cutting it close, those extra days matter.
Which One Gives You the Best Chance at a Scholarship?
Here is how I would break it down based on what you are aiming for.
If you are applying for a full scholarship that covers everything from tuition to living expenses, the competition is fierce. In that case, choose the test you can score highest on. Look at the score requirements for the specific scholarship. Some scholarships set minimums that are easier to reach on one test than the other.
If the scholarship requires a TOEFL score of 100 but you consistently score around 7.5 on IELTS practice tests, do the conversion. A 7.5 on IELTS is roughly equivalent to a TOEFL score between 102 and 109. If you are scoring 7.5 on IELTS, you might struggle to hit 100 on TOEFL because the test demands different skills. Go with your strength.
If you are applying to multiple scholarships, check whether any of them explicitly state a preference. I have seen scholarships that say “TOEFL preferred” in the fine print. That is usually because the funding comes from a US-based organization that has always used TOEFL scores for evaluation.
A Practical Way to Decide
Stop thinking about which test is easier. Think about which test matches how you naturally work.
If you are comfortable with multiple choice questions, can sit still for long reading passages, and do not mind talking to a computer, TOEFL will probably feel smoother for you.
If you prefer a variety of question types, enjoy real conversation, and feel more confident writing by hand than typing under pressure, IELTS might be the better fit.
The best thing you can do is take a full-length practice test for both. Not just a few questions here and there. Sit down and do the entire thing under timed conditions. That experience will tell you more than any article can. You will know within a few hours which test makes you feel like yourself and which one makes you feel like you are fighting against the format.
Final Thoughts
Here is the truth. No scholarship committee has ever rejected a brilliant student because they chose IELTS over TOEFL or vice versa. What they reject is low scores. So focus on which test allows you to show your best self.
Take the practice tests. Look at the deadlines. Consider your own strengths. And then make a choice and commit to it completely. Half the battle is just deciding so you can stop wondering and start preparing.
You have worked too hard to let a test stand between you and your scholarship. Pick the one that fits you, put in the work, and go get what you came for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do American universities prefer one test over the other?
Most American universities accept both equally. If you visit any university admissions page, you will usually see both tests listed with minimum score requirements. The idea that TOEFL is the only acceptable test for US schools is outdated. That said, some smaller colleges or specialized programs might only list TOEFL, so always check the specific requirements for each university and scholarship you are applying to. A quick visit to their admissions page will give you your answer in less than a minute.
Which test is easier to score high on?
This depends entirely on you. TOEFL is predictable. The question types do not change much from test to test. If you are good at multiple choice and can follow a consistent format, you might find TOEFL easier to prepare for. IELTS has more variety in question types. Some people find this challenging. Others find it less boring and actually perform better because they stay engaged. The real answer is to take a practice test for each. Your score on those practice tests will tell you more than any general advice ever could.
How long are the scores valid?
Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years. After that, most universities and scholarship committees will not accept them. This matters more than people realize. If you are planning to apply for scholarships two years from now, do not take the test early just to get it out of the way. Time it so your scores are still valid when you submit your applications.
Can I take the tests online from home?
Both tests now offer an at-home version. TOEFL iBT Home Edition is widely available and accepted by most institutions. IELTS Online is also available, though the availability depends on your country. Before registering for the at-home version, check whether the specific scholarship or university you are targeting accepts it. Most do, but a small number still prefer test center scores for security reasons.
How much do the tests cost?
Prices vary by country, but generally you are looking at two hundred to three hundred dollars for either test. IELTS sometimes costs slightly less depending on your location. There are also additional fees if you need to reschedule, cancel, or send your scores to more than the standard number of universities. Budget for this. Nothing is worse than realizing you cannot afford to send your scores to your dream school because you did not account for the extra fees.
How many times can I take the test?
You can take both tests as many times as you want. TOEFL allows you to take it once every three days. IELTS has no official limit, though you cannot take it more than once a week. The real question is whether you should take it multiple times. Some students improve their scores significantly on a second attempt. Others burn out and score worse. If you take a practice test and your score is far from your target, give yourself proper time to prepare before attempting the real thing.