Most English-taught programmes and scholarships ask for proof of English, and three tests are the most widely accepted: IELTS, TOEFL iBT and the Duolingo English Test.
The rule that matters most: each university or scholarship decides which test it accepts and the score it requires. ETS says it plainly about TOEFL — “each institution sets its own score requirements” — and IELTS says “every scholarship sets its own eligibility criteria”. Always start with the admission page of the programme you want.
Quick comparison
| Item | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score scale | 0–9 (half bands) | 1–6 since 21 January 2026 (was 0–120) | 10–160 (in steps of 5) |
| Duration | 2 h 45 min | About 2 hours | About 1 hour |
| Where | Test centre, or IELTS Online at home in some countries | Test centre, or Home Edition | Online only, at home, no appointment |
| Results | 1–5 days (computer), 6–8 days (online) | 3 days in your account | Within 2 days |
| Validity | 2 years recommended; some organisations accept older results | 2 years from the test date | 2 years |
| Price | Varies by country | Varies by country | $70 according to the official blog |
IELTS: what to know
- Two versions: IELTS Academic for university study; General Training for migration and for training or study below degree level. For scholarships, choose Academic.
- Four sections: Listening (about 30 min), Reading (60), Writing (60), Speaking (11–14 min).
- Overall band is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.
- IELTS Online at home is available for Academic only and is not accepted by governments for immigration. Check that your university accepts it before booking.
- Paper test ending: IELTS will stop offering the paper-based test from mid-2026, with timelines varying by country.
- Validity: IELTS recommends treating results as valid for two years; organisations may accept older results.
TOEFL iBT: a big change in 2026
Since 21 January 2026, each of the four sections is scored 1 to 6 in half points, and the total is their average.
During the transition (January 2026 – January 2028) reports show the CEFR level, the new score and a “comparable” 0–120 score. From January 2028 only the new scale remains.
ETS’s official conversion table:
| New score | Old 0–120 equivalent | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 114+ | C2 |
| 5.5 | 107+ | C1 |
| 5 | 95+ | C1 |
| 4.5 | 86+ | B2 |
| 4 | 72+ | B2 |
| 3.5 | 58+ | B1 |
| 3 | 44+ | B1 |
What if a university still asks for an old-scale score? ETS recommends mapping 100 to 5, 90 to 4.5, 80 to 4 and 70 to 3.5 — but each university makes its own conversion decision, so ask if its page has not been updated.
Also:
- Sections are Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking; allow about two hours; the test is adaptive, so length can vary.
- Home Edition is the same test taken at home, booked at least 24 hours ahead.
- Scores appear in your account after 3 days and reach institutions within 11 business days.
Duolingo English Test
- Fully online: at home, any time, no appointment.
- Short: about an hour, with ID checks, an adaptive section and writing and speaking tasks.
- Scores: 10 to 160, with subscores for reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- Results within two days, or 12 hours for an extra fee.
- Price: $70 according to the official DET blog (February 2026); you have 21 days to take the test after buying it.
Note: Duolingo is cheaper and faster, but not every university or scholarship accepts it. Check the programme page before paying.
How to choose
- Open the admission page of each programme or scholarship and note the accepted tests and minimum scores.
- Pick the test accepted by most of your choices, not the easiest one.
- Watch validity: if you apply in eighteen months, TOEFL or Duolingo results may expire.
- Check the scale: if a page only says “TOEFL 90”, ask what it means on the new scale.
- Plan for a retake: book early to leave time before the deadline.
FAQ
Is IELTS General Training accepted by universities? The version for university study is Academic; General Training is for migration or study below degree level.
Do universities accept IELTS Online and TOEFL Home Edition? Many do, but each university decides. IELTS Online is not accepted for immigration.
My old TOEFL score is on the 0–120 scale. Is it still valid? Scores are valid for two years from the test date; universities decide how they compare it with the new scale.