Most universities accept more than one English test, so choosing the right one can save you time and money. Here's how the four main tests compare.
Quick comparison
- IELTS Academic: about 2 hours 45 minutes; band 0–9; Speaking with a human examiner; widely accepted for study and visas in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.
- TOEFL iBT: updated format from January 2026, shorter and partly adaptive; scored 1–6 with a comparable 0–120 score; popular with US universities.
- PTE Academic: about 2 hours; scored 10–90 by computer; results typically in about 2 days; accepted for Australian and UK visas (UKVI version where needed).
- Duolingo English Test: about 1 hour, online at home; scored 10–160; affordable and fast, but not accepted for the Australian student visa or as a UKVI SELT.
How to choose
- Start with acceptance. List every university on your shortlist and the visa rules for your country. Remove any test that isn't accepted everywhere you need it.
- Consider your strengths. If you're comfortable speaking with a person, IELTS may suit you. If you prefer computer-based tasks and fast results, consider PTE or TOEFL.
- Check timelines. If deadlines are close, PTE and Duolingo usually give results fastest.
- Plan a retake buffer. Whichever you choose, book early enough to retake once.
Country notes
- USA: TOEFL and IELTS are universal; many universities also accept Duolingo and PTE.
- UK: most universities accept IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and often Duolingo for degree-level study; some routes need a UKVI-approved test.
- Canada: universities accept several tests; you'll also need an approved test for your PGWP later.
- Australia: IELTS, PTE and TOEFL are accepted for the visa; Duolingo is not.
Not sure which test fits your shortlist? Book a consultation with our counsellors.