USA
UK
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AustraliaTOEFL vs IELTS 2026: Which Test is Right for You?
TOEFL has undergone its biggest change ever — switching to a 1-6 band system, removing the essay, and shortening to ~2 hours. Meanwhile, IELTS now offers One Skill Retake. Here's how they compare in 2026.
Expert comparison based on 29+ years of coaching both tests.
TOEFL vs IELTS — Complete Comparison
| Aspect | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer-only, adaptive (NEW) | Paper or Computer (choice) |
| Duration | ~2 hours (shortened in 2026) | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Scoring | 1-6 bands (NEW from Jan 2026) | 1-9 bands (0.5 increments) |
| Fee (India) | INR 18,000 | ₹19,000 |
| Sections | 4 sections (adaptive difficulty) | 4 sections (fixed difficulty) |
| Writing Task | NO essay — summarize discussion (NEW) | 2 essays (Task 1 + Task 2) |
| Speaking | Recorded responses to computer | Face-to-face with human examiner |
| Results Speed | 72 hours (NEW — faster) | 3-5 days (computer) / 13 days (paper) |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Best for USA | Preferred by most US universities | Accepted but TOEFL preferred |
| Best for UK/AU/CA | Accepted but less common | Strongly preferred |
| Accepted by | 12,000+ institutions worldwide | 11,000+ institutions worldwide |
| Retake Policy | 3-day waiting period | OSR (One Skill Retake) available |
| Score Conversion | Band 5.0 ≈ IELTS 7.0-7.5 | Band 7.0 ≈ TOEFL Band 5.0 |
| EEC Coaching | From ₹7,500 (online/classroom) | From ₹7,500 (online/classroom) |
Choose TOEFL if you...
- ✓ Are targeting US universities
- ✓ Prefer the shorter 2-hour format
- ✓ Are comfortable speaking to a computer
- ✓ Dislike essay writing (no essay in new format)
- ✓ Want faster results (72 hours)
Choose IELTS if you...
- ✓ Are targeting UK, Australia, or Canada
- ✓ Prefer face-to-face speaking with a human
- ✓ Want the option of paper-based test
- ✓ May need One Skill Retake option
- ✓ Need the score for immigration (Canada PR)
New TOEFL to IELTS Score Conversion
| TOEFL Band (New) | IELTS Band | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 8.5-9.0 | Expert |
| 5.5 | 8.0 | Very Good |
| 5.0 | 7.0-7.5 | Good |
| 4.5 | 6.5 | Competent+ |
| 4.0 | 6.0 | Competent |
| 3.5 | 5.5 | Modest+ |
| 3.0 | 5.0 | Modest |
| 2.5 | 4.0-4.5 | Limited |
Conversion is approximate. Always check with your target institution for exact requirements.
Where Does TOEFL Take You?
See how many courses open up at different TOEFL score levels across top destinations.
Where Does IELTS Take You?
See how many courses open up at different IELTS score levels across top destinations.
TOEFL vs IELTS — FAQs
What is the new TOEFL format in 2026?
Is TOEFL easier than IELTS?
Does the new TOEFL format affect score requirements?
Which test should I take for USA universities?
Which test should I take for Canada immigration?
Can I take IELTS One Skill Retake instead of redoing the full test?
How do TOEFL and IELTS scores convert in 2026?
How much does EEC charge for TOEFL and IELTS coaching?
What Our Students Say About TOEFL & IELTS Coaching
Reviews from our Google Business Profiles · 2026-06-15
Not Sure Which Test to Take? Talk to an Expert — Free
Our coaches have prepared students for both TOEFL and IELTS for 29+ years. Get a personalized recommendation based on your target country, university, and strengths. Available online from anywhere in India.
Already Living in USA?
Preparing for US university admissions while living in the USA? Whether you need TOEFL for grad school, transfers, or professional licensing — here's how EEC's coaching works for you.
EEC Live Class Timings in Your Timezone
Live Classes with Real Teacher — Monday to Saturday (4:00–5:00 PM IST)
New York / New Jersey (EST)
5:30 AM – 6:30 AM
Early morning slot
Texas / Chicago (CST)
4:30 AM – 5:30 AM
Pre-dawn slot
Denver / Phoenix (MST)
3:30 AM – 4:30 AM
Use recordings
California / Seattle (PST)
2:30 AM – 3:30 AM
Use recordings
India (IST)
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Original batch time
East Coast students: 5:30 AM is feasible before work/class. Central & West Coast — all sessions are recorded same day. Watch recordings + attend live doubt sessions.
Test Centers & Home Edition
Hundreds of ETS/Prometric test centers across all 50 states
TOEFL iBT Home Edition available 24/7 — same score, same acceptance
Home test needs: computer with camera, mic, quiet room, whiteboard (no paper)
Register at ets.org — fee $245
Score Requirements for Top Universities
110+ → MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Princeton (preferred)
100+ → Top-20 universities (minimum for most)
90+ → Most graduate programs
80+ → UC Berkeley, many state universities
MyBest Scores: ETS combines your highest section scores across attempts
TOEFL Waiver Policy
Many US universities waive TOEFL after 2–4 years of US education
Students who completed a US bachelor's degree are often exempt
4 years at a US high school → typically exempt
Policy varies by university — always check admissions page
If unsure, take TOEFL anyway — having a score never hurts
GRE + TOEFL Combo Strategy
Applying for MS/PhD? You likely need both GRE and TOEFL
EEC offers both courses — study simultaneously and save time
TOEFL score valid 2 years — time your test carefully
4 free score reports on test day, $20 each after
No waiting period between retake attempts