IELTS or TOEFL? Which one is better for studying in American universities?

Last update: 27 September 1402

A language certificate is required to obtain a study visa

Those looking for a way to continue Studying in American universities There is no doubt that they should receive one of the valid language certificates of TOEFL or IELTS. Because in order to get a study visa, you must present documents to the college of your choice. One of them is a valid language certificate. Therefore, if you want to immigrate to America and study in the universities of this country, you should take the language test and pass it. Note that the type of language degree or even its grade may be different in each university compared to other universities. Because you want to continue your education in a foreign country. Given that English is an international language, it is necessary Studying in American universities It is also important to obtain a valid English language certificate. Now the question may be raised, which is better and more valid or which one is simpler and more difficult, IELTS or TOEFL? In the following, explanations are given in this regard.

Passing one of the language tests for applicants to study in American universities

Applicants Studying in American universitiesThey must participate in one of the language tests and get a high score. TOEFL and IELTS are the most famous language tests. Although other tests are also held annually; But to get a study visa, one of these two tests is usually required. According to its rules, each university announces one of these tests for study visa applicants. These tests have different levels. The higher the rank of a university, the applicants for registration in that university need to pass the high levels of the TOEFL or IELTS language test. In the following, before mentioning the comparison of the TOEFL and IELTS tests, we will first introduce each of these tests. Then in order to need a valid language certificate for Studying in American universities More detailed information about them will be given.

Learn more about the TOEFL English test

TOEFL is the most famous standard English test around the world. By obtaining the certificate of this test, you can continue Education in American universities and European countries. In the language test, you as a participant must master the four language skills. This test is recognized in most countries of the world, including the United States. In fact, the American company named ETS has developed this language skills test to measure the level of reading, writing, listening and speaking of the applicants. Today, this test can be offered online. More than 900 universities and educational institutes in more than 130 countries of the world ask their students to present the TOEFL certificate. To Studying in American universities It is also necessary to have a certificate of this valid test. A test that is conducted both in written form and online to measure the mastery of applicants for study visas in English in general.

Learn more about the IELTS English test

IELTS is another English language test. Those who wish to continue Studying in American universities They may ask themselves which one is better? IELTS or TOEFL? IELTS is an abbreviation of an English phrase that means the international system of evaluation or measurement of the English language. Therefore, your language skills are well measured by taking this test. Applicants for educational or work immigration in any of the foreign countries may need IELTS test. Because it is necessary to pass the IELTS test in schools, universities and educational centers abroad. Therefore, the IELTS test is also highly prestigious in the world and has global standards. We have two types of IELTS language certificates, which are general and specialized. Specialized IELTS test is suitable for those who are not Studying in American universities They want to migrate for other purposes. Because IELTS test is also required for non-academic immigration.

Which is better to have a language certificate, IELTS or TOEFL?

The answer to the question of which of the IELTS or TOEFL language documents is for Studying in American universities Is it appropriate or valid? It is a little difficult. Because both tests have a high degree of validity and are used for different purposes. It is not necessary to have an IELTS or TOEFL language certificate to immigrate to America or European countries. Because in addition to educational immigration, you may need one of these two language certificates for work immigration and other types of immigration. You will also need a language certificate inside Iran. The score of this degree is different for each school, university or college abroad. Therefore, both documents are valid; But maybe for Studying in American universities or European countries, distinguish between these two types of language certificates. So it is better to get one of these two degrees according to the needs of the educational center.

General comparison of two types of language tests, IELTS and TOEFL

In general, if we want to continue Studying in American universities, Europe or any other continent and country, we must have one of these two language certificates. IELTS and TOEFL are very different in terms of test type. In such a way that the applicants of each of these language certificates should prepare themselves in different ways for the upcoming exam. Because the IELTS and TOEFL test have these differences with each other in terms of the test structure:

• IELTS Listening: 30 minutes to answer ten questions from the recorded audio; But TOEFL Listening: 60-90 minutes to answer 4-6 audio recordings
• Reading IELTS: 60 minutes to answer 40 short answer and blank questions; But Reading TOEFL: 60 to 80 minutes to answer four-choice questions from 3 to 5 texts.
• IELTS Writing: 60 minutes in two parts. The first part is to write an article of 150 words in 20 minutes and the second part is to write an article of 200 to 250 words in forty minutes; But TOEFL Writing: 20 minutes in two parts. The first part is writing a 300 to 350 word essay about a short text and the second part is writing another short essay.
• Speaking IELTS: 10 to 15 minutes in two parts. The first part talks with the examinee about various everyday issues and the second part talks about a specific topic; But speaking TOEFL: 20 minutes in six sections where you have to record your voice in each section. In the first two parts of the conversation about everyday issues and in the next four parts talking about a specific issue.

Therefore, the types of both tests have differences.

The difference in scoring method in IELTS and TOEFL

The method of scoring IELTS and TOEFL tests is also for Studying in American universities And Europe and all educational centers and colleges are different. IELTS scoring is a number between 0 and 9, which is determined based on your correct answers to the questions. Your average score in each section will ultimately determine your grade. The grading method in TOEFL is different from IELTS. The score of each TOEFL section is numerical between 0 and 30. These numbers are added together and finally a number between 0 and 120 is determined for each person. The obtained number is the average of all the sections of your questions and it is not possible to use only one section as a criterion for action. Now this number obtained in the IELTS or TOEFL test for Studying in American universities or Europe or any important educational center. Naturally, famous and big universities need students who have earned a higher score for themselves.

The difference in terms of the timing of TOEFL and IELTS for studying in America

to continue Study in America or any other country you need to take the TOEFL or IELTS test. The duration of these tests is different. In fact, the time that should be spent to be able to successfully pass your test is different in each test. The IELTS test lasts about two hours and 45 minutes and the TOEFL test lasts three and a half or even four hours. Therefore, for each part of the TOEFL and IELTS test, you must answer the questions according to the timing of the same test. TOEFL takes longer than IELTS. Therefore, according to the type of test required for Studying in American universities or any other country, pay attention to the timing of your exam. If you have participated in another test before, you should not use it as a criterion and it is better to plan according to the test ahead of you.

Is the TOEFL test easier or IELTS?

Applicants Study in America Or Europe and every country are always faced with the question and uncertainty whether TOEFL is easier for study visa or IELTS? According to the points that were presented about the differences between these two language degrees, it is possible to make a better decision in this regard. This question is generally difficult to answer. Because sometimes IELTS is easier and sometimes TOEFL is relatively easier. It depends on you how you prepare for the language test. For example: if writing automatically is easier for you than working with a computer, you can choose the IELTS test. There are more four-choice questions in the TOEFL test and open-ended questions, true and false, etc. in IELTS. In general, the level of the IELTS test is slightly easier than the TOEFL; But for Studying in American universities or Europe, you should pay attention to your desired university.

Choosing two IELTS or TOEFL language tests in each of the different countries of the world

To Study in America Or any of the European countries need to have a language certificate. Now, the university you are considering may offer the IELTS certificate or ask you for the TOEFL certificate. Choosing the desired country to study and immigrate to is very important in choosing each of these language degrees. Because each country offers one of these two degrees to its foreign applicant students according to their laws and mechanisms. If we want to separate most of the countries in this respect, it should be acknowledged that European countries accept more IELTS certificates. To immigrate to countries such as England, Germany, etc., you need an IELTS certificate. This is while for Studying in American universities You will often need a TOEFL language certificate. Although some American universities may ask the applicant for an IELTS certificate; But the priority in this country is with the TOEFL certificate.

Why is the TOEFL language certificate better for studying in America?

As said, TOEFL language test for Studying in American universities It is a priority. Because originally the American company ETS has developed the language skills of this test. As a result, the TOEFL test is approved throughout the United States. Considering the differences between IELTS and TOEFL, in most universities across the United States, TOEFL is considered a valid language certificate. Of course, this does not mean that the IELTS language certificate has no place in this country. Because in some American universities, applicants for study visas are also asked for IELTS certificate. TOEFL shows the high abilities of people in English language. Since the organizer of this test is an American company, therefore for Study in America TOEFL certificate is required. IELTS is also used in many institutions. So you should pay attention to the university and institute you are considering.

Researching universities before studying in American universities

If you want to continue Study in America You should do some research before applying to any of the universities in this country. Usually, each university announces the type of language degree requested for foreign students on its website or through various information channels. Therefore, you should first choose your desired university. Then, by entering the website of the relevant university, you can find out which language degree is accepted by that university. After that, you can take the language test at the right time and get a passing grade. By doing your research about foreign institutions and colleges, you can easily get the best language degree for Studying in American universities choose Although in most American universities and educational centers, TOEFL is preferred over IELTS; But again, research is essential.

Minimum language score to study in America

Now that it is clear for Study in America Most of the universities of this country accept the TOEFL certificate, there should be a reference to the score of this language. Because there may be two universities in America that both accept TOEFL; But the minimum passing score of TOEFL is not the same in each of them. Therefore, you should pay attention to the minimum passing score of the language in the university you are considering. In universities that accept IELTS, you can submit your TOEFL or IELTS equivalent with the minimum passing score accepted in that university. The minimum passing score for the TOEFL language test in most American universities is as follows:

• Minimum passing score for undergraduate: 70, equivalent to 6 IELTS score
• The minimum passing score for the master’s degree: 90, equivalent to a 6.5 IELTS score
• The minimum passing score for the doctoral course: 100, equivalent to a 7 or higher IELTS score

Get these grades for Studying in American universities is nessessary.

Providing advice or doing all visa-related procedures in the best immigration institute

To Studying in American universities And to get permanent residence in this country, you need a study visa. If you need advice in this field and want to get a visa with open eyes and remove the obstacles in your way, you will need a reputable immigration institution. An institution that with its high experience and expertise in the field ahead can be your guide and solve all your questions and doubts. Dr. Mehrayin Mokhbari Immigration Institute can help you with years of service in the field of all kinds of visas, including study visas to prominent American and European universities. You can follow all the steps related to the study visa for Study in America advance in the same institution. They will bring you to your goals with the lowest cost and the highest quality and speed of action.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1-Is IELTS or TOEFL easier?

– It is difficult to answer this question in general. Because sometimes IELTS is easier and sometimes TOEFL is relatively easier. It depends on you how you prepare for the language test. For example: if writing automatically is easier for you than working with a computer, you can choose the IELTS test. There are more four-choice questions in the TOEFL test and open-ended questions, true and false, etc. in IELTS. In general, the level of IELTS test is slightly easier than TOEFL.

2- Why is the TOEFL language certificate better for studying in America?

– TOEFL Language Comprehension for Studying in American universities It is a priority. Because originally the American company ETS has developed the language skills of this test. As a result, the TOEFL test is approved throughout the United States. Considering the differences between IELTS and TOEFL, in most universities across the United States, TOEFL is considered a valid language certificate.

3- What are the differences in scoring in TOEFL and IELTS?

– The method of scoring IELTS and TOEFL tests for Studying in American universities And Europe and all educational centers and colleges are different. IELTS scoring is a number between 0 and 9, which is determined based on your correct answers to the questions. Your average score in each section will ultimately determine your grade. The grading method in TOEFL is different from IELTS. The score of each TOEFL section is numerical between 0 and 30. These numbers are added together and finally a number between 0 and 120 is determined for each person.