Preparing for an English proficiency exam in Bangladesh but unsure whether to take TOEFL or IELTS? Both are internationally recognised and widely accepted, but they test English in different ways and suit different goals. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make the right choice in 2025.
TOEFL vs IELTS: The Basics
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Developed by: British Council, IDP Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English
- Versions: Academic and General Training
- Format: Paper-based or computer-based
- Speaking: Face-to-face interview with a live examiner
- Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Score: Band 1–9 (in 0.5 increments)
- Validity: 2 years
TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)
- Developed by: Educational Testing Service (ETS), USA
- Format: Computer-based only
- Speaking: Speak into a microphone, scored by AI and human raters
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Score: 0–120 total (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing each scored out of 30)
- Validity: 2 years
Which Countries Accept IELTS vs TOEFL?
IELTS is Preferred For:
- United Kingdom — Most UK universities and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) require IELTS. Some do not accept TOEFL for visa purposes at all.
- Australia and New Zealand — IELTS is the dominant exam for university, migration, and professional registration (nursing, medicine, teaching)
- Canada (immigration) — IELTS is required for most Canadian immigration pathways including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programme
- Professional bodies — Medical, nursing, and engineering registration boards internationally require IELTS
TOEFL is Preferred For:
- United States — The majority of US universities prefer or require TOEFL iBT
- Canada (academic) — Many Canadian universities accept TOEFL for admission
- Graduate programmes worldwide — TOEFL is widely accepted for Masters and PhD applications globally
Key Differences in Test Format
Speaking Section
This is the most significant difference. IELTS Speaking is an 11–14 minute face-to-face conversation with a trained examiner. Many students find this more natural and less anxiety-inducing than speaking to a machine.
TOEFL Speaking requires you to speak into a microphone in response to prompts, including responding to academic lecture clips. This tests listening-speaking integration, which IELTS does not.
Reading Section
IELTS Reading includes a wider variety of question types including True/False/Not Given, Matching Headings, and multiple choice. Texts come from magazines, academic journals, and books.
TOEFL Reading uses exclusively academic university-level texts with multiple-choice questions. Less question-type variety, which some students find more predictable.
Writing Section
IELTS Writing has a Task 1 (describing a graph or chart, 150 words) and a Task 2 (essay, 250 words).
TOEFL Writing has an Integrated Task (read a passage + listen to a lecture + write a synthesis) and an Academic Discussion Task. TOEFL writing is generally considered more challenging because it requires integrating multiple sources.
Which is Easier: TOEFL or IELTS?
Neither is universally easier — it depends on your strengths:
- If you prefer face-to-face interaction over speaking to a computer → IELTS
- If you have strong academic reading and computer skills → TOEFL
- If your English has a British influence (common in Bangladesh) → IELTS
- If you are applying to US universities → TOEFL
- If you are applying for UK visas or Australian immigration → IELTS
Our Recommendation for Most Bangladeshi Students
For the majority of Bangladeshi students, IELTS is the better choice, because:
- UK, Australian, and Canadian immigration pathways overwhelmingly require IELTS
- The face-to-face Speaking component is less intimidating than computer-based TOEFL Speaking
- British English is more familiar to Bangladeshi students trained in the local education system
- More coaching resources and experienced IELTS teachers are available in Chittagong
However, if your goal is specifically a US university, check the institution's requirements — many US schools now accept both exams.
Preparation Courses at Cambridge Academic Centre
At Cambridge Academic Centre, Chittagong, we offer both IELTS and TOEFL preparation courses. Our experienced teachers will assess your target institution, timeline, and current English level to recommend the best exam for you.
Call 01818 256 123 or visit 146 North Nalapara, Chittagong for a free consultation.