# TOEFL vs IELTS 2026: Which Does Your Visa Accept? | topin

On this page

## Country by purpose: which test is accepted

__Government and test-maker pages, checked 4 October 2026\. "University decides" means the institution sets its own list.__
| Country and purpose                 | TOEFL                                    | IELTS                                          | Key condition                           |
| ----------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| UK: degree admission                | University decides                       | Academic, usually                              | Check the course accepts the 2026 TOEFL |
| UK: Student visa, degree level      | Only via the university's own assessment | Academic via the university, or IELTS for UKVI | B2; university confirms on the CAS      |
| UK: Student visa, below degree      | Not accepted (not a SELT)                | IELTS for UKVI                                 | B1 from an approved SELT                |
| UK: family and settlement           | Not accepted (not a SELT)                | IELTS Life Skills or IELTS for UKVI            | Level depends on the route              |
| Australia: university admission     | University decides                       | Academic, usually                              | Separate from the visa check            |
| Australia: Student visa (500)       | TOEFL iBT Australia only                 | Academic or General Training                   | TOEFL 67 or IELTS 6.0 (standard)        |
| Australia: skilled and other visas  | TOEFL iBT Australia only                 | Academic or General Training                   | Section minimums by English level       |
| Canada: university and study permit | University decides                       | Academic, usually                              | SDS closed in November 2024             |
| Canada: Express Entry               | Not accepted                             | General Training only                          | CLB level by programme                  |
| Canada: post-graduation work permit | Not accepted                             | General Training only                          | CLB 7 (university) or CLB 5 (college)   |
| US: university admission            | University decides                       | Academic, usually                              | Programme and section minimums          |
| US: F-1 student visa                | No government minimum                    | No government minimum                          | Follow your school's requirement        |

Rule out any test that can't do the job first, then compare formats. A brilliant TOEFL score can't meet an Express Entry requirement, and a high standard IELTS Academic score isn't a UK SELT.

## UK: university assessment vs SELT

GOV.UK requires CEFR B2 for degree-level study on the Student route and B1 below degree level. At degree level, your university can assess your English itself, and many accept TOEFL for that. Below degree level, you need a Secure English Language Test (SELT), and TOEFL isn't on the approved list.

Where a SELT is required, IELTS for UKVI is a separate booking from standard IELTS Academic. For the four-skill IELTS for UKVI, [B2 means](/articles/ielts-visa-band-requirements) at least 5.5 in each skill and B1 at least 4.0\. Those are visa floors; universities usually ask for more.

Check the course, too. Oxford's undergraduate page currently doesn't accept TOEFL tests taken from 21 January 2026 while it reviews the new format.

## Australia: book the right TOEFL

For any Australian visa, a TOEFL taken from 21 January 2026 only counts if you selected "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when registering, and sat it at a test centre. Home Edition isn't accepted, and neither is IELTS Online.

Home Affairs accepts IELTS Academic and General Training, and sets matching TOEFL scores: a standard Student visa needs TOEFL 67 or IELTS 6.0, and Competent English needs TOEFL 16, 16, 19 and 19 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, or IELTS 6 in each. Our [TOEFL for Australian visas guide](/articles/toefl-australia-visas) has every level and date rule.

## Canada: Academic for study, General Training for immigration

The Student Direct Stream closed on 8 November 2024, so any page quoting an SDS TOEFL or IELTS minimum for 2026 is out of date. Study-permit applicants now use the regular process, and your English test choice is set by your university.

Immigration after study is a different list. Express Entry accepts CELPIP General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English; TOEFL and IELTS Academic aren't accepted, and nor is an IELTS One Skill Retake result. The post-graduation work permit uses the same kind of approved list, with language requirements for applications from 1 November 2024.

__IRCC's IELTS General Training scores for selected CLB levels, checked 4 October 2026.__
| CLB level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| --------- | ------- | ------- | --------- | -------- |
| CLB 5     | 4.0     | 5.0     | 5.0       | 5.0      |
| CLB 7     | 6.0     | 6.0     | 6.0       | 6.0      |
| CLB 9     | 7.0     | 7.0     | 8.0       | 7.0      |

If you plan to stay in Canada after graduating, you may well take one test for admission and [IELTS General Training](/articles/ielts-academic-vs-general) (or CELPIP or PTE Core) later.

## US: your school decides

The US Department of State doesn't set an English score for the F-1 visa. You need admission to a certified school and a Form I-20, and a consular officer may ask to see the test scores your school required. So in practice, your school's admission rule is what matters.

Most US universities accept both tests, but requirements vary by programme and section, and some don't accept Home Edition. Our [TOEFL university requirements guide](/articles/toefl-university-requirements) lists 40 published band policies.

## How TOEFL and IELTS scores compare

__ETS's IELTS Academic to TOEFL comparison for tests from 21 January 2026 (selected rows), checked 4 October 2026.__
| IELTS overall | TOEFL overall band | TOEFL R / L / W / S   |
| ------------- | ------------------ | --------------------- |
| 6.0           | 4                  | 3.5 / 3.5 / 4 / 3.5   |
| 6.5           | 4.5                | 4 / 4.5 / 4.5 / 4     |
| 7.0           | 5                  | 4.5 / 5 / 5 / 4.5     |
| 7.5           | 5.5                | 5 / 5 / 5.5 / 5       |
| 8.0 and above | 6                  | 5.5–6 / 5.5–6 / 6 / 6 |

So IELTS 7 lines up with TOEFL 5\. The section columns don't line up as neatly (IELTS 7 maps to TOEFL Reading and Speaking 4.5), so check each section minimum, not just the overall. Our [TOEFL score conversion guide](/articles/toefl-score-conversion) adds the old 0–120 equivalents.

## Format, time and cost compared

__ETS and IELTS official pages, checked 4 October 2026.__
|                       | TOEFL iBT (2026 format)                                                 | IELTS Academic                                              |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Length                | About 90 minutes of sections; allow about 2 hours                       | 2 hours 45 minutes                                          |
| Speaking              | Recorded: repeat 7 sentences, then a 4-question interview; no prep time | Live examiner, 11–14 minutes; 1 minute to prepare in Part 2 |
| Reading and Listening | Adaptive; short texts and Complete the Words                            | Fixed; longer passages and recordings                       |
| Writing               | Build a Sentence, an email, an academic discussion post                 | Describe a chart or diagram, then an essay                  |
| Scores                | 1–6 bands, plus a 0–120 equivalent until about 2028                     | Bands 1–9 in half steps                                     |
| Fees                  | Varies by country; reschedule US$69, extra score report US$29           | Varies by country and provider                              |

Shorter doesn't mean easier. TOEFL suits people who think fast and type accurately; IELTS suits people who prefer talking to a person and like longer texts. Try a timed sample of each before you choose.

For cost, compare the actual quote in your city, plus travel and any rescheduling. And don't pick an at-home version to save money without checking: IELTS Online isn't accepted for immigration, and Australia rejects TOEFL Home Edition.

## Which test suits you?

* TOEFL may suit you if you think quickly, type accurately, are comfortable speaking to a microphone and prefer a shorter test.
* IELTS may suit you if you'd rather speak to a person, like to plan before a longer answer, and read steadily through long passages.
* If you'll use one result for both study and a visa, eligibility decides for you: check the matrix above first.
* If spelling is a weakness, try a TOEFL Complete the Words set before committing; it tests word endings directly.

## How to choose in five steps

* List every use of your result: the course, the visa, and any plan to stay and work.
* Cross off any test or delivery mode that one of those won't accept.
* Write down the overall and section minimums for each remaining test.
* Take a timed sample of each and see which leaves you closer to every minimum.
* Compare local fees, test dates and your deadlines.

Still undecided? topin has a free full-length mock for both [TOEFL](/toefl/practice-test) and IELTS, timed like test day and scored on the official scale, which makes a side-by-side comparison easy.

## Try a full TOEFL mock free

Timed like test day, every section scored, every answer explained.

[Take the free mock ](/toefl/login)

## FAQs

Is TOEFL accepted for a UK Student visa?

At degree level, yes, if your university accepts it and assesses your English itself. TOEFL isn't a SELT, so it can't be used where a SELT is required, such as below degree level.

Can I use TOEFL for an Australian visa in 2026?

Yes, but only if you selected "Taking TOEFL for Australia" when registering and sat it at a test centre.

Is TOEFL accepted for Canadian Express Entry?

No. Express Entry accepts CELPIP General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English; IELTS Academic isn't accepted either.

Is Canada's Student Direct Stream still available?

No. SDS closed on 8 November 2024.

Does IELTS 7 equal TOEFL 5?

On ETS's comparison table, yes. Universities and visa authorities still set their own minimums for each test.

Is TOEFL or IELTS easier?

Neither for everyone. TOEFL is shorter and fully computer-based with recorded Speaking; IELTS is longer with a live Speaking examiner, so try a sample of each.

What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for a US F-1 visa?

The US government doesn't set one. Meet your school's requirement and bring your scores in case the officer asks.

## Sources (checked 4 October 2026)

* [GOV.UK: Student visa, knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english)
* [GOV.UK: approved Secure English Language Tests](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt)
* [IELTS: IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration](https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-tests-for-uk-visas-and-immigration)
* [ETS: TOEFL iBT Australia](https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/where-to-study/study-in-australia.html)
* [Home Affairs: Student visa subclass 500](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500)
* [Home Affairs: Competent English](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english)
* [IRCC: Express Entry language tests](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/language-test.html)
* [IRCC: PGWP language results and CLB tables](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility/language-results.html)
* [IRCC: end of the Student Direct Stream](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/end-student-direct-stream-nigeria-student-express.html)
* [US Department of State: Student visa](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html)
* [ETS: score-scale update and IELTS comparison](https://www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/ibt/score-scale-update.html)
* [ETS: current content and timings](https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/about/content.html)
* [ETS: TOEFL iBT fees](https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/register/fees.html)
* [IELTS: Academic test format](https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test)
* [IELTS: IELTS Online](https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test/ielts-online)
* [Oxford: undergraduate English language requirements](https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying/for-international-students/english-language-requirements-visas)

## Related articles

[All TOEFL study guides ](/toefl)

* [TOEFLComparisonsTOEFL prep options comparedAn honest comparison of TOEFL prep for the 2026 format: pricing model, full-length tests and Speaking and Writing feedback at Magoosh, TST Prep, ETS and topin.Updated 29 Sept 2026](/articles/toefl-prep-compared)
* [TOEFLFormat & test dayOld vs new TOEFLStudied for the old TOEFL? Compare the 2026 tasks and timings, see which skills transfer, what to drop, whether it's easier, and a seven-day plan to switch.Updated 4 Oct 2026](/articles/old-vs-new-toefl)
* [TOEFLVisas & immigrationTOEFL for Australian visasUsing TOEFL for an Australian visa in 2026? Book TOEFL iBT Australia at a test centre. Student visa totals, Competent to Superior section scores and date rules.Updated 4 Oct 2026](/articles/toefl-australia-visas)
* [TOEFLScores & percentilesTOEFL bands and converted scoresTOEFL band 5 = 100? Every 1–6 band with its old 0–120 range, the number printed on new reports, CEFR level, IELTS match, and why 101–103 and 120 are gone.Updated 4 Oct 2026](/articles/toefl-score-conversion)