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Tata Capital > Blog > IELTS Vs TOEFL: What is the Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL?

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IELTS Vs TOEFL: What is the Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL?

IELTS Vs TOEFL: What is the Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL?

If you plan to apply to colleges in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, you need to take an English language assessment test. This is where most students get stuck in a IELTS vs TOEFLdebate. However, you don’t have to choose anymore.

Most English-speaking countries happily accept the score from both the tests. Nonetheless, a few differences remain.

Additional Read: Applying to the US, UK, Australia for further studies? Here is the to-do list for you

Differences between IELTS and TOEFL

Both exams test your capacity to read, write, listen, and speak English. Here are the differences and commonalities between the two:

 International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  You can use both British and American spellings while writing your exam.    You can use both British and American spellings to write this exam.
  IELTShas different question formats, including small essays, fill in blanks, short answers, etc.    TOEFL mostly asks multiple-choice questions, and you’ll hardly find the need or space to write paragraph-long answers.
  IELTS verbal tests are done face-to-face, as an examiner asks questions.  TOEFL doesn’t require you to interact with another examiner to get your verbal skills checked.
  You can appear for IELTS from home or a centre. What’s more, you’re allowed to appear for this test using pen and paper or on a computer.  You can appear for TOEFL from home 24 hours and four days a week. Earlier, this test was only computer-based, but from December 11th 2021, you can take a pen and paper TOEFL exam.  
  IELTS usually has a higher number of essay questions, but the word limit won’t go beyond 250 words for each.  TOEFL will also carry a few essay questions with the word limit not exceeding 300 words.
  IELTS has fixed its fee in Indian Rupees as Rs. 14,700 since July 11th, 2021.  Whether you appear for TOEFL online or through pen and paper at home or at a centre, the test will cost you US$ 190.   If you find the fee for both IELTS and TOEFL steep, consider a small personal loan, but don’t skip appearing for any of these tests. They are critical for university acceptance in English speaking countries. 
  IELTS uses a band scoring system, meaning your language skills will be scored on a band of 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest.    TOEFL uses a single scoring scale from 0 to 120 points. All four sections are worth 30 marks each.

Many individuals opt for IELTS and TOEFL coaching before appearing for this test. If you want to but are worried about the cost of both enrolling into a coaching class and paying for the test, opt for personal finance available at low personal loan interest rates these days.

Once you’ve sorted the funding, determine which test you’re comfortable appearing for. IELTS is a shorter exam, but one with a wider variety of questions, and requires a verbal test with an examiner. TOEFL is longer but has no face-to-face verbal examination.  

Additional Read: How to Plan for a Higher Education Abroad

The bottom line

Have you already passed one of these tests and are now arranging funds to go abroad? Turn to Tata Capital! We extend personal finance with relaxed personal loan eligibility criteria, negotiable repayment tenures and speedy processing.

All you need to do is visit our website and fill out an online application to get started. Before applying, you can also check your potential EMIs using our personal loan EMI calculator.