If you are applying to study at a university overseas, you’ll need to take an English language proficiency test. This is since universities wish to ensure global students can effectively manage coursework, communication, and scholastic writing in an English-speaking environment.
But as more English language proficiency tests end up being commonly identified by universities worldwide, selecting the ideal one can be difficult. Given that each test differs in structure, scoring requirements, ease of access, and approval, comprehending these distinctions can assist you make a more educated decision.
In this guide, we compare the most popular English language efficiency tests– TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and PTE– you ought to understand when looking for university in 2026.
TL; DR? Here’s a summary:
- Most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests: TOEFL iBT and IELTS
- A lot of economical English language efficiency tests: Duolingo English Test
- Best English language efficiency test for work/business: TOEIC
- English language proficiency tests with the fastest results: PTE and Duolingo
- Many academically rigorous English language efficiency test: Cambridge C1/C2 tests
What are the English language efficiency tests accepted by universities?
1. Test of English as
a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT )The TOEFL iBT is one of the most commonly accepted English language efficiency tests on the planet. It’s accepted by over 13,000 organizations in more than 160 countries, but those who sit for the test frequently target universities in the US, Canada, and Australia, along with other English-speaking countries.
A Reddit user states, “It is a test of your capability to utilize academic English. My grandpa has actually utilized English for 89 years. However he would probably get a low TOEFL rating due to the fact that he didn’t go to high school and can’t respond to concerns truly rapidly.”
In under two hours, you’re evaluated on four areas of language usage– reading, language, speaking, and writing.
ETS offers a thorough portal for you to gain access to preparation product, feedback on your practice, and a development tracker.
The minimum TOEFL rating you need depends on where you’re applying to. Elite universities usually require scores above 100, while universities in the United States, UK, and Canada might accept scores in the 80– 90 variety.
Nevertheless, you should constantly verify the latest requirements straight through the university’s official site, as admission criteria can alter every year.
2. The Test of English for International Interaction (TOEIC)
TOEIC is helped with by the same business as the TOEFL; both are designed to check the capabilities of non-native English speakers. Here’s the distinction: TOEFL is for academics, and TOEIC leans towards the global labor force.
Numerous universities around the world accept TOEIC scores; in France’s engineering schools, TOEIC is a compulsory English language proficiency test for trainees.
There are 3 types of TOEIC tests readily available:
Again, scoring requirements depend upon the university or company. Usually speaking, universities are looking at an average minimum rating of 750, while companies are trying to find an 800 to 850 range out of a possible 990.
A young professional in South Korea told The Korea Herald that she thought only a rating of 950 (C1 level of efficiency) would be a safe bet for task applicants. She stated, “With a TOEIC rating below 900, I believe you really require something that’s really remarkable under your belt– it could be your GPA or after-school activities– to have an edge in the job market right now.”
The Duolingo English Test, a fairly new choice
introduced in 2016, is making English language
efficiency checks a bit more available. 3. Duolingo English Check Duolingo’s no longer simply a game app you’re keeping track of with a daily streak. In 2016, the Duolingo English Test was launched as an English language proficiency test made accessible at a
lower cost. They offer charge waivers to low-income trainees. You do not require to book a consultation, as you can take it from any location so long as you have a great Internet connection.
It’s breaking barriers; a stepping stone to more than 6,000 universities all over the world, though some universities may request for additional English requirements. Those who are already on board however are top names like Yale, Imperial College London, and New York University.
The Duolingo English Test is computer-based, and has a special quality of being adaptable in regards to problem and question series to each test taker. It evaluates your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The test is broken down into 3 areas, all to be finished within an hour:
- Setup and ID verification (5 minutes)
- Scored evaluation (45 minutes)
- Composing and speaking samples (10 minutes)
You’ll get your ratings within two days after taking the test. Ball games vary from in between 10 to 160, with 4 subscores in literacy, comprehension, conversation, and production. If you’re utilizing the test to use to university, Duolingo’s got lots of resources to prepare you for it, including a totally free practice run.
4. International English Language Screening System (IELTS)
The IELTS, run by the British Council, is another English language proficiency test that you’ve probably seen everywhere, in every admissions page.
It’s the only English test accepted by all 4 major immigration authorities– Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and United Kingdom– and trusted by countless organisations internationally. Every year, about four million individuals sit for the two hour and 45-minute long test, undergoing 4 assessments: reading, composing, speaking, and listening.
There’s 2 kinds of IELTS tests: one for scholastic purposes, and the other which is basic training for the workplace and daily use– it’s quite obvious which one you ‘d be choosing as a student.
The cost does vary from nation to nation, and even the place within, with the fee for readily available tests in the UK ranging from ₤ 215 to ₤ 250 (≈ US$ 287 to US$ 334).
It is very important to know that from mid-2026, IELTS will no longer be offered on paper. But if you still like composing by hand, some places will let you complete the Composing section on paper with the brand-new “Composing on Paper” choice.
The test is graded on a 9-band system, with 9 being the leading score (an expert level of skill), and 0 being the most affordable (meaning you didn’t try the test). When applying to a university, you need to aim for a rating between 6.0 and 6.5 for a bachelor’s degree and in between 6.5 and 7.5 for a master’s degree.
“Do not count on luck! Rely only on yourself and your English skills!” A Reddit user composed, recommending trainees to participate in a detailed English class. “The more English vocabulary you have at your disposal, the more you can reveal yourself in English in the IELTS test.”
IELTS and TOEFL are the most extensively accepted English language efficiency tests, but they’re not the only ones available. 5. Pearson Test of English (PTE)
The PTE test is rather new in contrast to the IELTS and TOEFL tests, having been introduced in 2009 by Pearson Language Tests. However it’s still identified by over 4,000 institutions all over the world, including Ivy League and Russell Group universities.
It’s computer-based, with over 500 test centres across the globe hosting the PTE, and the alternative to take it online in certain countries, but the costs do range depending upon where you are. The PTE Academic costs AUD$ 490 (≈ US$ 351) in Australia, and even lower in Canada, at CAD$ 360 (≈ US$ 261)– so you’ll need to take a look at the prices for yourself.
There are 4 types of PTE tests. If you’re a student, then you’ll choose the PTE Academic, which you can likewise use for work and migration visas, in addition to professional applications. PTE Core is identified for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada. PTE Academic UKVI supports trainee and work visa applications, while PTE Home is developed for household visas, settlement, and British citizenship.
The PTE Academic test covers a two hour session, with three parts:
- Part 1– Speaking & Writing (76– 84 minutes)
- Part 2– Checking Out (22– thirty minutes)
- Part 3– Listening (31– 39 minutes)
A reddit user says, “I found PTE method simpler than IELTS! Studied for just 5 days and got 90 in each classification. It’s a lot simpler if you follow the strategies and tricks (commonly readily available on YouTube/Google).”
You’ll get your outcomes within two days, which is far quicker than the IELTS and TOEFL results. The scores are graded based upon the Global Scale of English; the thermometer-style scale of 10-90, with 10 being the lowest. If you’re applying to university, you ought to be going for a 51-60 range rating as an undergrad student, and a 57-67 for postgraduate programmes.
6. C1 Advanced & C2 Efficiency
The Common European Framework of Recommendation (CEFR) was published in 2001, and has actually because been used as a six-scale grading system. It goes from A1, the most beginner level grade, to C2, the most skilled in the language.
That’s the system that the Cambridge English Qualifications utilize– a series of in-depth exams to assist you develop extensive language abilities. While there are various levels of exams, you’ll likelly sit for among these 2 if you’re applying to university: the C1 Advanced, or the C2 Proficiency. These tests are recognised by thousands of institutions around the world, including a 100% acceptance rate by universities in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
The C2 Efficiency certification, previously known as the Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is the greatest level of English that you can attain in the CEFR. The exam can occur either digitally or on-paper, and covers around 4 hours of evaluation. It’s normally sat by trainees requesting further education programs, like a doctorate degree. You’ll require to receive a score between 200 to 230 to get a certificate.
The C1 Advanced qualification, previously titled the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is just a level listed below proficient fluency, but still reveals that you’re proficient at utilizing the English language in an academic or expert setting. It’s likewise offered to take on-paper or digitally, spanning 4 hours. For this level, you’ll need to get a score between 180-199 to get a certificate.
English language proficiency tests fast comparison:
| Test | Best for | Format | Test duration | Common university requirement |
| TOEFL iBT | Academic research study, specifically in the US, Canada, and Australia | Internet-based | Under 2 hours | 80– 100+ depending on university |
| TOEIC | Work/business and some university admissions | Numerous test types | Differs by test | ~ 750 for universities; 800– 850 for jobs |
| Duolingo English Evaluate | Inexpensive and accessible university admissions | Online, computer-adaptive | About 1 hour | Depends on organization |
| IELTS | University admissions, migration, and visas | Computer-based (from mid-2026) | 2 hours 45 minutes | 6.0– 6.5 (Undergraduate), 6.5– 7.5 (Postgraduate) |
| PTE Academic | University admissions, work, and migration | Computer-based | 2 hours | 51– 60 (Undergraduate), 57– 67 (Postgraduate) |
A new criteria for English language proficiency tests
As of September 2025, the English Language Requirement Authority (ELSA) has released as an independent benchmarking body for English Language Teaching (ELT) tests.
This new non-profit objectives to supply assistance and contrast throughout various English tests in a fair, transparent method.
Through assessment services, ELSA will offer institutions, teachers, and policymakers clearer, impartial insights on how to select and execute English language tests.
They intend to end up being “the go-to authority for objective and transparent insights in a typically nontransparent and commercially driven landscape”.
Disclaimer: This post was last updated on May 15, 2026.