Published on February 22, 2026
TOEFL vs. IELTS for US University Admissions in 2026: Which Should You Take?
As an international student applying to US universities, you will likely need to submit an English proficiency test score. The two most widely accepted exams are TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic. Both are accepted by virtually all US universities, so the question is: which one is right for you?
TOEFL iBT vs. IELTS Academic: Quick Comparison
| Feature | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based | Paper or computer |
| Duration | ~2 hours | ~2 hours 45 min |
| Speaking | Speak into microphone | Face-to-face with examiner |
| Score Scale | 0–120 | 1.0–9.0 |
| Cost | ~$245 USD | ~$245 USD |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
US University Score Requirements (2026)
- Top Research Universities (MIT, Harvard, Stanford): TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.0+
- Strong State Universities (UC Davis, Purdue, UNC): TOEFL 80–90, IELTS 6.5+
- Community Colleges: TOEFL 61+, IELTS 5.5+ (varies)
Which Should You Choose?
- Take TOEFL if: You are comfortable with computers, prefer standardized/structured tests, and are applying mainly to US universities
- Take IELTS if: You prefer speaking to a real person, test better on paper, or are also applying to UK/Australian universities
- Take both if: Your target schools prefer one, and your backup schools prefer the other
Check Each School's Requirements
Always check your target university's website for their specific TOEFL/IELTS requirements. Some programs within a university may have higher minimums than the university-wide requirement.