English Language Tests for University Admission: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo Compared

Study abroad · By the Open Quad editorial team · Published 2026-10-11

A room of university students seated on chairs, some reading handouts, during a talk — Students at a talk on higher education in Vietnam, 2012. Photo: USAID Vietnam, public domain (US government work).

If English is not your first language, most universities that teach in English will ask for proof of your level, usually a recent score on a recognised test. The tests differ in format, length, scoring and, above all, in which universities and visa authorities accept them. Choosing the right one first can save you a second fee.

The common reference: CEFR

Most tests map their scores to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which has six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Universities typically ask for B2 (upper intermediate) or C1 (advanced) for degree study, and higher for subjects with heavy reading and writing, such as law. Test owners publish their own concordance tables between their scores and CEFR levels.

The main tests compared

Test	Owner	Score scale	Format
TOEFL iBT	ETS	1–6 bands since 21 January 2026, with comparable 0–120 scores reported during a two-year transition	Computer-based at a test centre or at home
IELTS Academic	British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment	Bands 0–9 in half bands	Paper or computer at a centre; speaking test face to face with an examiner
PTE Academic	Pearson	10–90	Computer-based at a centre, scored by automated systems
Duolingo English Test	Duolingo	10–160	Online, at home, adaptive, about one hour
C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency	Cambridge University Press & Assessment	Cambridge English Scale	Paper or computer at a centre; certificate does not expire

Formats change. ETS shortened the TOEFL iBT to under two hours in July 2023 and introduced a new version on 21 January 2026, with adaptive reading and listening sections and a 1–6 band scale aligned with the CEFR; other providers have added home and online versions. Read the current description on the official site before you register.

Which test do universities accept?

In the United States, most universities accept TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic, and many also accept the Duolingo English Test and PTE Academic; each sets its own minimums. In the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, IELTS is very widely accepted, alongside TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge exams. Some institutions require minimum scores in each section, not just overall. Graduate programmes and teaching assistantships may require a higher speaking score.

Visa rules: the UK example

For a UK Student visa at degree level or above, the university sponsoring you can assess your English in its own way, usually by accepting a test it chooses at CEFR level B2 or above. For study below degree level, UK Visas and Immigration requires a Secure English Language Test from an approved provider, such as IELTS for UKVI or other listed tests taken at approved centres. Australia's Department of Home Affairs also publishes its own list of accepted tests and minimum scores for student visas. In the United States, there is no visa English test, but the consular officer may assess your English at the interview.

Waivers

Many universities waive the test for applicants who are citizens of majority English-speaking countries, or who completed a previous degree taught in English, sometimes only in listed countries. Policies vary and are strictly applied; get confirmation in writing from the admissions office if you rely on a waiver. The UK Home Office publishes its own list of majority English-speaking countries for visa purposes.

How to choose and prepare

List your programmes and the tests and section minimums each accepts (our guide on choosing a university abroad helps you build that shortlist).
Pick the test accepted by all of them, or by your first choices.
Check practicalities: test dates and centres near you, the home-test equipment requirements, fees and how long results take.
Use the official preparation material from the test owner, including free sample tests.
Book early, leaving time for a retake before application and scholarship deadlines.

Validity and score reporting

TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo scores are generally considered valid for two years from the test date, and universities may require that they are still valid when you enrol or apply for a visa. Most providers send scores electronically to institutions you choose, sometimes free for a limited number. Cambridge certificates do not expire, but universities may still ask for a recent result.

Beware of fake certificates

Universities verify scores directly with the test owner; altered or purchased certificates lead to rejected applications and can lead to visa refusals.
Offers to "guarantee" a score for a fee are fraudulent.

On test day

Most problems on test day are avoidable. The name on your registration must match your passport or other identity document exactly, and test centres will turn away candidates whose identity documents are not accepted. For home-based tests, read the technical and room requirements well in advance: providers typically require a private, quiet room, a clear desk, a working webcam and microphone, and they may end a test if someone enters the room or if you look away from the screen too often. Run the provider's system check on the computer you will use. Arrive or log in early, and keep a note of your registration number. If something goes wrong, report it to the provider immediately, because complaints are usually only accepted within a short period after the test.

Sources

ETS, TOEFL iBT.
IELTS; Pearson, PTE Academic; Duolingo English Test; Cambridge English.
Council of Europe, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
UK Visas and Immigration, Student visa: knowledge of English and SELT.
Australian Department of Home Affairs, English language requirements.