Quick Information
| Last Verified Date | November 10, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Official Source | https://www.ielts.org |
Why Compare the Four Tests
Most universities ask international students for proof of English, and they usually accept more than one test. The four most widely used tests are IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test. They all test reading, writing, listening and speaking, but they differ in format, length, scoring, price and where they are accepted. Choosing the right one can save you time, money and stress — but the first rule is simple: check which tests your chosen universities and your visa authority accept before you book anything. Acceptance varies by university, by programme and by country.
IELTS Academic
IELTS is the world’s most popular high-stakes English test for higher education and migration, recognised by more than 11,000 organisations. The Academic test has four sections — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — and takes about two hours and 45 minutes. Scores are reported as band scores from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest), and the overall band is the average of the four sections. Results are valid for two years. IELTS on computer gives results in three to five days, while paper-based results usually take about thirteen days. The fee varies by country: the IELTS test centre in Dhaka lists BDT 29,600 for the Academic and General Training tests, so always check the fee for your own test centre rather than assuming a global price.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT is ETS’s academic English test, taken at a test centre or at home, and it takes about two hours. It has four sections — Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing — and official scores are available in 72 hours. Scoring changed on 21 January 2026: scores are now reported on a 1–6 band scale, in half-point steps, aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For a two-year transition period, score reports also show a comparable overall score on the old 0–120 scale, so universities that still list 0–120 requirements can read your result either way. TOEFL scores are valid for two years, and the test fee includes up to four free official score reports to institutions. The fee itself varies by country and was not verified for this guide, so check the ETS website for your location.
PTE Academic
PTE Academic is a fully computer-based test from Pearson, taken at a test centre, and it lasts about two hours. It tests all four skills — speaking and writing together, then reading, then listening — and it is scored by a combination of AI and human expertise on a scale of 10 to 90, using the Global Scale of English. Results typically arrive within two days, and no later than five business days. A PTE Academic score is valid for two years from the test date. The fee varies by country and is shown through Pearson’s price finder tool, so check the fee for your own test centre before booking.
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is the newest and shortest of the four. It is taken entirely online from home, with no appointment needed, in about one hour: a 45-minute adaptive section followed by a 10-minute speaking and writing section. Scores are reported on a scale of 10 to 160, in five-point steps, and results usually arrive within two days. The test costs US$59 for a single test, with a two-test bundle available at a discount. Scores are valid for two years. The important caution is acceptance: many universities accept it, but not every university or visa authority does, so confirm acceptance with each university and with the visa office before you rely on it.
How to Choose
Start with acceptance: list the tests each university on your shortlist accepts, and the minimum score each one asks for. Then think about format. If you prefer speaking to a person rather than a computer, IELTS may suit you. If you want the fastest result, PTE Academic or Duolingo are usually quickest. If you need a test accepted almost everywhere, IELTS and TOEFL have the broadest recognition. If cost matters most, Duolingo is by far the cheapest of the four. Finally, prepare properly for the test you choose: take an official practice test, learn the timing of each section, and book early enough that your result arrives before your university and visa deadlines. A test score is only useful if it is still valid when you apply, so do not take the test more than two years before you need it.
