IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo English Test: Which to Take and What Score You Need

By Olami, AbroadPilot · Reviewed September 2026

If you’re applying to study abroad, at some point an admissions page or visa checklist will ask for “proof of English proficiency” — and then hand you four acronyms and a wall of numbers. This guide is for prospective international students, parents, and education counselors who need a clear, no-fluff answer to two questions: which English test should I take, and what score do I actually need? We’ll compare IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test side by side — format, cost, turnaround, and, most importantly, where each one is actually accepted for admission versus for a visa.

A note on accuracy: test formats, fees, and acceptance policies are revised periodically by test providers and immigration authorities. Figures below are typical/approximate as of this writing. Always confirm current details on the official test website and your target institution’s admissions page before booking or applying.

Quick Answer: Which Test Should You Take?

If you only have thirty seconds, here’s the shortcut:

• Check your visa route first. If your destination country’s immigration authority requires a specific test for your visa category, that requirement overrides personal preference — it determines your test before anything else.
• IELTS — the safest default. Broadest combined acceptance across universities and visa authorities worldwide, especially UK, Australia, and Canada.
• TOEFL iBT — strongest historical footing for US and Canadian university admission; not usable for UK visa purposes.
• PTE Academic — fastest results, fully computer-scored, excellent in Australia/New Zealand and growing fast in the UK and Canada.
• Duolingo English Test — cheapest, fastest, fully at-home; accepted by a large and growing number of universities for admission, but generally not accepted for student visa applications in major destinations.

Now let’s go deeper, because “safest default” and “check your visa route” aren’t enough to book the right test with confidence.

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo at a Glance

*Cost and turnaround vary by country, test center, and demand. Always confirm current pricing on the official test provider website for your location.

Understanding Each Test in Depth

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS comes in two versions: Academic, which universities require, and General Training, used for work and some immigration pathways — not for degree admission. It’s jointly administered by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge, and it’s the oldest and most globally recognized of the four tests. Registration and official test-day information are available at ielts.org.

The test has four sections — Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking — taken either on paper or on computer at a test center. Speaking is almost always a live conversation with a trained examiner, either in person or, for computer-delivered sittings, via video link on the same day or within a few days. This human-to-human speaking format is IELTS’s signature feature: some candidates find it more natural than talking to a microphone; others find it more nerve-wracking.

A UKVI-approved version of IELTS (sometimes called “IELTS for UKVI”) exists specifically for visa applications that require a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in the UK. It’s the same test content, administered at UKVI-approved centers — but not every UK application needs this specific version, since many universities assess English themselves as licensed visa sponsors. See our UK Student Visa English Requirements: SELT Explained for the full breakdown.

Best for: students who want the single most universally recognized test, who are comfortable with a live speaking interview, and who need a test that satisfies both university admission and visa requirements in one sitting (especially for UK and Australia).

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Administered by ETS, TOEFL iBT has long been the default choice for students heading to the United States, and it remains deeply embedded in US and Canadian admissions systems. It was redesigned to a shorter format in recent years, cutting total test time to roughly two hours while keeping the same four-section structure: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.

TOEFL leans academic — reading passages and lecture-style listening clips resemble real university coursework, and the integrated tasks (where you read or listen to material, then speak or write about it) mirror what you’ll actually do in a lecture hall. It’s entirely computer-delivered, either at a test center or through the “Home Edition” for remote proctored testing.

One important caveat: TOEFL is not on the UK’s approved SELT list, so it cannot be used for most UK student visa applications, even though individual UK universities may still accept it for admission itself. If the UK is your destination, don’t assume TOEFL covers you end-to-end. See our TOEFL vs IELTS for US Graduate School Applications for a deeper side-by-side on this specific decision.

Best for: students applying primarily to US or Canadian institutions, and those who prefer an academically-styled test with integrated reading/listening/speaking/writing tasks.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)

PTE Academic is fully computer-based and entirely machine-scored — there’s no human examiner in the room and no waiting for a grader to work through a queue. That’s its core selling point: results are typically available within one to two days, sometimes within 24 hours, making it a favorite for students applying close to a deadline.

The test blends speaking, writing, reading, and listening into an integrated structure rather than four cleanly separated blocks, and the entire exam is completed in one sitting, typically around two hours. Because scoring is automated, some students find it more predictable and less subjective than tests with human graders — though it also means the AI is unforgiving about clarity of pronunciation and following instructions exactly.

PTE Academic has traditionally been strongest in Australia and New Zealand, where it sits alongside IELTS as a primary accepted test for both universities and visa applications. Acceptance has been expanding steadily in the UK and Canada as well. See our IELTS vs PTE for Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) guide.

Best for: students who want fast, consistent, AI-scored results, who are applying to Australia or New Zealand, and who prefer a single uninterrupted test session over a live speaking interview.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is the newest and most disruptive entrant. It’s taken entirely online, on your own computer, at any time — no test center, no appointment booking weeks in advance. The adaptive test adjusts question difficulty in real time based on your responses, and the whole thing takes about an hour, followed by a short recorded video interview and writing sample used for verification and holistic review.

Its biggest advantages are cost and speed: it’s dramatically cheaper than the other three tests, and certified results are typically ready within one to two days. Acceptance has grown quickly — thousands of universities, particularly in the US, now list it as an accepted admissions test, and adoption is rising in Canada, the UK, and Australia too.

The critical limitation: Duolingo is generally not accepted for student visa applications in the major English-speaking study destinations. It’s an admissions tool, not an immigration-recognized language test, in most jurisdictions. If your visa route requires a SELT (UK) or a designated language test (Canada’s IRCC, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs), Duolingo alone typically won’t satisfy it — you’ll likely need IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE regardless of what your university accepts for admission. See our full Duolingo English Test: Full Prep Guide and Sample Questions.

Best for: budget-conscious applicants, students facing tight deadlines, those applying to universities that explicitly accept Duolingo for admission, and anyone who wants to avoid test-center logistics — provided their visa pathway doesn’t require a different test.

Global Acceptance: Universities vs. Visa and Immigration Authorities

This is the single most misunderstood distinction in English-test planning: a test being accepted by your university does not mean it will be accepted for your visa application. These are two separate approval systems, run by two separate types of organizations, and they don’t always overlap.

• United Kingdom: UK universities, as licensed student sponsors, can often assess English proficiency themselves and accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or their own tests for admission. But if your specific visa route requires a Secure English Language Test (SELT), only a small approved list qualifies — historically this has included IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI, not standard TOEFL or Duolingo. Confirm directly with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidance for your exact category, and see our UK Student Visa English Requirements: SELT Explained.
• Canada: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts a defined list of language tests for study permit purposes, which has historically included IELTS General/Academic, CELPIP, TEF Canada, and — more recently — PTE Academic in some contexts. Duolingo has not generally been on IRCC’s accepted list for study permits. University admission requirements are separate and often more flexible, frequently accepting Duolingo. See our Canada Study Permit: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF and PTE Requirements.
• Australia: The Department of Home Affairs maintains an approved list of tests for the Student visa (subclass 500), which has included IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English qualifications. Duolingo’s status for direct visa purposes has lagged behind its university acceptance, though this is an area that shifts — always check the current list. See our IELTS vs PTE for Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
• United States: The US doesn’t require a language test for the F-1 student visa interview itself, so this distinction matters less — the relevant approval is entirely at the university level. All four tests are widely accepted by US institutions, with TOEFL and IELTS historically dominant and Duolingo now accepted at a large and growing number of schools, including many in the Ivy League and other selective tiers.

The takeaway: figure out your visa pathway’s test requirement before you register for a test, especially if you’re headed to the UK, Canada, or Australia. A cheap, fast, university-accepted test that your visa office rejects will cost you far more time and money than paying more upfront for the right one.

Difficulty and Which Test Suits You Best

None of these tests is objectively “easier” in a way that holds for every candidate — difficulty depends heavily on your individual skill profile, comfort with technology, and tolerance for different question styles. That said, some patterns are consistent enough to be useful:

• If you’re strong verbally but get nervous talking to a screen: IELTS’s live speaking interview tends to feel more natural and forgiving of hesitation than a recorded response.
• If you’re academically strong and comfortable with lecture-style content: TOEFL’s integrated academic tasks reward students who read and listen to academic material regularly.
• If you want predictable, rules-based scoring and dislike ambiguity in what graders are “looking for”: PTE’s automated scoring rewards clear pronunciation, correct grammar, and following instructions precisely — there’s less room for stylistic flourish to earn points, but also less risk of a harsh subjective grader.
• If you’re short on time or budget, or you get test-anxiety in formal center environments: Duolingo’s short, at-home, low-stakes-feeling format is the most accessible — but remember to verify it’s actually accepted by both your university and your visa authority first.

Edge cases worth flagging: candidates with strong conversational English but weak academic vocabulary often underperform on TOEFL relative to IELTS. Candidates who type quickly and think in short, precise sentences often do well on PTE. Candidates whose speaking is strong but whose accent isn’t yet clearly enunciated sometimes score lower on AI-scored tests (PTE, Duolingo) than they would with a human examiner who can adjust for accent — though this gap has narrowed considerably as the underlying speech-recognition technology has improved.

Understanding the Scoring Scales

Each test reports scores differently, and none of the four scales map onto each other in a simple linear way — which is exactly why equivalency tables (below) exist.

• IELTS: Each of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, in 0.5 increments. Your Overall Band Score is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band. A university requirement of “6.5 overall” is different from “6.5 in every section” — read the fine print.
• TOEFL iBT: Each of the four sections is scored 0–30, and these are summed for a total score out of 120. TOEFL also offers “MyBest Scores,” which combine your best section scores across multiple test dates — some institutions accept this superscore, others require a single-sitting total, so check which applies to you.
• PTE Academic: A single overall score from 10 to 90, plus separate communicative skill scores (Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening) also on a 10–90 scale, useful when a program sets minimums per skill rather than just overall.
• Duolingo English Test: An overall score from 10 to 160 in increments of 5, plus sub-scores for Literacy, Conversation, Comprehension, and Production, which some admissions offices review individually.

What Score Do You Actually Need?

Score requirements vary by country, institution, degree level, and even individual department — there is no single universal number. That said, these ranges reflect what’s typically requested across mainstream programs in major English-speaking study destinations, and they’re a reasonable planning baseline.

Undergraduate Admission (Typical Range)

• IELTS: 6.0–6.5 overall, often with no individual section below 5.5–6.0
• TOEFL iBT: approximately 70–90 total
• PTE Academic: approximately 50–58 overall
• Duolingo: approximately 100–110 overall

Postgraduate / Master’s Admission (Typical Range)

• IELTS: 6.5–7.0 overall, often with no section below 6.0–6.5
• TOEFL iBT: approximately 90–100 total
• PTE Academic: approximately 58–65 overall
• Duolingo: approximately 110–120 overall

Competitive and Language-Intensive Programs

Highly selective universities, and language-heavy fields like law, journalism, education, and clinical health programs, frequently push requirements meaningfully higher — often IELTS 7.0–7.5+, TOEFL 100–110+, PTE 65–75+, or Duolingo 120–130+. If you’re aiming for a top-tier program or a communication-heavy discipline, budget for the higher end of these ranges, and factor in retake time.

These are planning benchmarks, not guarantees — the only number that matters is the one published on your specific program’s admissions page. See our IELTS Band Score Requirements by University for a deeper dive on reading admissions pages correctly.

Score Equivalency: Converting Between IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo

If one program states its requirement in IELTS bands and another in TOEFL points, the table below gives you a general sense of how the four tests roughly line up, based on the kind of concordance information published by test providers and widely used by admissions offices. Treat this as directional, not exact — a “6.5 IELTS equivalent” on paper doesn’t guarantee a specific institution will accept a given PTE or Duolingo score as interchangeable, since some schools set independent minimums for each test rather than relying on conversion tables.

Approximate general guidance only. For a decision that matters — like whether a specific score will clear a specific program’s bar — use the official concordance tables published by ETS, Pearson, and Duolingo, or, better yet, contact the admissions office directly.

How to Confirm the Exact Score Your Program Requires

Every range in this guide is a starting point for planning — not a substitute for the actual requirement. Before you register for any test, do this:

1. Go to the specific program’s admissions page (not just the university’s general international-students page) — requirements often differ by department, and by degree level within the same department.
2. Check whether the requirement is stated as an overall score, a minimum in every section, or both — these produce very different target scores in practice.
3. Separately verify your visa route’s test requirement with the relevant immigration authority (UKVI, IRCC, Department of Home Affairs, or the equivalent for your destination) — do not assume it matches your university’s list.
4. Check whether you might qualify for an English test waiver — many universities exempt applicants who completed prior education taught entirely in English, sometimes via a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, avoiding the test altogether. See our Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter: How to Skip the English Test.
5. When in doubt, email the admissions office directly — English test policy is one of the most commonly updated pieces of admissions criteria, and a direct answer beats any published guide, including this one.

Common Pitfalls That Trip Up Applicants

• Missing the per-section minimum. A strong overall score doesn’t help if one section falls below the program’s stated floor — this is one of the most common reasons a “qualifying” score gets rejected.
• Assuming university acceptance equals visa acceptance. As covered above, these are separate systems, and Duolingo is the test most commonly caught by this gap.
• Taking IELTS General Training instead of Academic. General Training is designed for immigration and work pathways, not degree admission — universities almost always require the Academic version.
• Letting scores expire. All four tests are typically valid for two years from the test date. If your application timeline stretches close to or past that window, plan a retake rather than risk a lapsed score.
• Not checking whether a superscore is allowed. TOEFL’s MyBest Scores and similar combined-score policies aren’t universally accepted — some institutions require a qualifying score from a single sitting.
• Booking too late for a retake. Results take days, not hours, and a second attempt needs its own lead time — factor this into your application deadline, especially for slower-turnaround, in-person tests.
• Using the wrong UKVI-approved version. If your UK visa route requires a SELT, a standard IELTS or PTE score booked through the non-UKVI product line generally won’t satisfy it — you need the specific UKVI-approved sitting.

How to Choose: A Simple Decision Framework

When the options feel overwhelming, work through these questions in order:

1. Does your visa route mandate a specific test? If yes, that’s your test — university preference is secondary at that point.
2. Does your target university publish a preferred or exclusive list? Some schools accept all four; others explicitly exclude one or more.
3. What’s your timeline? Tight deadline favors Duolingo or PTE for speed; more lead time opens up IELTS and TOEFL.
4. What’s your budget? Duolingo is meaningfully cheaper than the other three — relevant if you may need a retake.
5. What’s your test-taking style? Live speaking (IELTS) versus fully computer/AI-scored (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo) is a real comfort factor worth weighing honestly. If you choose IELTS, see our Computer-Delivered vs Paper-Based IELTS guide to pick the right sitting format.

When two tests are equally viable on paper, choose the one that plays to your natural strengths — the “best” test is the one you’re most likely to score well on, not the one with the most prestigious reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which English test is the easiest?

None is universally easiest — difficulty depends on your individual strengths. Duolingo is often perceived as the most accessible logistically (short, at-home, low-pressure), while IELTS’s live speaking format feels easier to many conversational speakers. TOEFL’s academic content can feel harder for students without strong exposure to lecture-style English.

Which English test is the cheapest?

The Duolingo English Test is significantly cheaper than IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE in most markets, typically a fraction of the cost of the others. Confirm current pricing for your country on each test’s official site, as fees vary by location.

Is Duolingo accepted by universities?

Yes, by a large and growing number of universities worldwide, particularly in the US, with rising acceptance in Canada, the UK, and Australia. However, not every university accepts it, and even among those that do, it’s frequently not valid for the visa application itself — check both separately. See our Duolingo English Test prep guide for more.

Is Duolingo accepted for student visas?

Generally, no — not in the UK, Canada, or Australia’s standard visa-approved test lists as of this writing. If your visa pathway requires a designated language test, plan to take IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE instead (or in addition), even if your university accepts Duolingo for admission. Always verify against the current official list for your destination.

How long are English test scores valid?

Typically two years from the test date for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo. If your application or visa process is likely to extend past that window, plan for a retake rather than risk submitting an expired score.

Do undergraduate and postgraduate programs require different scores?

Yes, generally postgraduate programs set higher minimums than undergraduate ones, reflecting the more demanding academic reading, writing, and discussion expected at the graduate level. See the typical ranges above, but always confirm the exact figure on your program’s page.

Can I skip the English test entirely?

Possibly. Many universities waive the requirement for applicants whose prior education was conducted entirely in English, often verified through a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school, or for citizens of designated English-majority countries. This isn’t universal — see our Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter guide to check your target program’s waiver policy before assuming you’re exempt.

What if I don’t hit my target score?

You can retake any of these tests, usually after a short mandatory waiting period that varies by test. Some universities also accept conditional admission with an English pathway or pre-sessional course if you’re close to, but under, the required score — worth asking your admissions office about directly. If IELTS Writing is your weak point, see our guide to moving from Writing Band 6 to 7.

The Bottom Line

There’s no single “best” English test — there’s only the test that matches your visa route, your target university’s requirements, your timeline, and your personal strengths. Start by identifying whether your destination country’s immigration authority mandates a specific test; layer your university’s accepted list on top of that; and only then choose based on cost, speed, and comfort. Whatever you choose, verify the exact score threshold directly on your program’s official admissions page — the ranges in this guide are a planning tool, not a guarantee.

Related reading on AbroadPilot:

• IELTS Band Score Requirements by University
• TOEFL vs IELTS for US Graduate School Applications
• UK Student Visa English Requirements: SELT Explained
• Canada Study Permit: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF and PTE Requirements
• IELTS vs PTE for Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
• Duolingo English Test: Full Prep Guide and Sample Questions
• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter: How to Skip the English Test
• How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band from 6 to 7
• Computer-Delivered vs Paper-Based IELTS: Which Gets You a Faster Slot

Olami

Olami is the founder and lead writer at AbroadPilot. He started the site after going through the visa process himself — a German student visa in 2019 and a Canadian work permit in 2023 — and learning first-hand how confusing official immigration language can be, how often rules change, and how easy it is to lose money to bad advice. He spent three years as an international education and travel consultant, helping people source and verify the information that landed their visas and planned their trips. Every guide on AbroadPilot is built from official sources — embassy pages, government immigration portals, and .gov fee schedules — and reviewed as requirements change. AbroadPilot does not sell visas or applications; it is a free resource to help readers apply with confidence.