The English proficiency test is one of the major requirements for international students who want to study abroad. Many universities in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States require students to submit their proficiency test before granting them admission.
There are four main English proficiency tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET). Students are often unsure which of these tests is best for them to take when planning to study abroad. The features of these exams are up to date, available in various formats, including difficulty level, recognition, cost, and general acceptance.
In this guide, we will explain the differences between these tests and help you determine which of them is best when preparing for study abroad, your institution, and academic goals.
Why the English Proficiency Test Matters
The English Proficiency Test is important and serves to assess a student’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Many universities and colleges use this test to determine whether a student will be able to participate fully in academic discussions, complete assignments, and adapt to an English-speaking environment. This test is used to assess four core language skills, which are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. When applying to study in some countries, this English test is also used to determine if a student will be able to get a visa.
Read Also: A Guide on How to Apply for Your Canadian Student Visa
The Most Popular English Proficiency Test in 2026
There are four most recognised English language tests for international students, and we will be looking at them in detail one after the other:
IELTS Academic
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most recognised and widely accepted English proficiency tests in many parts of the world. This exam is managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English. Many students who are applying to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and the United States may need to complete this test.
When taking the IELTS exam, students will need to complete four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. All of these categories will involve a live conversation with a human examiner who will assess the student and also conclude if they qualify or not. Sometimes the exam may take about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
IELTS Scoring System
IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 bands. The reading and writing section of the test contains 40 questions, while human examiners conduct the listening and speaking sections via video call to assess the level of competence of the student. Most universities require an average of 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS scores for undergraduate programs, with an exemption for programs like medicine that require up to a 7.0 score.
For postgraduate programs, a test score of 6.5 to 7.0 is the benchmark, depending on the course of study. Also, competitive programs like law can require test scores of 7.5 or higher.
For example, Trinity College Dublin commonly requires around 6.5 overall with minimum section scores depending on the course.
The IELTS test is valid for two years, after which students may need to repeat the test for visa or admission purposes.
Advantages of IELTS
- Accepted almost everywhere globally
- Strong acceptance for visa purposes
- Human speaking assessment
- Available in paper-based and computer-based formats
Disadvantages of IELTS
- More expensive in many countries
- A speaking test can feel intimidating
- Results may take longer for paper-based exams
TOEFL iBT
The TOEFL is popular among universities and is totally internet-based. Just like IELTS, the TOEFL test focuses on four core areas, which include reading, listening, speaking and writing. For the TOEFL test, the students will have to record their speaking responses on a microphone and submit them digitally. The examiner will then assess the student’s proficiency at the end of the test.
The exam takes about 2 hours to complete, and it is basically digital. Students can take the TOEFL iBT test at home, allowing them some level of convenience.
For students who want to study in Australia, it is important to note that the Australian Department of Home Affairs will no longer accept the TOEFL iBT for visa applications as of July 26, 2023. For test takers who wish to write this test must apply for the “TOEFL iBT for Australia” using the score band of 0-120 on the ETS platform.
TOEFL Score Chart
TOEFL makes use of a 0 to 120 mark to grade its test takers. A new 1 to 6 score band is being introduced from 2026 for grading. The scoreboard works like this:
- Excellent: 110–120
- Very Good: 100–109
- Competitive: 90–99
- Average: 80–89
Universities may require 80 to 100 for undergraduate programs and 90 to 110 for postgraduate programs, depending on the course of study. Competitive programs may require high scores.
The TOEFL test results are usually out within three days of completing the test, and the results are valid for two years.
Advantages of TOEFL
- Highly recognised in the United States
- Strong academic focus
- Faster test duration after recent updates
- Widely trusted by universities
Disadvantages of TOEFL
- Speaking into a microphone can feel unnatural
- Less preferred than IELTS in some countries
- Some recent visa rule changes have affected recognition in certain destinations
Duolingo English Test (DET)
The Duolingo English test is a fairly new and modern English proficiency test for international students who want to study abroad. Currently, over 6000 institutions and universities accept the DET all around the world. The test is convenient, affordable and provides fast results from 12 to 48 hours.
The Duolingo English test is primarily taken online, even from the comfort of the students’ homes, and takes only one hour to complete. The writing, speaking, reading and listening categories are known as adaptive tests on Duolingo, and it takes up to 45 minutes to complete them. It will take an additional 10 minutes to cover the speaking and writing skills of the test taker.
Duolingo Score Board
Duolingo uses a score chart ranging from 10 to 160, with 10 being the beginner level and 160 the advanced level. DET makes use of AI, and it is computer-adaptive. Here is how the score chart works:
- 0 – 29: A1 Beginner
- 30 – 59: A2 Pre-intermediate
- 60 – 99 B1 Intermediate
- 100 – 129: B2 Upper-intermediate
- 130 – 160: C1 – C2 Advanced
Advantages of Duolingo English Test
- The test is very affordable.
- Faster results within 48 hours.
- Offer convenience as tests can be taken at home.
- The test lasts for only one hour.
Disadvantages of Duolingo English Test
- The test is still new and not widely accepted or recognised by many countries and universities.
- Only a few courses or programs accept the test.
Read Also: How to Pass IELTS or TOEFL Exams Without Spending a Fortune
PTE Academic
PTE Academic is another type of English proficiency test accepted by many universities. It is administered by Pearson and has become popular among international students because of its scoring system and fast results. PTE Academic is accepted widely in Australian universities and some in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.
The test can be completed in about two hours, and it is computer-based. The scoring system uses AI to eliminate human error. PTE Academic is a test primarily for students seeking university admission. Pearson, the body that administers the test, also offers PTE Academic UKVI specifically for visas and PTE Core for Canadian immigration purposes.
PTE Academic Score Chart
PTE Academic makes use of a score chart of 10 – 90. For many undergraduate programs, a score of 51 to 60 is the benchmark, and for postgraduate programs, a score of 57 to 67. The PTE test score board works like this:
- 85–90: Expert
- 76–84: Very Good
- 59–75: Good
- 43–58: Competent
- 30–42: Moderate
- 10–29: Low
Advantages of PTE Academic
- Uses AI in scoring and releases fast results.
- The test is computer-based and is flexible.
- Accepted widely in Australian universities and some institutions in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Disadvantages of PTE Academic
- The test may be too fast for some students to cope with.
- The use of an AI scoring system may feel alien to some test takers.
Important Things to Check Before Choosing an English Proficiency Test
Before you take any English proficiency test, there are certain things you may need to check. Some of these may include:
The University Acceptance
Check your university’s website for information on the types of tests they accept. Many universities specify the test they want for each program, and checking will help you to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses.
Visa Requirements
It is important to check the visa requirements along with the university before writing any test. This is because the university may require a test, while the visa application does not. Other times, the visa requirements may specify a particular test type you should submit, hence the need to check and confirm.
Your Budget
English proficiency tests vary in cost depending on your country and the provider. The tests may cost between $150 and $300 USD, with IELTS and TOEFL being the most expensive. Consider your budget and your admission and immigration needs before writing any test.
Finally,
Writing an English proficiency test remains one of the major requirements for international students seeking to study abroad. Some of the tests are more recognised and popular than the others, and so also is the level of acceptance. Choose a test that aligns with your university admission requirements, visa needs and budget. Admission and visa policies are always changing; therefore, equip yourself with the necessary information to stay afloat in your dream of studying abroad.
