If you’re aiming for the USA or Canada, TOEFL usually aligns better with North-American academic tasks and a computer-based format. If your target is the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, or you prefer a natural face-to-face speaking test, IELTS often feels more comfortable. Not sure which fits you? Take the ExamsDojo diagnostic — in 10–15 minutes it maps your strengths and recommends the best test and a study plan.

Why this matters

Picking the right English test saves time, money and stress. Universities, visa offices and professional bodies sometimes ask for specific tests or minimum sub-scores; taking the wrong one can mean retakes and delayed applications. More importantly, choosing the test that matches your strengths (live conversation vs. structured, integrated tasks) increases the odds of hitting your target score quickly. Don’t worry — we’ve guided hundreds of students in Dehradun to the right choice and helped them build focused plans that actually work.

At-a-glance comparison table

This table is your quick snapshot — the place to start when you’re deciding which test to research further. TOEFL trends towards academic, integrated tasks that simulate lectures and research-style writing, while IELTS mixes conversational speaking with task-based writing and reading. Neither is “better” across the board — they just reward different strengths. Use this table to match formats with how you study and speak. Then try a short ExamsDojo diagnostic to see how your personal Skills Profile (reading, listening, speaking, writing) lines up with each test’s demands.

What is TOEFL? (short description + who it suits)

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), run by ETS, is built around academic English — think lectures, seminars and research reading. Tasks often integrate skills: you’ll read a passage, listen to a short lecture, then speak or write about both. The computer format and note-taking element reward organised thinkers who can synthesize information quickly.

Who it suits:

• Students applying to US/Canadian universities.
• Learners who prefer typing essays and recording spoken answers rather than live conversation.
• Those who like structured, academic tasks — making notes and building logical answers.

Trainer insight: I’ve seen many students from local coaching centres who are calm at note-taking and quick at summarising do well on TOEFL. If you hate on-the-spot chit-chat but can plan answers, TOEFL reduces the pressure.

Small tip: Practice typing under time — it helps a lot, especially for Writing.

What is IELTS? (short description + who it suits)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is managed by British Council, IDP and Cambridge. It offers Academic (for study) and General Training (for migration/work). The big difference: an IELTS speaking test is a live interaction with an examiner. The rest of the test covers listening, reading and writing with varied task types — from short answers to essays.

Who it suits:

• Applicants to UK, Australia, NZ (or migration routes that specify IELTS).
• Students who shine in spoken conversation and can show fluency in a one-to-one interview.
• People who prefer a mix of task styles rather than long integrated responses.

Trainer insight: Candidates who enjoy natural talk and can handle follow-up prompts often score better in IELTS speaking. If you are expressive and perform well in interviews, this format lets your personality add points.

Small tip: Practice natural phrasing — don’t memorise answers; examiners can spot scripts.

Head-to-head: practical details you need to know

Let’s look at the things that actually affect your decision and exam day.

Format & timing: TOEFL is largely computer-based with integrated sections; IELTS has paper and computer modes, with the speaking test scheduled separately but close to your test date.

Scoring & requirements: TOEFL’s 0–120 score splits across four sections; IELTS gives 0–9 bands for each skill and overall. Universities often ask for an overall band and minimum band scores in particular skills (check program pages).

Speaking style: TOEFL = recorded responses (plan, speak, done). IELTS = live examiner (you can clarify, expand, show conversational skill).

Accent exposure: Neither penalises accents — TOEFL exposes you to a wider mix, IELTS tends to feature British/Australian voices more often. Familiarity helps, so do listening drills.

Cost & availability: Fees vary by country and centre. Both offer frequent dates — TOEFL Home Edition and computer IELTS increase flexibility. In peak intake seasons (Aug–Nov; Jan–Mar), book early.

Registration & results: Register online on ETS (TOEFL) or IELTS portals. TOEFL results usually arrive in about a week; IELTS timeframe depends on mode and centre.

Trainer’s quick rule: Pick the test whose rhythm matches you: structured, integrated replies (TOEFL) vs interactive, conversational replies (IELTS).

Which to pick by destination (USA/Canada vs UK/Australia/NZ)

USA & Canada: TOEFL is commonly preferred by many North American institutions thanks to its academic focus. That doesn’t mean IELTS won’t be accepted — many US/Canadian unis accept both — but if you’re unsure, TOEFL is a safe default for North America.

UK, Australia & New Zealand: IELTS has deep roots here — many visa and professional requirements explicitly list IELTS bands. If migration or professional registration is your goal, check the exact regulations; often IELTS Academic or General is named.

Pro tip: Always check the specific university or immigration page before booking. It’s not uncommon to find course pages with minimum sub-scores or preferences that make your choice simple.

Which to pick by skill strengths — tie to ExamsDojo diagnostic

Your personal profile matters more than hearsay.

If you’re a strong, natural speaker: IELTS speaking gives you a chance to show fluency and interactive competence.
If you’re better at structured synthesis (reading + listening → write/speak): TOEFL’s integrated tasks will reward that.
If live interviews make you anxious: TOEFL’s recorded responses can be calmer.
If you’re great with spontaneous chat: IELTS is your friend.

How ExamsDojo helps: Take the free mock test. It produces a Skills Profile (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing + enabling skills) and recommends the test that maps best to your strengths — then gives a short 4-week practice path.

Prep time & study plan (realistic roadmap)

Your starting level determines prep time. Roughly: +0.5 band or +10–15 TOEFL points needs 6–8 weeks at 6–10 hours/week; +1 band or +20–30 TOEFL points needs 10–12 weeks at 8–12 hours/week.

8-week sample plan (target: +1 band / +20 TOEFL points):

• Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic + fundamentals (grammar, vocabulary, note-taking).
• Weeks 3–4: Strategy for task types; timed section practice.
• Weeks 5–6: Full mocks; focused speaking drills (recorded & live).
• Weeks 7–8: Simulated exam days, error log review, anxiety strategies.

Daily habit: 45–60 minutes of focused study beats 4-hour unfocused sessions. Keep a single error log and review it weekly.

How to choose if you’re migrating / applying for scholarship / work

1. Check official requirements of the visa, university, or professional body. If they list a specific test and sub-scores, follow that.
2. If both accepted, choose the test where you can reliably hit required sub-scores.
3. If deadlines are tight, pick the test with earlier local availability and a retake slot before your final deadline.

Tip: For scholarships, balance test prep with application materials — a marginal score increase isn’t worth losing time on essays or references.

How ExamsDojo helps you decide & prepare

ExamsDojo gives a free Mock Test, AI-graded speaking & writing assessment. Trainers at Innovative Future Steps use these reports to target enabling skills (grammar, coherence, vocabulary) and build efficient weekly plans.

FAQ

Q: Which is easier?
Depends on you — try mocks for both.

Q: How long are scores valid?
Usually 2 years.

Q: Can I use TOEFL for UK/Australia?
Many unis accept both, but visas/professions may prefer IELTS — always check.

Q: How many retakes allowed?
Multiple, but check local rules and waiting times.

Q: Do accents matter?
No — clarity matters, not accent.

Closing CTA & Contact

Stop guessing — make a data-driven choice. Take the ExamsDojo mock test, get your Skills Profile and a matched study plan, or book a consultation with our trainers at Innovative Future Steps.

Contact / visit:
https://futurestepsedu.com/contact-us/
152-A Rajpur Road, Jakhan (Near Reliance Digital), Dehradun, Uttarakhand — 248001
Email: dehradun@futurestepsedu.com | Phone: +91-97205-10000 / +91-0135-2528000