If you are planning your application to a university abroad, you will have already realised that proving your proficiency in the English language is a mandatory step. Almost all international institutions require an official certification to ensure you can follow classes, read academic materials, and integrate into the campus.
Currently, the international education market is dominated by three major exams: the IELTS, the TOEFL, and the Duolingo English Test.
Although they all assess your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, these tests are profoundly different in their structure, format, price, and acceptance. Choosing the wrong exam can cost you both time and money. Therefore, we have prepared this detailed guide to help you discover which option is perfect for your profile and goals.
1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The IELTS is the most popular proficiency exam in the world, managed jointly by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. For university application purposes, you must take the IELTS Academic version.
- Test Format: It can be taken on paper or on a computer, but it always requires you to go to an official test centre. The test is divided into four classic sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- The Speaking Particularity: The speaking component is conducted face-to-face with a human examiner (or via a real-time video call at an official centre). Many people prefer this format because they feel that human interaction is more natural than speaking into a microphone.
- Scoring: The result is presented on a scale of 0 to 9 bands. Most European universities require a minimum score between 6.0 and 7.5, depending on the course.
- Recognition: It is the most widely accepted exam in the UK, Europe, Australia, and Canada, while also enjoying excellent acceptance in the United States.
2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Created by the American organisation ETS, the TOEFL is the historical arch-rival of the IELTS. The standard version required by universities is the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test).
- Test Format: It is an exam fully focused on the American academic environment. It takes place entirely on a computer at an authorised test centre. Tasks frequently integrate multiple skills at the same time (for example, you may have to read a text, listen to a lecture on the same topic, and then write your answer).
- The Speaking Particularity: Unlike the IELTS, in the TOEFL you speak directly to the computer, and your voice is recorded to be evaluated later by a panel of examiners and artificial intelligence.
- Scoring: The scale ranges from 0 to 120 points (30 points for each of the four sections). Top universities usually require scores above 90 or 100 points.
- Recognition: It is the exam of choice in the United States, but it is widely accepted across thousands of institutions throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
3. Duolingo English Test (DET)
The Duolingo English Test is the newest contender and has revolutionised the market by introducing a fully digital, agile, and cost-effective format.
- Test Format: It is taken 100% online from the comfort of your own home; you do not need to travel to an exam centre. The test is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the questions changes in real-time depending on whether you answer the previous question correctly or incorrectly. This allows the test to be much shorter (lasting around 1 hour, compared to the nearly 3 hours required for the IELTS and TOEFL).
- The Security Particularity: Since it is taken at home, the security rules are extremely strict. Your camera, microphone, and screen are recorded and monitored by artificial intelligence and human proctors. If you look away from the screen for too long, your test may be invalidated.
- Scoring: Results range from 10 to 160 points. A good score for Bachelor’s degrees usually sits above 115 or 120 points.
- Recognition: Although its acceptance has grown exponentially in recent years (especially in the United States and the United Kingdom), there are still many traditional European universities that do not accept Duolingo. It is mandatory to confirm this on a case-by-case basis.
Comparative Analysis: Which One Should You Choose?
To make the best decision, you should evaluate these three practical factors:
- Price and Availability: Duolingo is substantially cheaper (around 50 to 60 dollars) and can be taken at any time. The IELTS and TOEFL have higher costs (usually above 200 euros) and depend on seat availability on specific dates at test centres.
- Exam Style: If you get very nervous speaking to a human examiner, the TOEFL or Duolingo might suit you better. If you dislike American accents or prefer writing essays on paper, the IELTS Academic might be your comfort zone.
- The Dealbreaker (Acceptance): This is the most critical point of all. It does not matter if you prefer Duolingo for its price if your dream university only accepts the IELTS. Your choice must always start with the official requirements of the institution you wish to enter.
Prepare with the Right Resources
Regardless of the exam you choose, preparation is the secret to getting the score you need on your first attempt. Knowing the structure of the test and practising with real mock exams makes all the difference to your final result.
To help you with this stage, we have created a dedicated section on our website. Visit our [Language Tests] page to access supporting tools, preparation guides, and mock tests that will accelerate your study.
If you still have doubts about which of these exams is most suitable for the universities you have in mind, StudyWing can help you. We map out all the linguistic requirements of your course options to ensure you make the right investment.
[Get in touch with us and plan your application with confidence.]