Head-to-Head: IELTS vs TOEFL at a Glance
Before diving into the detail, here is the full side-by-side comparison across the ten dimensions that matter most for Pakistani students.
| Dimension | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring scale | 0–9.0 bands (0.5 increments) | 0–120 overall; new 1–6 band also reported from 2026 |
| Total duration | ~2 hrs 45 min | ~100 minutes (from Jan 2026) |
| Sections | Listening · Reading · Writing · Speaking | Reading · Listening · Speaking · Writing |
| Delivery | Computer-delivered (Pakistan: all tests since Mar 2026) | Computer-delivered (test centre or Home Edition) |
| Speaking format | Live face-to-face interview with a human examiner (11–14 min) | Recorded spoken responses — no live examiner; AI + human raters |
| Reading | 3 academic texts, 40 questions (60 min) | 2 adaptive passages, 20 questions (35 min) |
| Listening | 4 recordings — conversations & lectures (30 min) | Adaptive lectures & conversations (29 min) |
| Writing | Task 1: describe data/diagram (150 wds) + Task 2: essay (250 wds) — 60 min | Integrated writing task + academic essay — 20 min |
| Fee in Pakistan (approx. 2026) | PKR 71,320–71,920 (standard Academic) | USD 220–250 ≈ PKR 62,000–70,000 |
| Results turnaround | 1–5 days (computer-delivered) | 6–10 days |
| Score validity | 2 years | 2 years |
Speaking: The Most Important Difference for Pakistani Students
This single difference explains why the majority of Pakistani students perform better in IELTS than TOEFL.
IELTS Speaking is a live, face-to-face conversation with a certified human examiner lasting 11–14 minutes. It has three parts: an introductory interview on familiar topics, a 1–2 minute individual talk on a cue card topic (with 1 minute to prepare), and a two-way discussion on abstract themes related to the cue card. Examiners can follow up, probe, and adapt to what you say — the format is closer to a natural conversation.
TOEFL Speaking has four tasks completed in 16 minutes. You speak into a microphone and your responses are recorded. There is no live examiner. You respond to prompts, integrated reading/listening tasks, and lecture summaries within strict time limits (typically 45–60 seconds per response). Speaking performance is scored by a combination of AI and human raters.
Pakistani students who have been educated in a conversational English environment — or who have had Applywise coaching in spoken communication — consistently report that the structured back-and-forth of IELTS Speaking feels more natural than composing a tight 60-second recorded monologue under TOEFL conditions. If you freeze up, stumble, or over-run in a TOEFL task, there is no examiner to redirect you.
Scoring: Bands vs Points — What Scores Are Equivalent?
Admissions offices frequently ask "what is your TOEFL equivalent?" when looking at IELTS scores, and vice versa. Use this table as a working guide (based on ETS's own concordance data):
| IELTS Band | TOEFL iBT (0–120) | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 79–93 | B2 |
| 6.5 | 94–101 | B2–C1 |
| 7.0 | 102–109 | C1 |
| 7.5 | 110–114 | C1–C2 |
| 8.0 | 115–120 | C2 |
Concordance is approximate. Always check the specific score requirement on your target university's admissions page.
For detailed IELTS score requirements at UK universities including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Manchester, and more, see our full guide: IELTS Score Requirements for Top UK Universities (2026).
Which Countries and Universities Accept Each Test?
United Kingdom
UK universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL for admissions purposes. However, TOEFL is not a UK Secure English Language Test (SELT) and cannot be used for the UK Student visa application. The UK Home Office requires a SELT for visa purposes — accepted tests include IELTS Academic UKVI, IELTS for UKVI, and PTE Academic UKVI. TOEFL is not on that list.
In practice: if you take TOEFL and gain a UK university offer, you will need to sit IELTS Academic UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI separately for your visa. This means two tests and two fees. For Pakistani students targeting the UK, this makes IELTS the overwhelming default. See our UK Study Guide for the full visa process.
United States
Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted at virtually every US university. TOEFL originated in the US and for decades was the default test for American admissions. Most top US universities — Harvard, MIT, Yale, Stanford, University of Michigan, NYU, Purdue — list TOEFL first in their language requirements, though IELTS is accepted equally. There is no US visa language test requirement for the F-1 visa; the university's own admissions process is the gate. For students applying to the US, both tests are genuinely equivalent. If you are only applying to US universities and find TOEFL's computer-based format more comfortable, it is a legitimate choice.
For a step-by-step guide to US applications from Pakistan, see: How to Apply to US Universities from Pakistan.
Canada
Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by Canadian universities for admissions. For Canadian study permit (visa) applications, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and several other tests for immigration-related English language requirements. Unlike the UK, Canada does not restrict visa-stage language evidence to SELT-only tests — TOEFL works for both admission and Canadian study permit purposes.
Australia
Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by Australian universities. For the Australian Student visa (subclass 500), the Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Advanced, and others. TOEFL is valid for both Australian admission and visa — unlike the UK situation. Common Australian university requirements: IELTS 6.5 (University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, UNSW) or equivalent TOEFL 79–90+.
| Destination | IELTS — Admission | IELTS — Visa | TOEFL — Admission | TOEFL — Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | ✅ Universally accepted | ✅ IELTS UKVI version | ✅ Most universities | ❌ Not a SELT — not valid |
| USA | ✅ All universities | N/A (no visa language test) | ✅ All universities | N/A (no visa language test) |
| Canada | ✅ All universities | ✅ IRCC accepted | ✅ All universities | ✅ IRCC accepted |
| Australia | ✅ All universities | ✅ DHA accepted | ✅ All universities | ✅ DHA accepted |
| Germany / Netherlands | ✅ Most universities | N/A (language test not for visa) | ✅ Most universities | N/A |
Test Availability in Pakistan
IELTS in Pakistan
IELTS is available through British Council Pakistan and IDP Pakistan at centres in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Abbottabad, Hyderabad, and Sialkot. Tests run almost daily at major centres. All tests are computer-delivered since March 9, 2026 — paper-based IELTS is no longer available in Pakistan. Results arrive in 1–5 days. Applywise is a British Council official IELTS partner, which means we can guide you to the right test type and centre for your specific application.
TOEFL in Pakistan
TOEFL test centres operate in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan. Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Quetta have limited or no active centre dates — students in those cities typically use the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which costs the same (USD 220–250) and can be sat from home with a secure online proctor. TOEFL test dates are less frequent than IELTS, so booking several weeks in advance is important. Results take 6–10 days.
Cost in Pakistan: IELTS vs TOEFL vs Duolingo
| Test | Fee (approx. 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (computer) | PKR 71,320–71,920 | British Council or IDP; fee set in PKR |
| IELTS Academic UKVI | PKR ~72,000 | Required for UK visa if university does not assess on CAS |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | PKR 35,000–42,300 | Single section retake within 60 days of original test |
| TOEFL iBT | USD 220–250 ≈ PKR 62,000–70,000 | Fee charged in USD; PKR amount fluctuates with exchange rate |
| PTE Academic UKVI | PKR ~77,000+ | Accepted for UK visa; computer-adaptive; fully AI-scored |
| Duolingo English Test | USD 70 ≈ PKR ~20,000 | Budget option; accepted by 4,000+ universities but NOT for UK/AU/CA visa |
All fees are approximate for 2026. Fees may vary by city, test partner, and booking date. Verify current fees at official booking sites before registering.
Duolingo English Test: A Third Option Worth Knowing
The Duolingo English Test (DET) deserves a brief mention, particularly for students applying to US or Canadian programmes where cost is a concern. At approximately USD 70 (around PKR 20,000), it is dramatically cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL and can be taken from home in about an hour. Results are available within 48 hours. Over 4,000 universities worldwide accept it — including several well-regarded UK universities such as Imperial College London, University of Southampton, and University of York, as well as most major US and Canadian institutions.
However, the Duolingo English Test is not accepted for visa applications in the UK, Australia, or Canada. It is also not universally accepted — several Russell Group universities in the UK, and some top US programmes, still require IELTS or TOEFL. DET is best used as a supplementary or backup test for students applying to multiple countries, not as a primary test for UK-bound applicants.
Which Is Easier for Pakistani Students?
Ease depends on your individual strengths. Here is an honest breakdown by skill area:
| Skill | Generally easier in IELTS? | Generally easier in TOEFL? | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | ✅ IELTS | Live conversation is more forgiving; no recorded-monologue pressure | |
| Writing | ✅ IELTS (Task 1) | Data description in IELTS Task 1 is more structured; TOEFL integrated writing demands fast reading + listening simultaneously | |
| Reading | ✅ TOEFL | TOEFL passages are shorter from Jan 2026; IELTS has 3 long texts in 60 min | |
| Listening | ✅ IELTS | IELTS accent variety is challenging but Pakistani students often score better due to more available practice material | |
| Prep resources in Pakistan | ✅ IELTS | Coaching centres, mock tests, and study groups in every major city; TOEFL resources are far fewer |
Not sure which test is right for your target universities and visa? Applywise has helped 1,000+ Pakistani students navigate exactly this decision — and as an ICEF member and British Council IELTS partner, we know what admissions offices actually want. Our counsellors will tell you which test, which version, and which score to aim for, based on your specific shortlist. Book a free consultation.
Recommendation Matrix: Which Test by Destination
Use this as a quick reference before you book:
| If you are applying to… | Recommended test | Why |
|---|---|---|
| UK only | IELTS Academic UKVI | Covers admission + visa with one test; TOEFL fails the visa requirement |
| UK + USA | IELTS Academic UKVI | One test covers both; IELTS is accepted by all US universities |
| USA only | IELTS or TOEFL (your choice) | Both equally accepted; choose based on which format suits you better |
| Canada only | IELTS Academic | Both valid; IELTS prep resources in Pakistan are stronger |
| Australia only | IELTS Academic | Both valid for admission and visa; IELTS is default at most Australian universities |
| Multiple countries incl. UK | IELTS Academic UKVI | UKVI version satisfies UK visa and is accepted globally for admission; single test covers all destinations |
| USA / Canada / Australia (budget-conscious) | Duolingo English Test + IELTS if UK needed | DET is ~PKR 20,000 vs PKR 70,000+; check acceptance at each target university first |
IELTS or TOEFL: Preparing in Pakistan
Regardless of which test you choose, the preparation landscape in Pakistan is vastly more developed for IELTS. Lahore alone has dozens of coaching centres offering IELTS preparation, and British Council Pakistan runs official preparation courses. IDP Pakistan similarly offers prep resources and mock tests. Pakistan has far fewer dedicated TOEFL prep centres — most students preparing for TOEFL rely on online platforms such as Magoosh or ETS's own Official TOEFL Prep.
Key prep resources by test:
The British Council and IDP both offer official IELTS practice tests, sample papers, and preparation books. The Cambridge IELTS series (books 1–18) is the gold-standard practice resource and is widely available in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.
Reputable prep institutes in Lahore include Benchmark, STEP, and British Council's own preparation courses. Most offer mock tests under real timed conditions, which is the most effective preparation for the computer-delivered format.
ETS (the TOEFL maker) offers free and paid official practice tests at ets.org/toefl. The new 2026 format means older prep books may not reflect the current test length — prioritise recent (2025–2026) materials and ETS's own practice sets.
Magoosh TOEFL and TestDEN are the most recommended online platforms for Pakistani students who cannot access a local TOEFL prep centre. Both include full-length adaptive practice tests that mirror the new 100-minute format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TOEFL accepted for a UK student visa?
No. TOEFL is not a UK Secure English Language Test (SELT) and cannot be used for a UK student visa application. UK universities may accept TOEFL for admissions purposes, but you will still need IELTS Academic UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI for the visa unless your university assesses English on your CAS. For Pakistani students targeting the UK, IELTS is strongly recommended to cover both admission and visa with one test.
Which is easier — IELTS or TOEFL — for Pakistani students?
Most Pakistani students find IELTS easier. The live Speaking interview with a human examiner suits how most Pakistani students communicate better than TOEFL's recorded responses. IELTS preparation resources in Pakistan are also far more developed. That said, students comfortable with computer-based tasks and fast academic reading may prefer TOEFL's structure — especially the shorter 100-minute format from January 2026.
What is the TOEFL fee in Pakistan in 2026?
The TOEFL iBT fee is USD 220–250 (approximately PKR 62,000–70,000 at 2026 exchange rates). The fee is charged in US dollars, so the PKR equivalent fluctuates with the open market rate. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition costs the same as the test-centre version. IELTS Academic (computer-delivered) costs approximately PKR 71,320–71,920 through British Council or IDP Pakistan.
Can I use the Duolingo English Test instead of IELTS or TOEFL?
The Duolingo English Test is accepted by 4,000+ universities including some UK universities and most US and Canadian institutions. At approximately USD 70 (around PKR 20,000) it is much cheaper and can be taken from home. However, DET is not accepted for UK, Australian, or Canadian visa applications — you still need IELTS or an equivalent for visa purposes. DET works best as a supplementary or backup test for US applications.
How is the new 2026 TOEFL format different from IELTS?
From January 2026, TOEFL iBT was cut to approximately 100 minutes (down from ~3 hours) with four sections — Reading (35 min), Listening (29 min), Speaking (16 min), Writing (20 min). TOEFL now also reports a 1–6 band score alongside the traditional 0–120 scale through 2028. IELTS remains a 2-hour 45-minute test scored on 0–9.0 bands. The biggest practical difference: IELTS Speaking is a live face-to-face interview with a human examiner; TOEFL Speaking is entirely recorded responses assessed by AI and human raters.
