When applying to universities abroad, many students need to prove their English language proficiency through standardized tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. Each of these tests has its own scoring system, which can make it confusing for students trying to understand how their scores compare.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic are all English academic exams that are accepted by universities and colleges abroad. Indian students who are planning to study abroad in countries that use English as the primary language of communication are required to appear for one of the above-mentioned English Language Tests to be able to prove their proficiency in the language. In this article, we will discuss the difference between IELTS and TOEFL, and PTE, so you can be better informed while selecting one of them.
The choice of the exam entirely depends on the university admission guidelines and the comfort of the student. While many colleges accept multiple scores, it is then upon the candidate to choose their preferred exam and appear for the same. The above-mentioned English proficiency exams are held multiple times around the year, and students should book their exam slots once they are confident about their preparations.
A lot of times, students are unable to perform well in the English language proficiency exams. They should not lose heart, as they can always reapply for better grades. Though the three different exams serve the same purpose of measuring your reading, writing, listening, and speaking capabilities in the English language. However, the tests are graded on individual parameters. Hence, for the benefit of our students, we have brought together a rough representation of TOEFL scores, their IELTS scores, and PTE equivalent scores. This is for representation purposes for candidates to have a rough idea about how they would fare in the other exam.
Related Reads
- Why Do You Need an English Proficiency Test?
- Know About the Exams
- IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Score Conversion Table
- Key Differences Between IELTS, TOEFL and PTE
Why Do You Need an English Proficiency Test?
Tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are accepted by universities across the globe. They measure your ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English. These are the skills needed for academic success. Indian students applying to English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand must appear for one of these exams to prove their English language proficiency.
Related Read: PTE vs IELTS
Know About the Exams
TOEFL: Conducted by ETS, TOEFL is one of the most popular English proficiency exams accepted globally. TOEFL tests the international students’ usage and understanding of English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university surroundings. The majority of the aspirants go for TOEFL iBT. It is scored from 0 to 120 points. Each of the four sections is 30 points. Test takers get a total score along with a score in each section.
IELTS: Conducted by IDP Education Ltd, IELTS is an English language exam that is required to be taken by international candidates considering studying or working in a country where English is the main language of communication. Earlier, British Council also used to conduct the IELTS exam but now it is administered by the IDP. The most popular countries where IELTS is accepted for university admissions are the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. Writing, Listening, and Reading sections of the IELTS can be taken on the same day. However, the Speaking section can be taken up to a week before or after the test date. It includes a recorded 11-14 minute interview with an examiner. The duration of the entire exam is three hours. IELTS is scored on a scale of 1 to 9 with separate scores across all the sections. Their average is used to derive the final/overall score. Also, the overall result will be rounded off to the nearest half-band.
PTE: Conducted by Pearson PLC Group, the PTE Academic exam is a computer-based English language test accepted by educational institutions around the world. Those students and aspirants who desire to go abroad for studying or immigrate to a major English-speaking country are required to take the PTE Academic exam to prove their English language competency.
Overview of the Test Scores
- TOEFL: The TOEFL test is primarily used by universities in the United States and Canada. It is scored out of 120 points, with each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) contributing to the total score.
- IELTS: The IELTS test is widely accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries. It uses a band score system ranging from 0 to 9, with each section scored individually. The overall band score is an average of the four sections.
- PTE: The PTE test is gaining popularity and is recognized by many institutions worldwide. It uses a score range from 10 to 90, with a focus on real-life language use.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Score Conversion Table
The table below shows a rough representation of your TOEFL score and their PTE and IELTS Band score equivalent. It is important for the candidate to understand that this exercise is for representation purposes only. The candidate has to individually appear for the exams for a valid score. This is solely done for the benefit of the candidate to know how he would fare in the other exam if the necessity ever arose. Below we have discussed the TOEFL to IELTS conversion. With this table, you can convert your TOEFL score to IELTS and vice versa.
| TOEFL Score |
IELTS Band Score |
PTE Score |
|---|---|---|
| 118-120 (Expert User) |
9 |
90 |
| 115-117 (Very Good User) |
8.5 |
86–89 |
| 110-114 (Very Good User) |
8 |
79–85 |
| 102-109 (Good User) |
7.5 |
71–78 |
| 94-101 (Good User) |
7 |
63–70 |
| 79-93 (Competent User) |
6.5 |
55–62 |
| 60-78 (Competent User) |
6 |
47–54 |
| 46-59 (Modest User) |
5.5 |
39–46 |
| 35-45 (Modest User) |
5 |
31–38 |
| 32-34 (Limited User) |
4.5 |
24–30 |
| 0-31 (Extremely limited User) |
0-4 |
18-23 |
Also Read: PTE Score Chart
Key Differences Between IELTS, TOEFL and PTE
Although all three tests assess the same language skills, the format and experience are quite different.
| Aspect |
IELTS |
TOEFL |
PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking |
Face-to-face with examiner |
Computer-based recording |
Computer-based recording |
| Writing Style |
Essay + short answers |
Essay + integrated tasks |
Essay + integrated tasks |
| Listening |
Multiple recordings + questions |
Lecture-based recordings |
Academic & real-world clips |
| Reading |
Passage-based questions |
Multiple-choice focus |
Fill-in-blanks, MCQs, reorder tasks |
| Results Time |
3–5 days (CBT), 13 days (paper) |
4–8 days |
Usually 1–2 days |
| Score Range |
0 to 9 Bands |
0 to 120 |
10 to 90 |
| Evaluation |
Human-based (some automated) |
Automated + Human |
Fully AI-based |
The content of IELTS and TOEFL is similar, but there are differences in the structure of both exams. In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates need to interact face-to-face with an examiner. Whereas, the entire TOEFL exam is computer-based, so, the test taker need not interact with anyone. Also, the structure of both exams is quite different. IELTS includes many types of questions, including small essays and short answers, whereas TOEFL includes mostly multiple-choice questions. For the Listening section, in the IELTS exam, one has to listen to recordings and answer questions over a number of questions. On the other hand, in TOEFL, the test taker needs to listen to and take notes on snippets of on-campus conversations or lectures from a university class.
Knowing how your scores convert can help you determine which test to take based on your strengths and weaknesses in English language skills. For instance, if you perform better in speaking and listening but struggle with writing, you might prefer one test over another based on its structure and scoring.
Quick links:
Commonly asked questions
A PTE score of 79 is generally considered equivalent to an IELTS score of 7.5.
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2026 should read the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern.
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus.
- Solve previous year question papers.
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems.
- Revise regularly.
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well.
After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit.
Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae