IELTS vs TOEFL: Which English Test is Better for UK Universities?

Comparing IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT for UK university admission — which test do UK universities prefer, what scores do you need, and how should you prepare?

Which English Test Do UK Universities Accept?

The vast majority of UK universities accept both IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT. However, IELTS is far more widely used and preferred by UK institutions, particularly for student visa purposes.

IELTS Academic

Format: 4 sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) – paper or computer based

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Scoring: Band 0–9 (most UK universities require 6.0–7.5)

Validity: 2 years

Typical UK University Requirements:

Undergraduate: 6.0–6.5 overall (no band below 5.5)

Postgraduate: 6.5–7.0 overall (no band below 6.0)

Medicine / Law / Oxford & Cambridge: 7.0–7.5

TOEFL iBT

Format: 4 sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) – computer based

Duration: Approximately 3 hours

Scoring: 0–120

Validity: 2 years

Typical Score Requirements:

Undergraduate: 88–100

Postgraduate: 92–110

Top universities: 100–110

Our Recommendation

For UK university applications, IELTS Academic is the better choice because:

It is required by the Home Office for the Student Visa application

It is more widely accepted by UK universities

The Speaking section is face-to-face (more natural for many students)

Test centres are widely available worldwide

Preparation Tips

Use official IELTS practice materials from the British Council and IDP

Take at least one full mock test per week in the 2 months before the exam

Focus on academic writing, which most students find most challenging

Our consultants offer IELTS preparation guidance as part of our application package