IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Duolingo: which English test should you take?
Compare format, results time, scoring and country acceptance, including the TOEFL iBT redesign of January 2026, then pick the test that fits your destination.
Take IELTS Academic for the widest acceptance. For a UK visa, use a Secure English Language Test such as IELTS for UKVI unless your university can assess your English itself. PTE Academic suits fast typists and is on the Australian visa list. TOEFL iBT was redesigned on 21 January 2026 and now scores on a 1–6 scale. The Duolingo English Test is the cheapest and quickest, but fewer universities accept it and it does not suit every visa route.
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How do IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo compare in 2026?
| IELTS Academic | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT (2026 format) | Duolingo (DET) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 2 h 45 min | About 2 h | About 2 h | About 1 h |
| Where | Test centre (paper or computer) | Test centre | At home or at a test centre | Online at home |
| Speaking | Face-to-face examiner | Recorded, AI-scored | Recorded | Recorded, AI-scored |
| Scoring | 0–9 bands | 10–90 | 1–6 in half-point steps (0–120 estimate until Jan 2028) | 10–160 |
| Results | 3–5 days (computer) | Usually about 2 days | Within 72 hours or less | Usually about 2 days |
| Often used for | UK, Canada, Australia | Australia, UK | USA | USA, Canada, budget applications |
Fees change often and differ by test centre; check the official IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo and ETS sites before booking.
What changed in the TOEFL iBT in 2026?
ETS launched the updated TOEFL iBT worldwide on 21 January 2026. If an older guide or agent still quotes the 0–120 scale and a 3-hour test, it is out of date.
- Scoring: four section scores and an overall score on a 1–6 scale in half-point steps, designed to line up with the CEFR framework.
- Transition: through January 2028 every test taker also receives a comparable estimate on the old 0–120 scale, because some universities still list 0–120 requirements.
- Format: Reading and Listening are now adaptive, with more modern academic and campus content.
- Length and delivery: about two hours; you can take it at home or at a test centre, and scores arrive within 72 hours or less.
Which test does each country accept?
| Destination | How English is proved | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Degree-level study needs CEFR B2. Pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, such as IELTS for UKVI, or let your university assess your English itself if it is allowed to | A university assessment must still equal B2. Some applicants are exempt. See UK without IELTS |
| Australia | An approved test on the Home Affairs list, such as IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT or C1 Advanced | At-home online tests are not accepted and results from different tests cannot be combined. See Australia without IELTS |
| Canada | The study permit has no test; the university sets its English requirement | The PGWP later needs language results: CLB 7 for degrees, CLB 5 for colleges. See Canada without IELTS |
| USA | Each university sets its own accepted tests and scores | Check every programme page; accepted tests and score rules differ. See the Duolingo-accepted universities list |
Rules change. Confirm the current requirement on the official site the week you book.
Going to the UK
IELTS for UKVI or another SELT, unless your university can assess your English itself.
Going to Australia
PTE Academic is popular for its fast results; check it is on the current list.
Going to the USA
TOEFL or IELTS are the safest; many universities also accept Duolingo.
Tight budget or deadline
Duolingo, if every university on your list accepts it.
How do the scores convert?
| IELTS band | PTE | Duolingo | TOEFL iBT (old 0–120 estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0+ | 79+ | 140+ | 110+ |
| 7.0–7.5 | 65–78 | 120–135 | 94–109 |
| 6.5 | 58–64 | 110–115 | 79–93 |
| 6.0 | 50–57 | 100–105 | 60–78 |
Approximate equivalence only. Universities and visa authorities set their own requirements for each test, and the TOEFL column uses the old scale that ETS still reports as an estimate until January 2028.
How should I prepare?
- Check each target university’s accepted tests and minimum scores before you book anything.
- Take a free diagnostic test first so you know your starting point.
- Practise under timed, exam-like conditions at least weekly.
- For speaking, record yourself and listen back for fluency and pronunciation.
- For PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo, practise the computer format and typing speed.
- Book your test at least 4–6 weeks before your first application deadline. Our IELTS coaching and PTE coaching run at our Himayatnagar centre.
Official sources
Rules and fees change. Confirm current figures on the official sites before you apply or pay.
- IELTS official site
- ETS India: TOEFL iBT upcoming updates (January 2026)
- ETS: understanding TOEFL iBT score displays in 2026
- PTE Academic (Pearson)
- Duolingo English Test
- GOV.UK: knowledge of English for a Student visa
- Home Affairs (Australia): English language visa requirements
- IRCC: PGWP eligibility (language levels)
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Frequently asked questions
Which is easier, IELTS or PTE?
It depends on you. PTE is computer-scored and quick, which suits confident typists; IELTS uses a human examiner for speaking, which some students prefer.
What changed in the TOEFL iBT in 2026?
ETS launched the updated TOEFL iBT on 21 January 2026. Scores are now reported on a 1–6 scale in half-point steps, Reading and Listening are adaptive, the test takes about two hours, and scores arrive within 72 hours or less. Until January 2028 ETS also provides a comparable 0–120 estimate.
Which English test do I need for a UK student visa?
Degree-level courses need English at CEFR B2. You can prove it with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, or your university may assess your English itself, and that assessment must still equal B2. Some applicants are exempt.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted in the UK or Australia?
Some universities accept it for admission, but it is not a Secure English Language Test for UK visas, and it is not on the Australian Home Affairs list we checked. Confirm with each university and the official visa page.
How long are English test scores valid?
IELTS, PTE, Duolingo and TOEFL scores are generally valid for 2 years.
Can I study abroad without any English test?
Often you can use another proof. Some UK and Dubai universities accept strong Class 12 English marks or an MOI letter. See UK IELTS waivers, Canada without IELTS and Australia without IELTS in our guides.
Do you offer coaching for all these tests?
Yes. We coach IELTS, PTE, Duolingo and GRE at our Himayatnagar centre and online.
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