Two tests dominate English proficiency requirements for international students: IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT. Both are globally accepted, but they differ in format, scoring, and institutional preferences.
Quick Overview
IELTS Academic
- ▸Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (face-to-face with a human examiner)
- ▸Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
- ▸Scoring: Band 0–9 (in 0.5 increments)
- ▸Common requirement: 6.0–7.0 overall band
- ▸Validity: 2 years
- ▸Cost in Nigeria: Approximately ₦165,000–₦190,000
TOEFL iBT
- ▸Format: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing (all computer-based)
- ▸Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- ▸Scoring: 0–120 total score
- ▸Common requirement: 80–100+ for most universities
- ▸Validity: 2 years
- ▸Cost in Nigeria: Approximately ₦90,000–₦115,000
Country and University Preferences
- ▸UK: Requires IELTS for UKVI (Academic) — standard TOEFL is NOT accepted for visa
- ▸Canada: Both IELTS and TOEFL widely accepted
- ▸Australia: Both accepted; IELTS more commonly preferred
- ▸USA: TOEFL traditionally preferred, but most universities now accept both
- ▸Germany (English programs): Both accepted
- ▸Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland: Both widely accepted
💡 Pro Tip
If you're applying to UK universities, take IELTS for UKVI (Academic) — not the standard IELTS Academic. Only the UKVI-approved version satisfies the UK Student visa English requirement.
Our Recommendation
Applying primarily to UK or Australian universities? Take IELTS for UKVI Academic. Applying to US or European universities? TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic both work well.
💡 Pro Tip
ScholarBridge offers IELTS and TOEFL preparation support as part of our services. We'll recommend the right test based on your target institutions.