Planning to study abroad, immigrate, or boost your career in 2025? You’ll likely need an English proficiency test. The two giants: IELTS and TOEFL. But which one should you take?

This ultimate 2025 comparison guide breaks down IELTS vs TOEFL—format, scoring, cost, acceptance, and Bangladeshi learner advantages—so you can choose the right test and save time, money, and stress.

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Quick Overview: IELTS vs TOEFL at a Glance

Feature	IELTS	TOEFL
Full Name	International English Language Testing System	Test of English as a Foreign Language
Conducted By	British Council, IDP, Cambridge	ETS (Educational Testing Service)
Types	Academic / General Training	iBT (Internet-based) – only one type
Format	Paper / Computer / (Speaking face-to-face)	100% Computer (Speaking via mic)
Duration	2 hours 45 minutes	~3 hours
Score Validity	2 years	2 years
Cost in Bangladesh (2025)	BDT 21,000–23,000	BDT 22,000–24,000

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Section-by-Section Comparison

1. Listening

	IELTS	TOEFL
Duration	30 min (+10 min transfer)	36–57 min
Questions	40	28–39
Accents	British, Australian, Canadian	Mostly American
Audio Played	Once	Once (but note-taking allowed)
Best For	Learners used to British English	Fans of American English

Bangladeshi Tip: Most local coaching uses British English → IELTS Listening feels easier.

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2. Reading

	IELTS	TOEFL
Duration	60 min	54–72 min
Passages	3 (newspaper, academic)	3–4 (academic only)
Question Types	Matching, T/F/NG, fill-ups	Multiple choice, insert sentence
Word Count	~2,700 words	~2,800 words
Best For	Skimming/scanning skills	Academic vocabulary lovers

Pro Tip: IELTS has no negative marking → guess freely!

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3. Writing

	IELTS	TOEFL
Tasks	2	2
Task 1	Describe graph/map/process (150 words)	Read + listen → summarize (integrated)
Task 2	Essay (250 words)	Essay based on listening/reading
Typing	Handwritten (paper) / Typed (computer)	Always typed
Best For	Handwriting lovers / visual learners	Strong typists

Bangladeshi Advantage: IELTS Task 1 (graphs) is heavily practiced in local centers.

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4. Speaking

	IELTS	TOEFL
Duration	11–14 min	17 min
Format	Face-to-face with examiner	Record into microphone
Parts	3 (Intro, Long turn, Discussion)	4 (all recorded)
Interaction	Real conversation	No human interaction
Best For	Nervous speakers (human = forgiving)	Tech-savvy, self-paced speakers

Bangladeshi Reality: Most prefer IELTS Speaking—examiners are friendly & help if you’re stuck.

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Scoring System: IELTS vs TOEFL

	IELTS	TOEFL
Scale	0–9 bands (0.5 increments)	0–120 (30 per section)
Band 7 Equivalent	~94–101	Good for most unis
Band 8 Equivalent	~110–115	Excellent
Score Report	Detailed band per skill	Total + per section

Conversion Example: IELTS 6.5 ≈ TOEFL 79–93 IELTS 7.0 ≈ TOEFL 94–101

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Acceptance: Where Are They Recognized?

	IELTS	TOEFL
UK, Australia, Canada	✅ Preferred	✅ Accepted
USA	✅ Accepted	✅ Preferred
Immigration	✅ (Canada, Australia, UK)	❌ Rarely
Total Countries	140+	150+
Universities	11,000+	11,500+

For Bangladeshi Students:

• UK/Australia/Canada → Go for IELTS
• USA → TOEFL slightly preferred (but both accepted)

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Cost & Availability in Bangladesh (2025)

	IELTS	TOEFL
Test Centers	Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi	Dhaka, Chittagong (limited)
Dates	4x per month	2–3x per month
Rescheduling	Easy (BDT 3,000 fee)	Strict (USD 60)

Winner: IELTS – more dates, centers, and flexibility.

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Which Test Suits Bangladeshi Learners?

You Should Choose IELTS If:	You Should Choose TOEFL If:
You prefer British English	You love American accent
You want face-to-face Speaking	You’re comfortable typing fast
Applying to UK/Canada/Australia	Targeting top US universities
Like handwriting	Strong in academic reading
Need General Training (immigration)	Only need Academic

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Preparation Tips (Same for Both!)

Resource	Best For
Official IELTS Liz / TOEFL TV	Free practice
Cambridge IELTS 18 / ETS Official Guide	Real past papers
British Council Road to IELTS	Structured course
Magoosh TOEFL	Video lessons

Local Coaching: Mentor’s, Saifur’s, ELC – all offer both prep.

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Final Verdict: Which Should YOU Take?

Goal	Recommended Test
Study in UK/Australia/Canada	IELTS Academic
Immigration (PR)	IELTS General
USA University	TOEFL (or IELTS)
Nervous about tech/Speaking	IELTS
Fast typist, love computers	TOEFL

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