IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo: Which English Test Should You Take?
Four tests, four formats and different acceptance rules. A side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right English proficiency test for your destination.
6 min read · 25 Aug 2026 · Resolvers Enterprises
Most universities teaching in English ask for proof of your English level. The four tests we prepare students for — IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test — are all widely recognised, but they differ in format, scoring and where they are accepted.
At a glance
| Test | Format | Score scale | Where you take it |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Listening, Reading, Writing, face-to-face Speaking | Band 0–9 | Test centre (paper or computer) |
| TOEFL iBT | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | 0–120 (updated 1–6 scale introduced) | Test centre or at home |
| PTE Academic | Computer-based, integrated tasks | 10–90 | Pearson test centre |
| Duolingo English Test | Online, adaptive, about 1 hour | 10–160 | At home |
Start with what your destination accepts
The right test is the one your university and visa route accept. Across our destinations, IELTS is mentioned almost everywhere. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic are widely accepted in Europe and Asia, while the Duolingo English Test is accepted at selected universities — for example in South Korea, Romania, New Zealand, Greece and Finland.
Typical score requirements
- Spain: IELTS about 6.0–6.5 (Bachelor's) and 6.5–7.0 (Master's); TOEFL iBT about 80–90 and 90–100; PTE around 55 and 60.
- New Zealand: IELTS about 6.0–6.5 for Bachelor's and about 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, for Master's.
- Greece: IELTS 6.5–7.0, TOEFL 85–100 or Duolingo 110+ for programs requiring a standardised test.
- South Korea: IELTS around 5.5–6.0 is common for English-taught programs.
Match the test to how you perform best
- Prefer speaking to a person? IELTS has a face-to-face Speaking test.
- Comfortable on a computer and need results quickly? PTE Academic is fully computer-based.
- Need to test from home? TOEFL iBT Home Edition and the Duolingo English Test can be taken at home.
Not sure? Book a consultation and we will recommend a test based on your destination, program and timeline.
