Test prep
Know the score you need.
What IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo and the rest mean for your target country and degree, and how to reach the score.
English proficiency
Almost every international application asks for one of these.
IELTS
The most widely accepted English test for admissions and many visa routes.
- Score scale
- Bands 0–9
- Length
- About 2 hours 45 minutes
TOEFL
A computer-based English test, especially common for US applications.
- Score scale
- 0–120
- Length
- About 2 hours
PTE Academic
Fully computer-scored, with results usually back within days.
- Score scale
- 10–90
- Length
- About 2 hours
Duolingo English Test
A short, adaptive test you can take online from home.
- Score scale
- 10–160
- Length
- About 1 hour
Oxford Test
A modular test scored against CEFR levels, accepted by selected universities.
- Score scale
- Scored on CEFR levels B1–C1
- Length
- Modular: sections can be taken separately
Graduate admissions
For many Master's and PhD programs, especially in the US.
Business school
The classic test for MBA and business master's.
Undergraduate admissions
For US bachelor's programs, often optional.
Which test?
Three steps to choose.
01
Start from your shortlist
List the universities and programs you are applying to. Each one states which tests it accepts and the score it wants.
02
Check your visa route
Some visa routes accept only certain tests. Confirm on the official immigration page for your destination.
03
Pick the one you can score best on
If several are accepted, take a practice test of each and choose the one that suits your strengths and schedule.
Compare
The tests, side by side.
Formats and score rules change. Each guide links to the official source.
Not sure which test to take?
Tell us your shortlist and destination. We'll tell you which test and which score to aim for.