TOEFL vs IELTS for Canada: Which to Take

Both are widely accepted — start with the university policy

For studying in Canada, both TOEFL iBT (from ETS) and IELTS Academic are widely accepted English-proficiency tests. Neither is inherently "better," and most Canadian universities accept either one. The most reliable first step is to read the English-language-requirements page of your target university and program to see which tests it accepts and what minimum it sets for each.

Because minimums differ by test and can change each cycle, always verify the current numbers on the official admissions page before deciding.

How TOEFL iBT is structured

TOEFL iBT, administered by ETS, tests Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing, and is scored on a total scale that ETS publishes on its official site. It is typically taken on a computer, and the Speaking section is recorded and scored later rather than conducted face-to-face.

• Owner: ETS
• Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
• Computer-based; Speaking is recorded

How IELTS Academic is structured

IELTS Academic, run jointly by British Council, IDP, and Cambridge, also covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, and is scored in bands from 1 to 9. IELTS offers a face-to-face Speaking interview, and you can usually choose a computer-delivered or paper-based format depending on the test centre.

• Owners: British Council, IDP, Cambridge
• Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
• Speaking is a face-to-face interview; band 1–9 scoring

How to decide between them

Since both are accepted in most cases, your decision can come down to practical factors rather than prestige. Consider which test centres and dates are convenient for you, which test format (computer vs. paper, recorded vs. live Speaking) suits how you perform, the official fee for each, and — most importantly — whether your specific program lists a particular test or a more achievable minimum for one of them.

If you are applying to several programs, pick the test that all of them accept so one valid score covers your whole application list. Confirm fees, dates, and accepted tests on each official source.

Validity and planning ahead

Both tests produce scores that institutions generally treat as valid for up to two years, though the exact window can vary by university. Book early enough that your result will still be valid when you apply and when you enrol, and leave room to retake if needed. The official ETS and IELTS websites carry the current test dates, fees, and rules.