TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo English Test: Which Should International Students Take in 2026?

Overview

Almost every university in the US, UK, Canada and Germany asks non-native English speakers to prove their English. The three tests you will hear about most are the TOEFL iBT, the IELTS Academic and the Duolingo English Test (DET). They are all widely used, but they are not interchangeable, and TOEFL changed significantly in January 2026.

This guide compares the three, explains what is new in the TOEFL, and helps you decide which one fits your applications. Always check the exact requirement for each program, because universities set their own minimum scores and accepted tests.

What Changed in the TOEFL in 2026

According to ETS, the organisation that runs the TOEFL, the iBT changed in January 2026. The main updates are:

1. Adaptive Reading and Listening. These sections now adjust in difficulty partway through, based on how you are performing.
2. New question types. Added tasks reflect academic situations such as discussions and project work.
3. A new 1 to 6 scale. Scores are now reported on a band scale aligned with the CEFR (the European language framework). For a two-year transition period, ETS also reports comparable scores on the older 0 to 120 scale, so universities can still use their existing requirements.
4. Faster results. Scores are now available within about 72 hours.
5. Simpler registration for both test-centre and at-home tests.

If you are using older prep materials or videos, check that they match the new format. Practising for tasks that no longer appear wastes time.

TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo Side by Side

Acceptance changes by institution and program, so confirm it on the admissions page. Some programs, especially competitive or professional ones, accept only the TOEFL or IELTS.

Which Test Should You Choose?

Choose the TOEFL if…

1. You are applying mainly to US universities and want the test that nearly all of them accept.
2. You prefer an all-computer test with a recorded speaking section instead of a live examiner.
3. Your target universities list specific TOEFL code requirements or section minimums.

Choose the IELTS if…

1. You are applying to schools in several countries, especially the UK, Canada or Australia.
2. You prefer speaking with a person rather than to a computer.
3. You may later need an English test for a visa or immigration application, since some routes accept only approved IELTS versions.

Choose the Duolingo English Test if…

1. Your universities explicitly accept it, and you want a shorter, home-based test.
2. You need to send results quickly before a deadline.
3. You are comfortable with an adaptive test that runs on your own computer, with strict rules on environment and camera.

If you are not sure, take the test that is accepted by the largest number of schools on your list. Treat Duolingo as a backup unless every school you are applying to accepts it.

What Scores Do Universities Ask For?

Requirements vary widely. Many US universities ask for a TOEFL score in the range of roughly 80 to 100, or IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 for undergraduate and master's programs, and some competitive programs ask for more. Specific programs, such as nursing, education or law, can set higher section minimums. Look for three things on each program page:

1. The accepted tests.
2. The minimum overall score and any minimum for each section.
3. Whether the school offers a waiver, for example if you studied in English or hold a degree from an English-language institution.

Waiver rules are set by each university, and a degree from an English-speaking country does not automatically count. Ask the admissions office in writing if you are not sure.

Score Validity and Reporting

1. Scores from all three tests are generally valid for two years from the test date, so do not take the test too early.
2. Send official score reports to each university using their institution code. Self-reported scores or screenshots are often not enough.
3. Check whether the school accepts the best sections from different sittings (known as superscoring) or only a single test date.
4. Leave time for retakes. Plan to have your final score at least a few weeks before the application deadline.

English Tests and Your Visa

Your test score is not a visa document for the US, but a consular officer may judge your English at the F-1 interview, so strong skills help. For other countries, rules can be stricter. Canada's graduate work permit, for example, has its own language requirement that you must meet with an approved test after you study, and the UK requires approved tests for certain visa routes. See our guides to the F-1 visa application and studying in Canada in 2026.

Common Mistakes

1. Booking a test before checking which tests your target schools accept.
2. Preparing with outdated TOEFL materials.
3. Taking the test too early and having the score expire before you enrol.
4. Choosing the home-based test without checking the technical and room requirements.
5. Forgetting to send the official score report to each school.
6. Assuming a waiver applies without getting it confirmed in writing.

FAQ

Is TOEFL or IELTS easier?

Neither is easier in general. It depends on whether you prefer a live speaking test and the style of questions. Take a full practice test of each and compare.

Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by all US universities?

No. Many accept it, but some do not. Always check the program's admissions page.

How long is a TOEFL score valid?

Scores are generally valid for two years, but confirm the policy of your university.

Does the new TOEFL 1 to 6 scale replace the 120-point score?

The 1 to 6 scale is the new reporting scale. During a two-year transition, ETS also gives comparable scores on the older 0 to 120 scale.

Do I need a test if I studied in English?

Sometimes you can get a waiver, but each university has its own policy. Ask in writing.

Can an English test help me get a scholarship?

A strong score can improve your application, and some scholarships have English minimums. See our guide on how to get a scholarship in the USA.

Practical Tips

1. List every university and the tests it accepts in a simple table before you book.
2. Take one official practice test of each format you are considering.
3. Book your test at least three months before your earliest deadline.
4. Aim for a score above the minimum, not exactly at it.
5. Check the test's identity and ID rules well before test day.
6. Keep your login details and score reports in one folder.

Test formats, scoring and acceptance change. Confirm details with the test provider (for example ets.org) and with each university.