IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: A Complete Comparison Guide

Confused about English tests for studying abroad? Our detailed guide provides a detailed comparison of IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo English Test formats, costs, and acceptance to help Filipino students choose the best exam.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Exam Overview

For students in the Philippines intending to pursue higher education abroad, demonstrating English language proficiency is a fundamental requirement for both university admission and, crucially, for obtaining a student visa. The following examinations are widely recognised, each with specific details regarding their format, the bodies that administer them, their popularity among universities, and their acceptance for student visa applications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

The IELTS Academic examination offers both paper-based and computer-based options and is recognised globally. It notably includes a face-to-face Speaking section with a live examiner.

• IELTS Conducting Body: The IELTS exam is jointly owned and managed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge English.
• IELTS Accepting Universities: The IELTS exam is globally accepted by over 12,000 organisations in more than 140 countries. This includes broad popularity across universities in major study destinations such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Germany.
• IELTS Student Visa Acceptance: The IELTS is widely accepted for student visa applications in numerous countries including the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Australia and New Zealand. For the USA, whilst the government does not explicitly require it for the F-1 student visa, individual universities do, and visa officers may request to see the scores that demonstrate the required proficiency for the chosen institution.

TOEFL

The TOEFL iBT is an Internet-based Test primarily focused on an academic context and is widely preferred in the USA.

• TOEFL Conducting Body: The TOEFL iBT is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
• TOEFL Accepting Universities: It is trusted by over 13,000 institutions worldwide in more than 160 countries. Whilst accepted globally, it is particularly preferred by universities in the USA and Canada, and is also broadly accepted in the UK, Australia, and numerous European nations.
• TOEFL Student Visa Acceptance: TOEFL iBT scores are widely accepted by visa-issuing authorities for student visas in over 160 countries. For the USA, if your chosen university accepts TOEFL, your score will generally be sufficient for your F-1 student visa application. It is also accepted for student visas in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and various European countries, often meeting the English language requirements set by immigration departments, alongside university admission requirements.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

The PTE Academic is a fully computer-based test, utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) for scoring to ensure impartial results and offering swift score delivery.

• PTE Conducting Body: The PTE Academic examination is a product of the Pearson PLC Group.
• PTE Accepting Universities: The PTE Academic is accepted by over 3,500 universities and colleges globally. This includes very high acceptance rates in universities across the UK (99%), Australia (100%), New Zealand (100%), Canada (98%), and over 1,000 institutions in the USA.
• PTE Student Visa Acceptance: PTE Academic is highly trusted by the governments of Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand for student visa applications. Specifically, PTE Academic UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office for student visa purposes. Its rapid results can be particularly beneficial for student visa application timelines.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an affordable and entirely online examination known for its swift results, though it has more limited direct visa acceptance compared to other tests.

• DET Conducting Body: The Duolingo English Test (DET) is developed and administered by Duolingo.
• Duolingo Accepted Universities: The Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 5,700+ programmes in 110+ countries. Its popularity in universities is particularly strong in the United States (with over 2,500 accepting institutions), and it is also widely accepted by universities in Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland. Whilst some universities in the UK and Australia accept it, acceptance is not as universal as with other tests.
• Duolingo Student Visa Acceptance: DET scores are generally accepted for student visas in the USA, Canada, UK (often subject to the university's Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - CAS requirements, where the university vouches for your English), and New Zealand. For these countries, if your university accepts DET for admission, it often suffices for the student visa process. However, its direct acceptance for student visas by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is generally not the norm, though some Australian universities accept it for admission, which may sometimes be part of a student visa pathway through certain university arrangements.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Overview

Whilst these examinations are broadly accepted for student visas, it is crucial for applicants to always verify the specific English language proficiency requirements of their chosen university programme and the exact student visa category they are pursuing, as these requirements can vary by institution, programme level, and are subject to change by immigration authorities.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo Exam Fee

English language test fees can vary by location and currency conversion, but here is the cost of English language tests as per their official website.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is notably the most affordable option amongst the selection. However, candidates should be aware of its comparatively limited student visa acceptance, particularly for destinations like Australia, where it is generally not accepted by immigration authorities. The IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are in the same price range and are widely accepted for both university admissions and student visa applications across major study destinations.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Test Format and Structure Comparison

Each English proficiency test evaluates core language skills through four ways of communication: reading, writing, listening, and speaking, but their format, length, and interactivity vary greatly.

When comparing the formats and structures of these key English language proficiency examinations, several distinct features emerge. The IELTS Academic stands out as the only test to incorporate a live, face-to-face speaking session with a human examiner, which many candidates find offers a more natural and interactive assessment experience. In contrast, TOEFL iBT is renowned for its comprehensive nature, featuring integrated academic tasks that are particularly well-suited for those comfortable with typing and responding to listening-based questions; its design aims to simulate a university environment.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Test Availability and Locations

• IELTS Academic: Offered at multiple test centres worldwide, including the Philippines; available in both paper and computer-based formats.
• TOEFL: The Internet-based test is available in most countries at official centres
• PTE Academic: Conducted at Pearson-authorised centres in over 70 countries; computer-based only.
• Duolingo English Test: Fully online - take it from home with a webcam and internet

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Scoring Systems and Result Timelines

The scoring system for IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo English Test differs broadly. Understanding their scoring systems and result timelines would allow you to make a better decision for yourself.

Source: Official exam websites

Students should note that all English language test scores are valid for two years from the date of taking the exam.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Why They Matter?

Before choosing between IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test, it is vital to understand that English proficiency tests play a crucial role in international education. Universities and visa authorities in top destinations like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia use these scores to assess if students are ready for academic coursework in English.

A strong score in your chosen English proficiency test can significantly enhance your admission chances and scholarship eligibility and influence visa approval. This underscores the importance of selecting the most appropriate test - one accepted by both universities and immigration, for your study abroad journey.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo: Which test should you take?

1. Your Target Country: If aiming for the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, IELTS or PTE are very strong choices for both university and visa. For the USA, TOEFL and Duolingo are often highly accepted by universities, with IELTS also a popular option.
2. Specific University Requirements: Always check the exact English language proficiency requirements of your desired universities and programmes, as acceptance and minimum scores vary significantly.
3. Your Comfort Level with Test Formats: If you prefer a human interviewer for speaking, IELTS is a good fit. If you are comfortable with a fully computer-based test and AI scoring, PTE could be ideal due to its speed. Duolingo offers the ultimate flexibility of an online, at-home test.
4. Urgency of Results: PTE and Duolingo generally offer the fastest results, which can be a significant advantage if you are on a tight application timeline.

Ultimately, thorough research into your specific university and visa requirements is paramount before deciding which test will best pave your way to studying abroad. Still unsure about the right exam to study abroad? Get in touch with AECC counsellors and speak with our experts today. Our counsellors also provide test preparation to students looking to register for the test.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Duolingo English Test FAQs